01 Dec 2020

Downtown Columbia Update

Color Burst Ice Rink Now Open

The new Color Burst Ice Rink at Merriweather District is open for the 2020 – 2021 season. It is a safe and enjoyable outdoor place for date nights and family outings. Themed celebrations, music and food trucks are featured. The drive-through Symphony of Lights at Merriweather Post Pavilion is right next door for pre- or post-skating viewing. For a safe indoor or grab-and-go meal, visit local restaurants also nearby. Buy ice skating tickets here.

In the News

Dazzling Drive The annual Symphony of Lights display is open now until Jan. 2. Drive through the lights Monday-Friday, 6-10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 5-10 p.m., except Dec. 7 and 31, when walk through special events are scheduled. Cash and credit accepted at entrance or buy tickets here.

Comic Book Workshop Merriweather District Artist in Residence alumnus Ram Devineni is hosting Priya’s Mask virtual comic book workshops on Thursday, Dec. 10 at noon for kids and Saturday, Dec. 14 for adults.  Priya’s Mask is the latest edition in Devineini’s series featuring a girl superhero.  Workshop participants will learn to create a 4-panel comic strip to share their own unique stories. No admission fee. Register here.

DTCRadio The Howard County General Plan and redevelopment across the county are featured in Downtown Columbia Partnership Executive Director Phillip Dodge’s conversation with Amy Gowan, Director of the Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning. Catch it here.

Race Across Howard County Howard County General Hospital is sponsoring a virtual race today through Dec. 15, to support wellness and raise funds for the hospital during COVID.  Click here for information and to sign up.

Giving Tuesday Match The Howard Hughes Corporation will match donations (up to $2,000) made to the Howard County Conservancy’s community garden which provides 3,000 lbs of produce to the Howard County Food Bank. The garden also supports pollinators and provides experiential learning opportunities for students. Donate here.

GrillMarx Has Opened A casual upscale dining spot has opened in the Little Patuxent Square Building in Downtown Columbia. Grill Marx Steakhouse & Raw Bar features crafted cocktails and expansive bar, hickory grilled hand-cut steaks and seafood. Call 410-567-2040.

COVID-19 Testing If you are looking for a testing site, Howard County General Hospital is holding tests at Howard Community College in the West Garage (enter Campus Drive from Hickory Ridge Road) on Saturday, Dec. 12 and 19, from noon-4 p.m. Advanced registration is encouraged. To learn more or register, click here.

Trail Closure Work is underway on stream restoration by the Columbia Association. For the next two to three weeks starting today, the trail running from the bus stop on Little Patuxent Parkway towards Lake Kittamaqundi will be closed.

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