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Summer Returns to the Columbia Lakefront

Columbia Association (CA) joined Howard County leaders on Thursday to announce the return of 4th of July fireworks on the Lakefront this summer.

 

“CA welcomes everyone to our Lakefront as such an important point of connection and community for Columbia. We are especially pleased to welcome Howard County to the Lakefront, and we are thrilled to reignite our collaboration on this event,” CA President/CEO Lakey Boyd said. “Year in and year out, the 4th of July fireworks and other events that take place in Downtown Columbia showcase what is special about this community, and it is truly exciting to see them return.”

 

The 4th of July fireworks are hosted by Howard County with the support of CA and its Open Space team. As part of this partnership, CA will invest nearly $7,000 worth of planning and maintenance support, equipment, trash and sanitation services, landscaping work and more to the event.

 

“Summer in Howard County is special, marked by family events, activities, and here at the Lakefront the longstanding Howard County tradition of 4th of July fireworks,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “Over the years, families have staked out their spots with blankets, gathered with neighbors and friends and enjoyed the show. Thanks to the incredible progress Howard County has made to vaccinate our residents and significantly reduce the spread of the virus, we can enjoy this Lakefront tradition and spectacular display of fireworks with our family and friends again.”  

 

While vaccination trends and case numbers continue to improve, this year’s event will be scaled back compared to years past. Specifically, there will be no live music or vendors to emphasize the importance of gathering in safe ways, and the county asks that attendees refrain from laying down blankets until 3pm.

 

“This event is a strong signal that there are truly things to look forward to this summer. It also reminds all of us that we must remain vigilant and respectful of one another as we transition into a new phase in post-pandemic life,” Boyd said. “Every one of us still has the responsibility to do what we can to protect our families’ health and the health of our neighbors. We are confident that between the county’s precautionary measures and our community’s commitment, this will be a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.”

 

In addition to 4th of July events, CA will bring back its Lakefront Summer Festival, a series of free concerts and movies starting Saturday, June 20. That entertainment will be offered five nights a week through mid-September.

 

“This family-friendly tradition is an important point of connection for our community that was missed by many last year,” Boyd said. “I’m excited to spend time at the Lakefront with my family this summer and meet people from across our Columbia community.”

 

Movies will be screened on Monday and Friday evenings, starting at dusk. Monday night movies are catered to families (kid-friendly, rated G and PG). Friday’s include something for everyone.

 

CA will also host Dancing Under the People Tree on Friday evenings prior to the scheduled movie. People of all ages are invited to come together under the iconic People Tree sculpture, and an instructor guides everyone through some coordinated steps.

 

Concerts will take place on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday nights, featuring a wide variety of live acts of all genres and styles. 

 

You can access a full list of Lakefront Summer Festival events by visiting CA’s website and clicking on the events calendar. Simply select the “Lakefront Summer Fest” category to filter free concerts and movies.

 

The Lakefront Summer Festival movies are made possible with generous support of The Columbia Film Society. CA also thanks Tom “Mr. B” Brzezinski for returning as the emcee of the Lakefront Summer Festival for the past 50 years.

 

Click here to watch the press conference in its entirety.