Oxford will be jam-packed this weekend for the Fourth of July. While most towns lose a bulk of their population for the Fourth, Oxford is expected to see plenty of visitors. Since the town will remain its vibrant and happening self, students, residents and visitors alike will find nonstop action throughout Oxford and the Ole Miss campus.
Here is a breakdown of this weekend’s schedule. Needless to say, there will be activities for absolutely everyone.
THURSDAY
Firecracker Bash
The fun begins a day early with the Firecracker Bash. The event is hosted by Leap Frog, a tutoring and mentoring program benefitting students in Oxford and Lafayette County. Firecracker Bash will be held at the Lyric from 7-10 pm. For entertainment, Memphis, Tenn.-based “The Bouffants” will be covering a range of classic hits. Other attractions include door prizes, a silent auction and a Mr. and Miss America contest. The event calls for casual dress, and tickets can be purchased for $25.
FRIDAY
Stars and Stripes on the Square 5K and Fun Run
The Fourth of July will begin bright and early for the ninth annual Stars and Stripes on the Square 5K and Fun Run. The 5K will begin at 7:30 a.m., with race-day registration beginning beforehand at 6:00 a.m. The 5K will be followed by the family-friendly Fun Run at approximately 8:30 a.m. The race is sponsored by the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society, and all proceeds will benefit the animals they shelter.
4th of July Children’s Parade
The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 4th of July Children’s Parade. The traditional parade will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the lineup beginning at 8:30 a.m. beside Something Southern on East Jackson Avenue. Parade entries will be judged and prizes will be awarded for “Most Patriotic” and “Most Unique.” Children on bicycles, pets and antique cars are welcome. The parade will include a “Dress Your Pet” section, which will also be judged with awards given. Participants and spectators alike are encouraged to show off their patriotic spirit with flags, banners and streamers. Don’t forget your red, white and blue!
Slice of Americana Pizza Competition
Oxford-based PMQ Pizza Magazine is hosting the “Slice of Americana Pizza Competition” at the Powerhouse. This is no ordinary pizza competition. The winner will receive a free trip to Italy and a spot on the United States Pizza Team to participate in the World Pizza Championships in 2015. Up to 20 pizza makers, or pizzaiolos, will be coming to Oxford from all over the nation to participate in this unique event.
The competition’s name comes from Oxford’s central location in the Americana Music Triangle, which consists of Nashville, New Orleans, Memphis and the area in between these cities. The Americana theme will hold strong at the Powerhouse on Friday, with children’s activities and live music.
(Photo/Logan Kirkland)
Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 for ages 13 and above and $5 for children ages 5-12. Children four and under will be admitted for free. A ticket purchase includes a ballot, refreshments and last but not least, free pizza. The pizza competition begins at 10:30 a.m. and is expected to last until 3:30 p.m.
Fun in the Grove
Starting at 4 p.m., the Grove will be providing nonstop fun to people of all ages. A number of activities will be available, including face painting, pony and train rides, a petting zoo and many more. At 6 p.m., the Independence Day Ceremony will be conducted to honor our local men and women in service. Live music will then be performed from 6:30 p.m. until nightfall. Once nightfall makes way, the fun will continue at Swayze Field for fireworks.
Fireworks over Swayze Field
The evening will go out with a bang at 9 p.m. with a fireworks show over Oxford-University Stadium at Swayze Field. The stadium gates open at 7:30 p.m., with access to premium stadium seats costing $2 each. Coolers are not allowed, but refreshments will be available. The fireworks will be a majestic way to conclude this lively Independence Day.
