This will be an activity-filled weekend in West Columbia, including a high school production of "The Wiz," festivals large and small, and the grand opening of Columbia's newest swimming pool.
"The Wiz" is a magical musical adaptation of the children's classic "The Wizard of Oz." It was a favorite of audiences when it played on Broadway and continues to delight children and adults in small-theater productions.
The delightful play, adapted from the original by playwright William F. Brown, with music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls, will be presented by the Atholton High School drama department at 7 p.m. tomorrow, Friday and Saturday, with a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday.
"The Wiz," directed by Monica Robbins, features 92 performers. The story follows Dorothy, Toto and her friends, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Lion, on an awesome journey along a strange, but decidedly funky, yellow brick road. The spectacular set, which features a three-dimensional road, a drawbridge, water-spouting statues and some stunning pyrotechnics, was built by Atholton High drama students.
The cast features award-winning singers, and two young actors -- Heather Brown and Justin Wilson -- who have appeared on the TV show "Homicide."
This will be the last performance of the school year by Howard County high school students and the last opportunity to see some of Columbia's best young thespians in action.
Tickets are $5 per person and will be available at the door.
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Here a festival, there a festival, outdoor events for everyone.
The big one is the third annual Wine In the Woods Festival from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in Symphony Woods.
This event will feature wines from nine Maryland wineries, lots of gourmet food, 82 arts and crafts displays, and continuous live entertainment by some of the area's best bands.
The $13 admission will get you 10 samples of wine, a souvenir wine glass and an afternoon of music and fun.
On a smaller scale, there's the third annual Taste of Wilde Lake from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. This is a nice little neighborhood festival sponsored by the merchants of Wilde Lake Village Center.
It definitely will be an event for the entire family. There will be outdoor tastings of delicious foods from the village center stores, live music, clowns, face painters, jugglers and more.
The best news is that everything is free.
Also on Saturday, the annual Spring Fair and Flea Market will be held at Clemens Crossing Elementary School.
The flea market will run from 8 a.m. to noon.
The fair, featuring games, clowns and lots of other activities, will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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The new River Hill swimming pool, at 6330 Trotter Road, will hold a grand opening celebration Sunday.
Activities scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. include POG tournaments, a Pow-R-Rangers moon bounce, treasure hunts, KidSports classes, a baby pool coin find, face painting and pop-a-shot basketball.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be at noon.
The River Hill pool will open for swimming on Memorial Day weekend.
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Congratulations to Anne Keene, a Hickory Ridge resident whose penchant for cooking new and delicious dishes recently brought her second prize in a nationwide recipe contest sponsored by Mueller's Macaroni Products.
Ms. Keene's entry consisted of macaroni shells stuffed with a lightly seasoned crab pate, covered in a spicy sauce of Old Bay seasoning and mushroom soup.
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Hickory Ridge resident Al Bishop will join fellow Columbia artist Lynn Ferris in displaying watercolors and mixed-media pieces at the Slayton House Gallery in Wilde Lake Village Center May 25-June 12.
Mr. Bishop's works have been shown extensively, and his watercolors have won many awards.
Ms. Ferris has exhibited in Howard and Baltimore counties. Her artwork covers a wide range of themes.
An opening reception featuring the classical guitar of Don Miller will be held June 4 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
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St. John Baptist Church in the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center will celebrate the second anniversary of the pastorate of the Rev. Robert A. F. Turner on May 28. The day will feature special services at 11:45 a.m. and 4 p.m. with some notable guest speakers.
The Rev. Lawrence N. Jones, dean emeritus of the Howard University School of Divinity, will be the guest speaker for the early service. Dr. Jones has written extensively and lectured worldwide on theological education, black religious history and the black religious experience.
The 4 p.m. service will feature the Rev. Emil M. Thomas, pastor of Zion Baptist Church in Washington. Dr. Thomas is editor of Amazing Grace magazine and co-author of the book "Preaching for Black Self-Esteem."
The Zion Baptist Church Choir will perform with guest Kimberly House.
The public is welcome to join in the celebration.
