Fireworks returning to Glen Burnie | Maryland Gazette (HometownGlenBurnie.com)

The Glen Burnie Improvement Association will spend $10,000 for a display on July 3. It will last 20 minutes to half an hour, said Andy Werner, an association volunteer coordinating the project.

"Basically I opened my big mouth and they said 'you're in charge,'" he said.

Getting government approval for the fireworks proved to involve a number of government agencies. Mr. Werner had to get the OK from Federal Aviation Administration because of the potential disruption to air traffic at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport as well as the usual permits from the county Fire Department. Approval from the fire marshal arrived last week.

A team from Zambelli Fireworks International will shoot off the fireworks from Saw Mill Creek Park. Mr. Werner said Saw Mill Park, the 3rd Avenue Park and anywhere near the airport should be good spots to see the fireworks.

"It's a great thing for the community. It was a wonderful thing 10 years ago," Mr. Werner said. The return of fireworks to Glen Burnie also spells the return to north county comes 10 years after a change in fire regulations forced the display out of 3rd Avenue Park.

Last year, the county ended the annual July 4 fireworks display at Downs Park in Pasadena, citing budget concerns.

That still left area residents with a choice of displays at Fort George G. Meade, Baltimore, Anne Arundel Community College or Annapolis, plus smaller, private community displays visible from the water off communities such as Gibson Island.

Zambelli has provided fireworks for local shows before, including last year's Fourth of July Spectacular at the college in Arnold.

The fireworks are just one of the events planned for this year's celebration of the association's 100th year. Muriel Carter, a volunteer with the association is currently taking orders for Black-Eyed Susans as part of an effort to line Crain Highway with the state flower. The flowers are available to businesses as well as the general public.

"It might trigger to someone ask what are all the Black-eyed Susans are for and they'll find out its our 100th anniversary," Mrs. Carter said.

The flowers cost $2.50 a piece and come in one-quart containers. Boxes for businesses with no planting area are available for $10. The boxes are 27 inches by 10 inches by 10 inches.

"I took orders last night and I already have 180 plants sold," Ms. Carter said.

For information or an order form, call the association office at 410-766-6760.

The association also is working on 5K and one mile runs for Oct. 12. Runners will travel from the carnival ground south through Harundale.

For more information on the run contact Richard Biagiotti at 443-848-1116.