The Show Goes On

For HoCo govt:

Howard County’s annual July 4th Festival and fireworks display will be held on Friday, July 4 beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront. Rain date for the fireworks only is Sunday, July 6.

“Earlier this year when the Kiwanis Club of Columbia announced it would be unable to sponsor the 4th of July celebration and fireworks, I promised the county would make sure the ‘show would go on,’” said County Executive Ken Ulman. “I want to thank the Kiwanis Club members and all of the volunteers who have spent so many years hosting Howard County’s 4th of July celebration.”

Ulman continued, “We’re quickly discovering just how much work it took and how many hours this volunteer organization put in to make the 4th of July celebration such a success. I want to thank Gary Arthur and the Department of Recreation & Parks’ staff for taking on this extra responsibility, all the other county agencies and the Columbia Association who are pitching in to help us get the job done this year.”

The Festival will kickoff at 5 p.m. with live entertainment on two stages and performances by the Patty Reese Band, the Players Band and Damon Foreman & Blue Funk. The second stage will host children’s entertainment and feature The Kinderman and juggler and stilt man Wes Holly. Kids can also participate in carnival games and crafts, all with a “Stars & Stripes” theme.

Bring a picnic or purchase food from one of the vendors on site. Parking is free; and on the day of the event, 1700AM radio will carry up-to-date traffic and parking information.

To view the entire schedule for the July 4th festivities go to the Howard County Government Web site, or call Ella Carter at the Department of Recreation & Parks at 410-313-1671.