Blog

From the desk of Shawn MacInnes, Columbia Association President/CEO

As the days get longer and hotter, Columbia is coming alive with the sounds and sights of summer. Summer here is busy in the best way, with lots of ways for residents to get outside and connect.  

What’s important to remember is that none of this happens on its own. Summer in Columbia is powered by strong partnerships. 

Take Lakefront Live, CA’s free summer entertainment series. It might look like a simple recipe – live music, people dancing and a beautiful lakeside view – but a lot happens behind the scenes to curate those good vibes.  

The series is made possible with support from partners like the Merriweather Arts & Culture Center (MACC), Collective Offshore, PFLAG Columbia-Howard County, and HoCo Pride, whose collaboration helps shape special programming throughout the season, including our Pride in July celebration. We also value our partnership with Howard County in bringing our annual July 4th celebration to life, lighting up the sky for more than 50,000 visitors who gather each year to celebrate together. Planning for Lakefront Live starts just weeks after the previous season wraps, which means while most of us are thinking about fall, the next summer lineup is already in motion. 

Some of the most important partnerships are the ones people don’t really notice – which is kind of the point. For instance, we coordinate with Howard County on efforts like expanding public Wi-Fi in public spaces. That means when people are working from a park bench, streaming music at the Lakefront or just trying to get a signal at a busy event, it actually works. 

We also work with Howard Hughes to align event schedules, so what’s happening at Colorburst Park does not interfere with what’s happening at the Lakefront. This coordination helps make it easier for residents to take part in more of what is happening around Columbia. 

A lot of summer activity also happens at the village level, too. Village associations hold events like festivals and markets that bring neighbors together throughout the season. CA’s Open Space team supports these efforts by maintaining the parks, pathways and public spaces that make those events possible. 

Partnerships also help us support the community beyond recreation and events. This year marks our 25th year partnering with Prepare for Success to collect school supplies for Howard County students in need. What began as a grassroots drive has grown into a longstanding community effort, helping local students start the school year strong while giving residents a meaningful way to make a difference. 

Each of these partnerships is different, but they all support the same goal: Making Columbia a place where summer is easy to enjoy, from the big events to quiet moments and everything in between.  

Thanks to all of our partners for their role in making that happen, and to this community for the best summer memories.