CFA Finalist for 2010 Maryland Chamber of Commerce Award

The Columbia Festival of the Arts, one of the region’s foremost visual and performing arts showcases, has been named a finalist in the 2010 Maryland Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award.

The Columbia Festival of the Arts was nominated for this award by the Howard County Chamber of Commerce.  The winners will be announced at a luncheon on Thursday, June 3, 2010.

“We are honored to be recognized for our contribution to the State of Maryland,” said Nichole Hickey, executive director of the Columbia Festival of the Arts.  “Each year, the Festival seeks to present an annual celebration of the arts that builds community through shared participation and celebration.  We believe that the Festival and other arts organizations enhance the image of Columbia, Howard County and the State of Maryland.”

The Columbia Festival of the Arts is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. Founded in 1987, the Festival’s popularity and growth has transformed it into one of the Baltimore/Washington Corridor’s premiere summer arts events. Each summer the Festival presents a brand new season of world-class events, including gala performances, exhibitions, free concerts, family activities, master classes, workshops and community dialogues. The Festival brings together the arts community, businesses, local schools, and individuals to create an annual event that shines a spotlight, not only on the arts, but on the Howard County community as a Maryland showplace.

The 2010 Columbia Festival of the Arts will be held from June 11-26, 2010.  The Festival begins with the FREE LakeFest Weekend, from June 11-13, at the Columbia Lakefront.  During the remainder of the Festival, there are a number of free and paid events for people of all ages.

More information on the Columbia Festival of the Arts is available at www.columbiafestival.com or by calling the office at 410-715-3044.