Classic and Family Fun Run
The festivities begin Thursday morning with the 8th Annual 5K Classic and Family Fun Run on The Square. Registration for the race begins at 6 a.m. with the race beginning at 7:30 a.m. Those who are interested can register online at www.oxfordpets.com for $25 or they can sign up on www.racesonline.com and save $10. Awards will be given out to the runners who finish in the Top Three for each age group.
The Family Fun Run is ½ a mile and begins at 8:30 a.m. The cost of the Fun Run is $15 per participant. The proceeds from the race and run will benefit the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society.
LOU 4th of July Children’s Parade on the Square
At 9:30 a.m. there will be a children’s parade on the Square. The lineup begins at 8:30 and those wishing to participate are encouraged to decorate their bicycles and golf carts with the patriotic theme. All children are required to wear helmets to ride their bicycles. Pets are also encouraged to participate with prizes being award for Most Patriotic, Most Unique and Best Dressed Pet. The winners will be announced in the Grove at 6 p.m.
Grove Celebrations
Beginning at 4 p.m. there will be a multitude of activities in the Grove ranging from a children’s area, petting zoo, pony and train rides, “bouncies,” face painting and balloons. Five live bands will be performing on the Grove stage. The LOU Community Band will perform at 4 p.m., followed by Maybelle’s Lovers at 5 p.m., Alanna Mosley at 6:30 p.m. and Rocket 88 at 7:30 p.m. At 6 p.m. there will be a July 4th Ceremony commemorating the local service men and women. Refreshments will be made available and the festivities will conclude at 9 p.m.
Fireworks
The day will end with a firework production at 9 p.m. at Oxford-University Stadium/Swayze Field. The gates will open at 7:30 p.m. with local films playing on the scoreboard until the fireworks begin. This year is the first that Oxford will have a professional production company coordinate the fireworks. Those hoping to attend are encouraged to sit in the stadium seating by making a $2 donation.
Meredith Rawl, from the local agency Family Crisis Services of Northwest Mississippi, is this year’s committee chair. For more information on the events visit www.live.oxfordms.com/lou-4th-of-july/.
