ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced the details for Howard County’s annual July 4th Fireworks celebration on Saturday, July 4th at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront, featuring a traditional fireworks display in addition to this year’s new drone show as part of Howard County Government’s HoCo250 commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. Presented in partnership by the County, the Columbia Association (CA), and other local organizations, this year’s festivities kick off at 5:00 p.m. with food trucks, musical performances, and more, followed by a illuminating drone show and fireworks display starting at dusk, weather permitting.
As we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress, I invite all to join us in commemorating this historic occasion. To mark this momentous time in our nation’s history, our county’s time-honored tradition of a dazzling July 4th fireworks display will reach new heights this year with the celebratory debut of the County’s first-ever 4th of July drone show. With 10s of thousands of residents and visitors projected to gather at the Columbia Lakefront this July 4th, this year’s event promises to deliver an unforgettable display in the sky, great food and live entertainment, and be one of our best celebrations yet!
Beginning at 3:00 p.m. on July 4th, residents and visitors may start placing blankets down at the Columbia Lakefront. The 12-minute drone show over Lake Kittamaqundi is scheduled to begin at dusk, between 9:10 and 9:20 p.m., followed immediately by an approximately 20-minute fireworks display. In the event of rain, only the drone show and fireworks display will be rescheduled for Sunday, July 5th.
We look forward to being a part of the 250th celebration through our annual Fourth of July event. This celebration demonstrates how Howard County can provide exceptional free events for residents through strong community partnerships, including our longstanding collaboration with the Columbia Association. We are especially excited to include a drone show to enhance this year’s celebration, adding a new and innovative element to the festivities. It is rewarding to work alongside our partners to make this one of the community’s most anticipated summer traditions.
Sponsored by CA and presented by the Merriweather Arts and Culture Center, live musical entertainment will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a performance by Chasing Straight, followed by a performance at 7:30 p.m. by Dom Flemons & The Traveling Wildfires.
“We’re excited to welcome everyone to the CA Lakefront for one of Columbia’s most cherished annual traditions,” said Shawn MacInnes, President/CEO, CA. “We’re especially pleased to continue our partnership with Merriweather Arts & Culture Center, Howard County and the many organizations that help make this event happen. Every year, the celebration showcases what makes Columbia a great place to live - a strong sense of community, neighbors coming together, and a shared experience that people look forward to year after year. Our team puts in a tremendous amount of work to create a safe, welcoming event, and we look forward to celebrating with the community.”
Food
Food trucks will be located in the Columbia Lakefront parking lot from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. This year’s participating food truck lineup includes: Bebo’s Mac Shack; Burgers & Bunz; Cousins Maine Lobster; Greek on the Go; Krazed & Infused Popcorn; Kona Ice; Malik’s Ice Cream; Pacha Mama Juice; Smokin’ Dough; Taco Joint; Tasty Treats & More; Tima’s Soft Serve; and Travelin’ Toms Coffee.
Drone Show and Fireworks
Produced by Sky Elements (a finalist on season 19 of NBC’s America’s Got Talent), the drone show will feature an aerial display of illuminated drones moving in precise formations to create patterns and digital artwork across the night sky. Drone shows are considered an environmentally friendly complement to traditional fireworks because they do not produce smoke and have significantly less noise.
American Fireworks Company will produce this year’s fireworks show and continues a tradition that has been part of our nation’s Independence Day celebrations since its earliest years as fireworks were featured during one of the first organized Independence Day celebrations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 4, 1777.
Parking and Traffic
There will be free public parking will be available at several locations throughout Downtown Columbia, including The Mall in Columbia, the Merriweather District, Symphony Woods Garage, One and Two Merriweather garages, and Sterrett Place North.
The lot at 10324 Little Patuxent Parkway will be reserved exclusively for ADA parking beginning at 2:00 p.m. and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. A valid ADA placard or license plate is required for entry. Due to road closures, the lot will only be accessible by vehicle before 6:00 p.m. After 6:00 p.m., access will be limited to Mall Ring Road.
There is no public parking at the Columbia Lakefront and the Whole Foods parking lots will close at 6:00 p.m. and will not reopen until approximately 11:00 p.m.
Furthermore, the Howard County Police Department will close both directions of Little Patuxent Parkway between Symphony Woods Road and Governor Warfield Parkway from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. on the 4th. Little Patuxent Parkway between Broken Land Parkway and Symphony Woods Road will also be closed from about 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. Significant traffic delays in the area can be expected.
For attendees looking to beat the traffic this July 4th, bicycling is the perfect way to get to and from this year’s event. Free bicycle parking will be available at the Bike Corral located at 10175 Wincopin Circle (next to GrillMarx) between the hours of 1:00 and 10:00 p.m.
For more information about Howard County’s July 4th Fireworks celebration, visit Recreation & Parks’ “Howard County's July 4th Fireworks” webpage.