Special Events

Mission Statement: To provide regional and community social, cultural, historical, and educational events and programs for the residents of Howard County and visitors. This team offers events that provide a positive social outlet for individuals as well as improvement to the local economy and Howard County tourism.

Coming Events!
Contact Information

The Special Events Team provides community-wide events through out the year. Theses events vary from small family and child-centered events, to cultural programs, large craft shows and festivals, and annual summer concert series. Wine In The Woods, held annually at Symphony Woods in Columbia on the third weekend in May, is the largest outdoor special event organized by the department.
List of Special Events for Fall 2008.

Coming Events!

This unique canine-only swim on September 6, 2008 will wrap up the “Dog Daze” of summer. Pooches and their pals (the human kind) are invited to paddle and play before the pool is closed for the season. Please be aware that all dog park/off-leash area rules apply to this event and must be followed and all dog handlers must be at least 18 years of age. Children under the age of 12 are NOT permitted. Youth 12-17 years of age must be accompanied by a registered adult. Please curb your canine before entering the pool; “accidents” can result in pool closure and an early end to the fun! Space is limited and advance registration is required for this popular event. Fee includes admission of one dog accompanied by a maximum of two handlers.
Age 18-up (people) / 1 day / 1.5 hrs / $10
More information

The Great Snipe Hunt!
Gather round the campfire on Saturday, October 11, 2008, and feast on s’mores and make a craft while preparing for the Great Snipe Hunt. Take a wagon ride and hear a story about the infamous, hard to catch, “Howard County Snipe,” the largest of the snipe species! Then venture into the woods in search of this elusive creature. Bring a large brown paper bag and flashlight for this catch-and-release event. No on-site registration; advance registration required.
Ages 4-7 / 1 day / 2 hrs / $20 family (up to 5 people).
More information

Sunday in the Park
Join us for our annual family celebration of fall on October 26, 2008, at Centennial Park and take in the sights, scents and sounds of an autumn afternoon. This “best bargain in seasonal entertainment” includes treats for little tricksters, buried “treasures,” pumpkin decorating,pony rides, crafts, games, prizes, face painting, and more! Visit the cave-maze; take a cakewalk; play family games and laugh along with a puppet show. You’ll meet pirates, stilt walkers, balloon artists and more! Enjoy music and merriment with a variety of live entertainers. Feast on kettle corn, cotton candy, concession stands, and other seasonal delights. Children can dress in their favorite costume and set out safely on the “not-so-scary” Trick or Treat Trail (must be accompanied by an adult). There isn’t enough space to describe all the grins and giggles awaiting you! Pay on site or purchase advance admission: A wristband will be mailed with your receipt; take your wristband to the gate for admission. Online registration requires an approved online account. To purchase admission for more than one person, change the quantity and update the cart. Advance purchase ends Thursday, Oct. 16. Walk-in advanced purchase only Oct. 17-24.
All ages / 1 day / $5 ages 2-17; Adults free and must accompany children at all times.
Centennial Park South
Sun 12-5pm / Oct 26

Holiday Mart
Join us for the 36th year of this favorite annual Howard County event! You’ll find seasonal gifts and merchandise created by 130 juried artisans. We will have door prizes, and a children’s craft corner. Discerning shoppers know this is the place to find unique handcrafted items and home decor. You’re sure to find something for everyone on your list and don’t forget yourself! Lunch and snacks will be available for purchase.
Recommended for age 13-up / 1 day / $4 at door; $1 ages 3-12 Centennial High
Sat 10am-5pm / Dec 6

Wine in the Woods
Mark your calendar May 16-17, 2009. It’s our 17th Year! Celebrate the charm and character of an event that has aged to perfection! Sample Maryland's finest wines from a souvenir glass; make food purchases from an abundance of high quality, distinctive restaurants and caterers; sharpen your palate by attending wine education seminars; enjoy exceptional works offered by invited artists and craftspersons; and revel in continuous live entertainment on the jazz and main stages. Ask about the designated driver program. Volunteers are needed; please call 410-313-4624.

Contact Information

Mary Ellen Baker, Supervisor: e-mail or 410-313-4632

• Karen Bradley, Coordinator: e-mail or 410-313-4635
• Heather Sites, Program Assistant: e-mail or 410-313-4622

Heritage Programs
• Jacquelyn Galke, Coordinator: e-mail or 410-465-8500
• Susana Burrell, Program Assistant: e-mail or 410-465-8500

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See below for event contact information. Events and dates are tentative.
Month	Event	Contact
June-August 2008	Sunset Serenades Concerts	Mary Ellen Baker
July-August 2008	Travelin' Bands Concerts	Mary Ellen Baker
September 6, 2008	Pooches' Pool Party*	Karen Bradey
October 11, 2008	Snipe Hunt*	Karen Bradley
October 26, 2008	Sunday in the Park	Mary Ellen Baker
October 31, 2008	Survive the Night at The Patapsco Female Institute	Jacquelyn Galke
December 6, 2008	Holiday Mart	Heather Sites
January 26, 2009	Lunar New Year Celebration*	Karen Bradley
January 31, 2009	Daddy-Daughter Sweetheart Dance*	Heather Sites
February 2009	Crafter Jurying	Heather Sites
April 4, 2009	Spring Egg Hunts*	Karen Bradley
May 16 & 17, 2009	Wine in the Woods	Mary Ellen Baker
June 2009	Shakespeare in the Ruins	Jacquelyn Galke
Summer 2009	Sunset Serenades/Travelin' Bands Concerts	Mary Ellen Baker
*requires advanced registration