This summer, Liberty Live 2016 drew hundreds to Kings Point Square located at 9900 Liberty Road in Randallstown, Maryland. The free, family-friendly outdoor concert series was presented by the Liberty Road Business Association (LRBA), and featured live entertainment, vendors, free parking and more. The series, which took place on Friday nights, began June 26, 2016, and concluded August 12, 2016.
Kelly R. Carter is the executive director for LRBA. According to Carter, the event drew approximately 700 people each week. Most brought along their chairs and listened to the melodious sounds of various groups fill the warm summer air. LRBA seeks to promote, grow, and sustain a diverse and thriving business community that will enrich the quality of life and enhance prosperity in the Liberty Road Corridor and supporting communities.
“Prior to the concert series we were doing ‘Movie Night’ with communities in the Randallstown area, but by doing select communities, we weren’t involved with the greater community,” said Carter. “I knew other communities were doing events like this, so I said ‘let’s try doing this in Randallstown’. This is our third year, and it’s been a huge success. It’s a great way to network and showcase our local artists.”
She added, “The event took place rain or shine. We had good weather, but when it rained people sat in the rain for this event. It warmed my heart.”
Carter noted that 34 vendors participated in the series.
“Vendors started contacting us in April for vendor space,” said Carter. “They pay a one-time fee for the entire series. Many people call, but I try not to have more than one vendor selling the same thing. For example, I have a cake person, a rib person, and a crab cake person. I try to give each vendor a fair hand at making a profit.”
She added, “Our vendors are really amazing. This event provides great exposure for them.”
Vendors sold a variety of items, which included food, drinks, and health and beauty products.
Debra Chaplin and Maria Shears of DreamLife Worship Center located on Deer Park Road in Randallstown, MD were giving out information and free bottles of water.
“This event is great,” said Chaplin. “It provides a wonderful opportunity to pass out information about DreamLife, and to let people know we are right here in the community.”
Baltimore County Fourth District Councilman Julian E. Jones, Jr. regularly attended the series.
“I love the event,” said Councilman Jones. “It’s always good to have the community to come out. It allows people to have an enjoyable time, and to get to know their neighbors. It’s getting bigger and bigger each year. People want to come together and have a good time.”
LRBA has been in existence for over 30 years in the Northwest Baltimore County sector. The organization advocates for the businesses along the Corridor, and seeks to help maintain a healthy business climate, a well-trained and educated workforce, quality schools, and safe neighborhoods. LRBA is comprised of more than 50 businesses and organizations that operate and have a vested interest in the economic vitality of the Liberty Road Corridor and North West Baltimore County Sector.
The organization is also the presenter of the Randallstown Farmers Market on Wednesdays at the Liberty Court Shopping Center in Randallstown featuring locally grown produce, crafts, and more until October 26, 2016.
For more information about LRBA, or to find out how to apply for vending opportunities, call 410-655-7766, or visit: www. www.lrba.biz.