Mall in Columbia Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Family Events

The Mall in Columbia, one of the most beloved institutions in the community, is celebrating its 50th birthday with a month-long series of events for the public. The focus of the activities, according to Senior General Manager Barbara A. Nicklas, is showcasing the Mall’s community connections and partnerships of the past 50 years.

Nicklas planned events for four consecutive Saturdays in September, each with different themed activities and participating partners. The final activities are set for this Saturday, Sept. 25.

Themed “Fifty and Forward,” the day’s events on the Center Court Celebration Stage include the Columbia Association presenting mallTALK with archivist Erin Berry who will discuss the history of the Mall from noon-12:30, and Energy Manager Jeremy Scharfenberg talking about Sustainability Programs & Community Resources. Toby’s Dinner Theatre will present the Young Columbians in performance from 1-1:30 p.m. The Columbia Association’s International Exchange & Multicultural Programs will feature African Cultures at 2 p.m., The Howard County Chinese Cultural Center at 3 p.m., and Las Hermanas Gonzalez singing Mexican songs at 3:30 p.m.

Also in the Center Court, the Police Department will have a recruitment station, and Howard County Arts Council Artists will be displaying their work, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. From 1-4 p.m., Howard Community College’s will have representatives discussing athletics, Continuing Education programs, and apprenticeships, the Downtown Columbia Partnership will offer its Transportation Demand Management Plan survey, and Visit Howard County will sharing information on dining, events, neighborhoods and places to stay.

At 7 p.m., the Columbia Festival of the Arts will present a free outdoor film screening of the 1971 version of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory in the Outdoor Plaza.

Throughout the month, the Howard County Public School System will host a Digital Art Gallery featuring work by students. In addition, the Columbia Archives, a service of the Columbia Association, will present an archival exhibit highlighting how the community has used The Mall in Columbia through the years. Both of these exhibits will be located in the Center Court, Level 2. ManneqArt will showcase the winning entries from its annual competition, “Create a Sculpture for any Human Form using Books, Magazines or Graphic Novels” in the Nordstrom Wing, Level 1.

Every celebration Saturday will feature strolling players, including jugglers, balloon twisters, stilt walkers and bubble blowers. Howard County Arts Council artists will be showcased and retailers will have activities and specials. All of the 50th Anniversary events presented by The Mall in Columbia are free of charge. For more information, visit www.themallincolumbia.com.