Columbia Celebrates 45 Years Saturday

A little heat can’t keep Columbia from celebrating its 45^th birthday this weekend at the Lakefront. The Columbia Association is sponsoring the festivities, which will begin at 3 p.m. and continue until 10 p.m.

Birthday events like face painting, balloon making and cake cutting are scheduled as well as a diverse range of musical and dance performers.

“One thing that James Rouse said is Columbia is the only city that he knows that celebrates its birthday every year,” said Michelle Miller, the organizer of the event and division director of community services for the CA.

“We’ve done different celebrations throughout the year and this one is going to be more of a festival atmosphere,” said Miller. “The highlight of the event will be the Young Columbians performing at 5:30 p.m.”

Here’s a list of the scheduled events for Saturday's party: 

• 3 – 3:30 p.m. Nazu Dance Company – African dance and music from the Ivory Coast
• 4 – 5 p.m. INFINITE – Featuring Mr. Marcus Young; world jazz, funk and R&B
• 5:15 – 5:30 p.m. Korean Dance Troupe – Korean dance and music
• 5:30 – 6 p.m. Young Columbians – Tribute to America
• 6 – 6:30 p.m. Brick Dedication and Birthday Cake Cutting – cupcake giveaways sponsored by Baltimore Washington Financial Advisors
• 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Junkyard Saints – New Orleans style party music
• 8 – 10 p.m. TMD & Brass Soulution – R&B, soul, pop, funk and rock & roll