Beginning Jan. 13, our city, specifically the Franklin County Veteran’s Memorial, will play host to Sexapalooza.

The show has successfully run in Canada for years and is making its first American debut in Columbus.

Liz Woosey, the owner of Black Kat Shows, the company responsible for organizing Sexapalooza, said Columbus is a perfect demographic for the show.

Sexapalooza’s website highlights Columbus being both one of the top 20 gay friendly cities as well as being one of the top three most sexually active cities in America for the past three years.

“The city has a great facility for the show, about a million people and a very liberal community,” Woosey said, stressing that this show is about education, personal entertainment and, of course, offering plenty of the latest sex toys and products to the consumers of Columbus.

“Sexapalooza is not about porn, and it’s not a sleazy event. We market to women (and) couples, and work very hard to offer information, seminars and entertainment to people of all ages and sexualities.”

Indeed, the goal of the show is to bring exhibitors and professionals together in one place to let attendees know what’s out there in the world.

Recent articles from AdvocatesForYouth.org and the Toronto Sun have shown that Canada is progressive and provides solid information to their students and young people in the way of sex education. Americans, meanwhile, are typically less knowledgeable about such topics.

With this idea in mind, Sexapalooza hopes to educate people who are interested in learning more about what is available in the sexual world. “Really,” Woosey said, “the show is for anyone who enjoys sex and wants to learn more about it.”

Though Sexapalooza will include many quality professional individuals versed in diverse topics for men and women of all sexualities, the show will also provide some top-notch entertainment.

One of the highlights of the three-day event will be the burlesque performers. The performers are people from all walks of life who put on creative and exotic shows for the attendees. One performer plans to incorporate a six-and-a-half-foot python into her act.

Needless to say, guests should expect to be thoroughly blown away by the offerings at Sexapalooza.

Just like any big convention or show that happens at Vet’s Memorial, there will be thousands of products available to be purchased.

Even if people just come to browse the available selections of Sexapalooza, they’re sure to learn something, Woosey said.

Sexapalooza has also recruited Columbus’ own adult emporium, The Garden, as a part of its floor offerings.

While Sexapalooza has had shows in the past in places like Ottawa, Hamilton and Toronto, the organizers always extend an open invitation to local businesses.

According to Woosey, The Garden has been a big supporter of Sexapalooza ever since Columbus was selected as the show’s first American exhibition choice.

The local adult shop will have eight different booths at the show with a number of products from their store; moreover, this local business and its employees will also be responsible for the official Sexapalooza after party.

Sexapalooza will also host a number of speakers who have been involved in speaking at colleges across the country.

“College kids want to know more about sex wherever they can get it” Woosey said, “and, of course, knowledge is power.”

Tickets are $15 for a one-day pass, $25 for the whole weekend online, but you will be able to buy tickets at the door for slightly more.