Columbia Events: Teen Idol Auditions, Free Fun Run/Walk at Lake Kittamaqundi, Volunteer Center's 50/50 Challenge

Save the Dates: Columbia Teen Idol Auditions and Competition Coming Soon

The road to crowning this year’s Teen Idol begins this September, when Columbia Association will host four auditions for its annual Hear My Voice Columbia Teen Idol Competition.

The auditions will be held on:

• Tuesday, Sept. 12
• Thursday, Sept. 14
• Tuesday, Sept. 19
• Wednesday, Sept. 20

Locations and times are still to be determined and will be posted at ColumbiaAssociation.org/ytc (Click on "Upcoming Events Calendar"). Registration for auditions is not required but is preferred by calling 410-992-3726. No music is necessary for auditions. Explicit lyrics are not allowed.

The finale will be held on Sunday, Oct. 15 from 3-6pm. The top three places will receive a cash prize, and a People's Choice Award will also be selected by the crowd. The competition is open to Howard County performers from sixth grade through 12th grade. All Teen Idol finalists must agree to participate in a community service project organized by CA's Youth and Teen Center @ The Barn.

Free "Healthy Hero" Fun Run/Walk on Sept. 9 at Downtown Columbia Lakefront

Kids and families are invited to take part in this year's Healthy Hero Fun Run/Walk, a free event taking place on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 8-11am at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront.

This stroller-friendly, one-loop, 1.5-mile race ends with face painting, balloons, music, nutritious snacks and beverages (while supplies last). Enjoy giveaways from one of Columbia Association's many booths. Child-sized event T-shirts will be available for $5 per shirt (while supplies last).

Children are encouraged to dress up as their favorite hero, and meet and greet with some of our heroes from KidSpace, an interactive play area for children between the ages of 6 months and 13 years at Columbia Athletic Club, Columbia Gym, Supreme Sports Club and Haven on the Lake.

Registration is encouraged at healthyhero.eventbrite.com or by calling the KidSpace locations at Columbia Athletic Club (410-730-6755), Columbia Gym (410-531-8984), Supreme Sports Club (410-381-7559) or Haven on the Lake (410-715-3022).

Howard County Residents Challenged to Celebrate With Volunteer Service

This year is not only Columbia's 50th Birthday but also marks 15 years for the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County. To celebrate, the Volunteer Center is encouraging Howard County residents to take part in its 50/50 challenge.

Volunteers can pledge 15, 25 or 50 hours of service. Organizations can pledge to post 15, 25 or 50 hours of service opportunities. Volunteers can find opportunities by visiting VolunteerHoward.org/5050Challenge.