Howard County is planning a slightly shorter Fourth of July celebration at Columbia's lakefront this year.
The celebration will officially begin at 5 p.m. rather than 2 p.m. to help save money, though the $60,000 menu of entertainment and fireworks is going forward, mostly at county government expense.
County Executive Ken Ulman said he and his staff discussed whether to make larger cuts this year due to the recession, but rejected the idea.
"It's the Fourth of July. It's important for the county. It's part of the history and culture of Howard County," Ulman said.
County and Columbia Association workers will staff the event, after taking over last year from the Kiwanis Club. Starting at 5 p.m., Blue Sky Puppet Theatre and a man on stilts, plus the Kinderman, a children's entertainer, will be performing.
Two bands, including the Deanna Bogart Band, will begin playing. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.
Two-thirds of the money comes from funds left unspent after the books were closed on fiscal year 2008 on June 30, 2008, said county spokesman Kevin Enright. Gary Arthur, director of recreation and parks, said another $14,000 is coming from money his agency raised from fees and other money-making events. The Columbia Association is contributing $6,000.
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