The Columbia Festival of the Arts begins this weekend with LakeFest, a free community mini-festival featuring a one-of-a-kind arts and crafts show, hands-on children?s activities and spirited competitions.
LakeFest starts out with a cake-cutting ceremony in celebration of Columbia?s 39th anniversary. An art exhibit titled “Opening Doors: Making a Difference” debuts today. “The art exhibit consists of small boxes with doors. We wanted to approach key community leaders and ask them to represent what it was or multiple influences that made them who they are today, what in their lives have opened the door that made them someone, and represent it on the doors,” said Nichole Hickey, executive director of the Columbia Festival of the Arts.
Some of the artists include Lawson, Howard County Executive Jim Robey and state Sen. Sandra B. Schrader.
The Chalk-It-Up contest, which takes place Saturday and Sunday, allows contestants to create original artwork on sidewalks with pastels. First prize is $750, second is $500 and third is $200.
Saturday?s festivities begin at 11 a.m. with the 3rd Annual Kinetic Art Parade along Little Patuxent Parkway. Prizes of $1,000, $500 and $250 will be awarded to winners. The Howard County Boat Float Regatta will take place after the parade at 1 p.m. on Lake Kittamaqundi. Contestants create boats out of cardboard and then test their seaworthiness on the lake. Chairman of the Boat Float Committee Scott Grice guarantees a good time. “If people just enjoy the general calamity of watching people get themselves into situations and you know, they?re laughing while they are going down in the water, and people are laughing as they are watching,” he said. “It?s just kind of a crazy thing, like NASCAR without the flames and carnage.”
The Columbia Foundation supports LakeFest with their small art exhibit titled ArtWorks, which features pieces from local artists and houses the winning posters in the 3rd Annual K-12 Poster Contest.
“The posters are displayed in the building, and we have a small opening ceremony for the kids and their parents,” said Columbia Foundation President Barbara Lawson. “The gallery will be open throughout the whole weekend to the public.”
LakeFest also features local and regional musical acts such as the Kelly Bell Band, 10 Foot 5, Pie Boys Flat and many more.
Columbia Festival of the Arts: LakeFest
» 5 to 11 p.m. today
» 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday
» 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday
» Tickets: Free
» More information: Visit www.columbiafestival.com or call 410-715-3044
