Columbia residents have one word of advice to those planning to travel to Columbia for the Lakefront Independence Day festivities today: Walk.
Many consider July Fourth to be Columbia?s worst day of the year for parking and traffic woes, as thousands flock to Lake Kittamaqundi for fireworks, activities and live music.
Parking will be available for $10 at the Lakefront beginning at 11 a.m. and at Merriweather Post Pavilion beginning at 6 p.m., said Columbia Association spokeswoman Shelia Green.
“If people have friends coming, tell them to come early or be prepared to pay the $10,” said Gail Broida, Town Center representative for the Columbia Association Board of Directors.
Those who live outside Town Center should bring their car to Town Center?s outskirts, and walk or bike to the festivities, she said.
“If it is a pleasant evening, we enjoy the walk,” Broida said.
Last year, Broida and her husband tried to return to Columbia from out of town on the Fourth of July, and police rerouted them past their Evergreens apartment several times.
However, the holiday traffic plan “is the most efficient and safe way,” said Howard County Police Department Officer Jennifer Reidy. “There will be signs everywhere, directing you where to go.”
Howard County Police Department spokeswoman Sherry Llewellyn would not say how many police were assigned to the roads.
Those who live closest to the festivities, on VantagePoint Road and Ring Dove Lane, do not have to worry about visitors swarming their neighborhoods.
Workers will be posted at the entrances to their developments, and will only let people who live there inside.
“I don?t know how they know who lives here, but it usually works,” said James Knotts, who lives on Ring Dove Lane.
Columbia Independence Day Festival and Fireworks Display
» Food, shopping and live music from 2 to 9:30 p.m.
» Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
» Lake Kittamaqundi, Wincopin Circle
