“Ready to get slimed?” the host of the Nickelodeon-themed obstacle course says. Before we even have time to blink, a man on a tall ladder begins to pour thick, neon green slime all over the participant. Completely bathed in bright green ooze, the participant stands there, screaming, “I have been waiting my entire life for this moment!” Afterwards, he triumphantly throws his fist in the air and the crowd loves it, clapping and documenting the successful performance art on their cell phones.  

Walking up to the Columbus Commons venue, a huge “90’s Fest” banner was filled with images of every ‘90s character imaginable. Receiving a “media” VIP bracelet permitted individuals to take photographs, conduct interviews, enter into the VIP section as well as go inside the ‘90s obstacle course, and gain entry inside the pit and backstage.   

Out on the lawn is a poster of Pamela Anderson from her Baywatch days, along with David Hasselhoff that read: “#B1AEWATCH BEACH” with two inflatable orange life preservers conveniently placed next to it. Also on the lawn, is a mini pool filled with cute little children’s inflatables- including happy octopuses, cute little beach balls, and smiling blue sharks. This definitely brought a new meaning to the phrase “fun in the sun.” 

Also in the venue, were gourmet food trucks, like Buckeye Donuts and Mikey’s Late Night Slice. Alas, that is not all, as a giant chess board, a carousel, a silent disco, games, ‘90s trivia and apparel contests, and a whole lot of slime opportunities awaited individuals inside.

Ashland University 2006 graduate, Kylie Hoagland, attended the 90’s Fest for her first time.

“I like the setup here, I have never been to the Columbus Commons before,” Hoagland said. “It is perfect for a concert.”

Concert goer Emma Schmitter attended the event with friends. She described what caught her eye when she initially walked into the venue.

 “We got Hey Arnold! pins, so that was really exciting,” Schmitter said. “We also saw the giant Chuckie head from Rugratz and I was like, “okay, this is going be cool.”

DJ Jazzy Jeff is spinning on a long turn table with his MC in tow. The crowd is going crazy, waving their arms and singing along with the music. Hundreds of people are dancing as their bodies sway with the upbeat rhythm pumping over the loudspeakers. Multi-colored lights are flashing, and an inflatable beach ball flies high up in the air, only to get lost in the sea of the crowd. 

All individuals were dressed head-to-toe in memorable ‘90s apparel. From neon windbreakers, fanny packs, suspenders, loafers, hair scrunchies, flannel shirts, Raybans, Nickelodeon shirts, cartoon snapbacks, decorative festival pins, and too much Aqua Net hair spray, every person had their own unique style and their own representation of what the ‘90s meant to them.

Among the activities for all to enjoy, the festival included an impressive lineup that took everyone in a time machine back to their childhood. From Saved by the 90’s tribute band, Sister Hazel, Vertical Horizon, and more, there was something for everyone.  

Concert goer Ryan Gallagher attended the event with his significant other. He immediately walked into the venue and thought it reminded him of his favorite artists from the nostalgic era.

I am most excited to see DJ Jazzy Jeff, because I think he is really cool,” Gallagher said.

Columbus native Marion McFaddin attended the event for her first time with friends. She noted what which performer was her favorite, and why.  

“I am really looking forward to seeing Sisqó; I think his hair is going to be amazing,” McFaddin said.

Matt Scannell, the lead guitarist from Vertical Horizon, discussed how the 90’s Fest stands out from other festival or concert venues he and his band have performed at.

“This is a pretty joyous day; everyone seems to be having a good time and that is great for us,” Scannell said. “We love to be a part of it.”

In his free time not on tour, Scannell enjoys the simplicity of life, which for him, includes writing songs and cooking.

“Off tour, I live in Los Angeles, so when it’s generally sunny and nice, I’ll go for a drive, play guitar, write and record songs, and cook a meal,” Scannell said. “On the road, it is all about traveling and getting to the next town and trying to do a good job.”

Scannell explained how if given a second chance, he would not choose a different career path.  He would choose to be a performer all over again in a heartbeat.

“Absolutely, yeah,” Scannell said. “I would because it is the only thing that I ever dreamt about doing. If it is really your passion, then you should give it a try.”

Among the many people at the festival, concert goer Miya Grubaugh was extremely excited to see the iconic comedian and actor, Pauly Shore. Shore is well-known for his role in the late ‘90s film Bio-Dome. His acclaim to fame was through MTV, where he worked as an on-air VJ from 1989-1994.

 “I found out Pauly Shore was going to be here, and I was all about it,” Grubaugh said. “I am a huge fan.”

Matty Sexton, one of the performing DJ’s of the evening, has visited the Columbus Commons venue many times, and absolutely loves Vertical Horizon. He has seen them perform live at least 18 times, and has even opened for them at the Hollywood Casino. He acknowledged why the 90’s Fest is unlike any other festival out there.

“This is nostalgic, this is era that has not been tapped into yet,” Sexton said. “The ‘70s got played out, the ‘80s are getting played out, every [‘90s] song is a sing-along you can dance to. It was such a influential genre that helped define our current history, good or bad.”

With yet another successful turn out this year, the 90’s Fest team is looking forward to hosting the event again in the near future.