Madison's bicentennial

A nice little city to visit in any case...But here's another reason if you need one: They'll celebrate their bicentennial with a ten-day observance/party starting on Saturday.

Here's a story from Dale Moss in the C-J...

To salute 200 years, Madison will throw a 200-hour wingding starting Saturday. Boats will parade on the Ohio River, and people -- essentially anybody interested -- will parade downtown. Men grow beards for prizes, cooks compile recipes into a book, and the films of the late actress Irene Dunne, who grew up in Madison, will be shown.

Local musicians form a band to perform at the kickoff. Historic sites can be toured, and music -- dozens of concerts including one by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra -- can be heard. There's cruising on the hilltop, a spelling bee and marble shooting. A Lincoln look-alike will roam; a show of lasers will light the sky.

Almost all is free....

The 200 years began when three men purchased the land that would become the city. The 200-hour party ends on June 14, Flag Day, with birthday cake and, of course, with flag waving.

For more information and an activities schedule, go to www.madisonbicentennial.com.