About the Committee

Each year on July 4th, Catonsville’s residents begin pouring into the streets and head up to Frederick Road for the parade.  As the sun sets, the streets fill again with thousands of people heading to the fireworks at the high school. No one gives much thought to the logistics or funding of the events, they just know they will be treated to a fabulous celebration every year.

Since 1947, a dedicated group of over 100 volunteers has planned every detail of this annual tradition and they love doing it.  The committee meets each month throughout the year to plan the activities and logistics needed for the annual celebration.  The committee members also work throughout the year planning and executing fundraisers to raise the $150,000+ dollars it costs now to execute the events.

The celebration was started in 1947 when Marie O’Dea, then editor of the community newspaper, organized the event including all of the area’s fraternal clubs.  Marie’s dedication has inspired many community members to continue her work, including Tom Connor, a man originally associated with the Catonsville Lions Club.  Tom chaired the Fireworks committee for over 50 years and still joined us on the field until his passing.  Many of the current fireworks committee members continue the tradition because Tom recruited them some 50 years ago.

The Committee has a long history of members who have served their community for many years.  If you would like to become involved in the Catonsville 4th of July Committee, attend our meeting on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Knights of Columbus.