COSI After Dark
In downtown Columbus, there is a place called COSI (Center Of Science Industry). It has a ton of interactive exhibits for kids and preteens/teenagers. The last time I was there was when I was 16. COSI hosts a monthly 21+ event called COSI After Dark. There's a different theme each month, and I've wanted to go for the last couple of years. May 4th is Star Wars Day because of a pun (May 4th be with you)!
On April 13th, Mom texted me a link for a COSI After Dark event happening that night. The theme for that night was prom, and Mom thought I should bring my girlfriend, Paige. I asked her, knowing she would probably say no, as it was too short notice. But after I told her about COSI After Dark, she noticed that the next one was on May 4th, and it was Star Wars themed, so we decided to go to that one instead.
I accidentally bought three tickets; Paige's best friend Nicole and my brothers Luke and Josh are underage, and anyone else I asked had other plans. I offhandedly told a few coworkers, Libby, Carly, Violet, and Mark, that Paige and I were going, and they said they would love to go. I explained that I could get one person in, and Carly was chosen. While Libby was inevitably unable to go, I also invited my other coworker Savannah, her husband, Liam, our former coworker (Savannah's workplace bestie) Ruby, and her fiancé, Jacob.
The event started at 7:00, so our Lyft dropped Paige and I off at 6:50. We waited at the front doors for everyone to arrive. Once everybody met us, we got in line, and my coworkers watched as Paige and I “nerded” out. When we walked in, we saw lots of people cosplaying (dressed up as) Star Wars characters, and they were all very impressive! There was also a full-size remote control R2-D2 rolling around the common area.
We made our way to a jello shot stand and then went to the bar. Around this time, we got separated from Savannah, Liam, Ruby, and Jacob. After we toured some special Star Wars exhibits, we heard they had karaoke in the planetarium. As soon as we found out… I had no choice… I had to sing!
The COSI Planetarium looks like a college lecture hall, with all the seats pointed down toward the speaker (or, in this case, the singer). I chose to sing "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen. Unfortunately, they used a weird recording of the song in which only drums were played (there's also a piano and guitar in the actual song), so I was singing way too fast. But considering that, I did pretty well!
After karaoke, Mark and I had a quick lightsaber fight, and then we went around to some more exhibits. To be frank, COSI After Dark wasn't what I had expected. I thought the night's theme would take over everything, but other than the cosplayers, R2-D2, and a few special exhibits; it was effectively COSI + alcohol. Even though it wasn't what I thought it would be, that's okay. Things don't have to be perfect. As long as you have good people by your side, you can always have a wonderful time!
Have a Greattastic Day and Be Safe!
J. Mitchie Ulibarri
