Community Corner
More Festivities Planned For July 4 Due To High Vaccination Rate
HoCo Executive Calvin Ball announced at a news conference that he would allow additional July 4th activities based on vaccination rates.
HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Not only will Howard County host a Fourth of July celebration, but with the approval of Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, the event at Lake Kittamaqundi has been expanded to include live entertainment, music and food trucks. Last month, Ball announced that the county would host the annual fireworks show, but the latest development means more fun for festivalgoers in a county that leads the state in COVID-19 vacccination numbers.
“With more than 70 percent of our 12+ population fully vaccinated, we’re getting closer to normal every day,” Ball said. “We did not get here by chance – and we’re grateful to all of our residents who have taken the important step of getting vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones. These important vaccine milestones allow us to host summer celebrations and events safely, and we can’t wait to see our community together once again.”
As of Wednesday in Howard County, there have been 19,430 cases of COVID-19, the 7-day average positivity rate is 0.71 percent and the 7-day average case rate 1.4 is per 100,000 residents – the lowest metrics since the county began tracking COVID-19 data.The 20-minute fireworks show will start at approximately 9:20 p.m. at Lake Kittamaqundi in Columbia. Residents who wish to place blankets on the ground to save a spot can do so after 3 p.m.
Food trucks onsite include Kona Ice, Blowfish Poke (sushi), Dee's Food and Snack Shack (Cajun and Caribbean cuisine), Althea's Almost Famous (Jamaican), Bullhead Pitt Beef, Green's Kettle Corn, Ravin' and Cravin' Food Truck (Hibachi) and Flair Cuisine (American cuisine).
Live entertainment includes local bands Pebble to Pearl, Groovalicious and the National Anthem performed by a local high school student.
The Inner Arbor Trust and the Columbia Association are also providing a premium location for viewing the concert and fireworks that includes a dinner buffet and cash bar. Ticket sales help raise funds for free arts programming in Downtown Columbia at the Chrysalis and Lakefront.
According to Ball, unvaccinated attendees should:
- Wear a mask;
- Maintain physical distancing;
- Wash your hands and avoid touching your mask eyes, nose, and mouth; and
- "Strongly consider getting yourself, and those living in your household fully vaccinated."
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