What's Open, Closed On July 4, 2023, In Ellicott City

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — With the Fourth of July falling on a Tuesday, government offices will be closed and some services will be altered in observance of Independence Day on both Monday and Tuesday.

Howard County government offices, animal shelter and 50+ centers will be closed Monday. However, there will be normal curbside collections and the Alpha Ridge Landfill will be open Monday.

County parks, Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers, the Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, and Harriet Tubman Cultural Center also will be open Monday but the Robinson Nature Center and the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum will be closed. Courts will be open Monday, too.

On Tuesday, July 4, Howard County government offices, courts, animal shelter, 50+ centers and Alpha Ridge Landfill will be closed in observance of the 4th of July. Because there won't be any curbside trash, recycling, yard trim or food scraps collection on Tuesday, July 4, the county’s holiday slide schedule will be in effect for the rest of the week.

“As we gather this holiday with our family, friends and neighbors to celebrate America’s birthday and all that our great nation stands for – liberty, freedom and fairness, let us unite as a community as we remember the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought for our independence so we can each strive to achieve our American dream,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “This July 4, I encourage everyone to celebrate safely and to leave the big firework displays to the professionals by joining us this Tuesday at Downtown Columbia Lakefront for our annual July 4 fireworks celebration.”

Fireworks Near Me: Ellicott City July 4th Events 2023

Also on July 4, county parks will be open, as will the Meadowbrook Athletic Complex (but for scheduled programs only) and the Roger Community Carter (open until 5 p.m.). The Gary J. Arthur and North Laurel Community Centers, Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, Robinson Nature Center and the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum will all be closed July 4.

The Howard County Library System will be closed Tuesday for the July 4 holiday, too.

The Regional Transportation Agency will operate on a regular schedule July 3 and on a “Sunday” schedule on July 4. For more information on RTA, call 1-800-270-9553 or visit www.transitrta.com. All parking regulations and fees will not be enforced July 3-4.

The 9-1-1 Center, police and fire departments will remain staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For emergencies, call 9-1-1; for non-emergencies, call 410-313-2200.

Howard County Police Department will be closing both directions of Little Patuxent Parkway between Symphony Woods Rd. and Governor Warfield Parkway beginning at 6:30 p.m. on July 4. The road will reopen at approximately 11 p.m. Eastbound Little Patuxent Parkway between Broken Land Parkway and Symphony Woods Road will be closed from about 8 to 11 p.m. Traffic delays can be expected.

“July 4th is a perfect time to 'park once' and enjoy all that downtown Columbia has to offer and to experience just how close and connected our neighborhoods and amenities are,” said Phillip Dodge, executive director of Downtown Columbia Partnership. “Just like we suggest on concert nights, you should arrive early, park in our garages and then enjoy the restaurants and other attractions nearby.”

Free bicycle parking will be available for those who choose to travel to downtown Columbia by bicycle.

“Beat the traffic this 4th of July- ride your bicycle from all over Columbia to the Bike HoCo bike corral at the Lakefront. Join us for free, protected bike parking at Wincopin Circle & Little Patuxent Parkway from 3 - 10 p.m.,” said Rebecca Bryant of Bike HoCo.

Howard County Fire and Rescue Deputy Chief Gordan Wallace reminds residents that Fourth of July celebrations should be enjoyed safely.

“Fireworks can be extremely dangerous. It’s easy to underestimate ‘novelty’ items like handheld sparklers, but these products can reach 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and cause serious injuries,” said Wallace. “The easiest way to stay safe is by leaving the fireworks to the professionals this 4th of July.”