Columbia Fourth Of July 2017: Fireworks, Traffic, Weather Line

COLUMBIA, MD — Howard County is hosting a festival and fireworks display on the Fourth of July around Lake Kittamaqundi.

There will be live entertainment and food vendors. Parking will be free.

Due to congestion, the Howard County Police Department advises arriving early. Little Patuxent Parkway will be closed from The Mall in Columbia entrance next to Union Jack's to Sterrett Place at approximately 6 or 7 p.m. and will not reopen until the fireworks show is over.

The festivities will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4, Columbia Lakefront, 10275 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044.

Entertainment includes a costumed Uncle Sam available for selfies. The Columbia Concert Band will perform live at 7 p.m. for approximately two hours.

Fireworks will take place at approximately 9:30 p.m. Blankets or sheets may go out starting at 8 a.m., and tarps can be placed by the lakefront at 3 p.m., according to organizers.

The rain date for fireworks is Wednesday, July 5. To check on the status, call the Howard County inclement weather line at 410-313-4451, which will be updated if the show is canceled. No update on the line means that nothing has changed.

Check the forecast from the National Weather Service.

People may download the "HoCo July 4th" app for a soundtrack, directions and other information about the festivities.

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Pictured, Fourth of July fireworks. Photo Credit: Howard County Recreation and Parks‎.