Fireworks Will Light Up The Sky This 4th Of July In Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The traditional July 4 fireworks show at Lake Kittamaqundi in Columbia will return this year. The announcement from Howard County Executive Calvin Ball comes as Howard County recorded its lowest positivity rate to date of 1 percent and leads the state in vaccination progress.

Last year, the lakefront fireworks were canceled amid high COVID-19 cases. At the time of the decision, Howard County had a positivity rate of 23 percent and 9.5 new cases per 100,000 people. As of Thursday, Howard County has 2.81 cases per 100,000 residents. Howard County also has 73 percent of residents ages 12 and over with at least one COVID-19 dose and 58.7 percent are fully vaccinated.

“Summer in Howard County is special, marked by family events, activities and here at the Lakefront, the longstanding Howard County tradition of 4th of July fireworks,” Ball said at a news conference. “Over the years, families have staked out their spots with blankets, gathered with neighbors and friends, and enjoyed the show. Thanks to the incredible progress Howard County has made to vaccinate our residents and significantly reduce the spread of the virus, we can enjoy this lakefront tradition and spectacular display of fireworks with our family and friends again.”

Howard County Health Officer Dr. Maura Rossman encouraged residents to get vaccinated if they haven't yet so that everyone can continue to enjoy community celebrations again.

The 22-minute fireworks show will start at approximately 9:20 p.m. at Lake Kittamaqundi in Columbia. Residents who wish to place blankets and save spots may do so after 3 p.m. The event will not have a band, food trucks or other entertainment.

Ball and Rossman suggested the following guidelines for attendees and vendors:

Vendors
If you are attending a crowded, outdoor event and have not been vaccinated you should:

• Ensure food and drinks are prepackaged or bottled. 
• Refrain from tossing candy or promotional items from vehicles or floats to individuals watching the parade.  
• Refrain from handing out paper such as brochures, coupons and/or flyers. Other items are highly discouraged: Silly string, water pistols/guns, super-soakers, water balloons and other devices that propel water from parade entry. 
• Strongly consider getting yourself, your workforce and those living in your households fully vaccinated. 

Parade participants who have not yet been vaccinated

• Wear your mask over your nose and mouth, secure it under your chin, and make sure it fits snugly against the sides of your face if you are not able to maintain social distancing of 6 feet apart between members of different households while in formation. 
• Minimize congregating such as for pre-parade meetings to no more than 15 minutes if physical distancing between households is not possible.