Oxford, Mississippi is 175 years old this year, and the Oxford Downtown Council is celebrating by hosting a Happy Birthday, Oxford! Summer Fest on Saturday, June 30, 2012.
Open to the public, this exciting celebration on the Oxford Square will include a sidewalk sale by Oxford Downtown Council members from 8am – 5pm, as well as a host of family friendly activities throughout the day on the Courthouse lawn. From 9am – 2pm, families will enjoy a festive atmosphere with Mrs. Mary’s Petting Zoo, a birthday cake bounce ride, popcorn and cotton candy, face painting and a balloon artist. A dunk tank will give attendees the opportunity to “dunk” brave recruits from our community for $1 per throw, with the proceeds going towards Boys and Girls Club.
The Council will have the following local celebrity dunk tank participants: Ole Miss Athletics Director Ross Bjork, Oxford Coach Johnny Hill, Missississippi Representative Brad Mayo, Ole Miss Senior Associate AD Michael Thompson, Michael Joe Cannon of Cannon Motor Company, Cameron Wilson of CambinoTech Computer Services, Jill Moore of Square Books Jr, Joe Sabatier from Oxford High School and Jason Bailey, City of Oxford Alderman.
Those who dunk one of the participants receive an Oxford Downtown Council t-shirt.
The Summer Fest also marks the launch of two other local celebrations. Square Books will celebrate 25 years of Where’s Waldo books with visits from Waldo to 25 different local businesses throughout the month of July. Those who spot him can win prizes, and Waldo will make his Oxford debut at the Summer Fest.
(For all the info you need on Where’s Waldo In Oxford?, follow this link…)
The Summer Fest also kicks off the LOU 4th of July festivities that will include a Street Dance on the Square Tuesday, July 3, and LOU 4th of July Children’s Parade on the Square at 10am on Wednesday, July 4.
Co-chair Mark Huelse of Something Southern says the Council plans to keep bringing events such as the Summer Fest and November’s annual Holiday Open House to the Square. “These events are an important part of the Council’s mission to support local businesses, plus they provide fun activities for families to enjoy together,” explains co-chair Patsy Engelhard of Knit1 Oxford.
