Exhibit 99.3

[NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING]

COLUMBIA BANCORP
7168 Columbia Gateway Drive
Columbia, Maryland 21046

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ______________, 2005

               Notice is hereby given that a Special Meeting of Stockholders of Columbia Bancorp will be held at [Meeting Place], [Meeting Address] on [Meeting Date], [Meeting Date], at [Meeting Time] for the following purposes:

1.	To approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of July 26, 2005 by and between Columbia Bancorp and Fulton Financial Corporation, the merger of Columbia Bancorp with and into Fulton Financial Corporation and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, as described in the attached proxy statement/prospectus.
2.	To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

               The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on [Record Date] as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

               Your proxy is enclosed. You are encouraged to complete, date, sign and return promptly the proxy in the envelope provided even though you may plan to attend the meeting. No postage is necessary for mailing in the United States. Returning the proxy will not limit your right to vote in person or to attend the Special Meeting, but will insure your representation if you cannot attend. If you attend the meeting, you may revoke your proxy and vote in person.

By Order of the Board of Directors

SIBYL S. MALATRAS

Corporate Secretary

Columbia, Maryland
[Mail Date]