About Glen Burnie Improvement Association

Serving Glen Burnie. Strengthening Community.

Since 1908, the Glen Burnie Improvement Association has been dedicated to putting “The Community First.”

Who we are

The Glen Burnie Improvement Association (GBIA) is a 100% volunteer-run organization committed to enriching life in Glen Burnie through events, park stewardship, and neighborhood engagement. From annual fireworks to festive traditions like Santa’s Sleigh Ride and our seasonal festivals, we’ve been proudly bringing the community together since 1908.

Resources

Stay Connected! Join Our Monthly Meetings

Our general membership meeting is held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Come share your voice, stay informed, and get involved in what’s happening around Glen Burnie.

2nd Tuesday of each month
7:00 PM
19 Crain Highway S

What we do

At the heart of GBIA is a deep commitment to community – and that shows in the wide variety of events and initiatives we organize each year. Everything we do is powered by volunteers and Glen Burnie local businesses and designed to make Glen Burnie a more connected, vibrant place to live.

Annual Fireworks Show

We light up the skies every Independence Day with our community’s favorite tradition. Thousands gather at Sawmill Creek Park to enjoy this free show, complete with food vendors and a festive atmosphere.

Holiday Events & Tree Lighting

From the Annual Tree Lighting ceremony to Santa’s Christmas Eve Sleigh Ride through Glen Burnie neighborhoods, our holiday events bring warmth, joy, and togetherness all season long.

Ice Cream Socials

A fun, family-friendly gathering where neighbors can enjoy a summer treat, play games, and relax in the park. It’s a sweet reminder of what makes our town special.

Spring & Fall Festivals

Live music, food trucks, handmade vendors, and local businesses come together to celebrate the changing seasons at our signature festivals. These are some of our biggest community highlights of the year.

Third Avenue Park Stewardship

We maintain and improve Third Avenue Park, providing a clean, safe, and welcoming space for kids and families. It’s a quiet retreat tucked in the heart of Glen Burnie.

Community Clean-up Days

We organize seasonal clean-up efforts and beautification projects to keep our town looking its best. It’s a great opportunity to volunteer and take pride in where you live.

Support for Local Vendors

Our events create a platform for small businesses, crafters, and food vendors to connect with the community. We believe thriving local business is key to a thriving town. Check out our Community page to learn more.

Leadership

Serving Glen Burnie with dedication and heart.

Meet the Officers

The Glen Burnie Improvement Association is led by a team of committed volunteers who work year-round to organize events, manage operations, and support the community.

President

Candy Fontz
Candy leads with a vision for preserving Glen Burnie’s small-town spirit while helping it grow. She works closely with volunteers and board members to ensure GBIA’s mission stays on track.

Vice President

Sylvia Mentecki
Sylvia helps coordinate events, communications, and vendor relations. She’s especially involved with our annual fundraisers and community engagement efforts.

Treasurer

Nancy Brown
Nancy manages GBIA’s finances with care and transparency, ensuring every dollar supports local events, improvements, and neighborhood programs.

Secretary

James King
James keeps our records organized, documents meetings, and helps keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Board of Directors

Our board brings a range of experience and a shared commitment to the Glen Burnie community.

Alison Tavik
Christine McCracken
Bill Monroe
Ray Pringle Jr.
Dana Reiss