The Mall in Columbia Launches 50th Birthday Celebration Saturday

The Mall in Columbia, one of the most beloved institutions in the community, is celebrating its 50th birthday with a month-long series of events for the public. The focus of the activities, according to Senior General Manager Barbara A. Nicklas, is showcasing the Mall’s community connections and partnerships of the past 50 years.

Nicklas has planned events for four consecutive Saturdays in September, each with different themed activities and participating partners. The first series of events is set for Saturday, Sept. 4.

The Howard County Library System’s Pop Up Library mobile van will visit the Outdoor Plaza from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., and there will be Make & Take activities for youngsters and “Brave Voices, Brave Choices” storytelling.

In the Center Court on the Celebration Stage, the library will provide storytelling and music from 10:30 a.m.-noon, followed by a DIY demonstration from noon-12:45 p.m. From 1-2 p.m., Toby’s Dinner Theatre will provide a Dance/Movement Workshhop, followed by a mallTALK from 2-2:15 p.m. by Rene M. Buckman of the Columbia Association’s Youth & Teen Services. More library storytelling will follow from 2:15-2:30 p.m.There will be a special performance at 3 p.m. by Milkshake, a Grammy-nominated original rock band for children and families.

Also in the Center Court, the Howard County Police Department will have a recruitment station open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Howard Community College will provide information about the JumpStart Partnership Program from noon-4 p.m., and the Columbia Association will provide information about youth and teen programs and services from 1-4 p.m. Howard County Arts Council artists Roslyn Zinner, Mosaic Artist, and Sandra Jordan, Wordgifts, will be featured.

Every celebration Saturday will feature strolling players, including jugglers, balloon twisters, stilt walkers and bubble blowers. Howard County Arts Council artists will be showcased and retailers will have activities and specials. All of the 50th Anniversary events presented by The Mall in Columbia are free of charge. For more information, visit www.themallincolumbia.com.