Celebrate Independence Day with the Return of the Children’s Parade, Fireworks, and Weekend Fun at the Lake 

Even though Oxford tends to slow down a bit during the dog days of summer, there will be no lack of patriotic activities to fill your Independence Day.

You can start out with the most important meal of the day because Big Bad Breakfast will be open their regular hours serving up their award-winning menu. Once you’ve filled up on grits, eggs, and biscuits, head over to the Oxford Square to watch the parade. 

Returning for the first time since the pandemic, the 4th of July Children’s Parade will turn the Square festive starting at 10 am on Independence Day. Sponsored by the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and presented by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and the Marine Corps League, the parade will honor our veterans as local families ride around the Square decked out in their best stars and stripes décor. 

If you’d like to participate, register on the YAC website and gather your children with bikes, scooters, and wagons to join in the parade fun. 

After the parade, if you’re looking for a spot for lunch, several places will be open for business, including Moe’s Original BBQ, Saint Leo, and Uno Mas. Funky’s will open at noon serving $5 Red, White & Blue daiquiris and $3 Budweisers all day in addition to Oxford’s Favorite Pizza. The Library will also open earlier than usual serving FREE BBQ for all. 

When the sun goes down, find your spot near the north side of town, as the city’s official fireworks display will again be launched from the back of Oxford High School starting at 9 pm. Sponsored by NE SPARC, the display will be visible all around the area, including Sisk Avenue, the Conference Center, and the Oxford Commons. You can tune into Bullseye 95.5 to hear a patriotic simulcast to accompany the show. 

If that’s not enough for you, head over to beautiful Sardis, Mississippi, on Saturday, July 6 for a full day of live music and fun at Rafters on the Water. Their annual Red, White & BOOM party includes a lake Poker Run sponsored by Performance Marine, a cornhole tournament, and food trucks in addition to Rafters’ own delicious food and beverages. Close out the night with spectacular fireworks display at the lake and the rocking tunes of Cadillacfunk. 

While you’re enjoying the holiday, remember that it’s essential to take precautions to keep pets safe during the fireworks. Consider keeping your pets indoors: because of their sensitive hearing, fireworks can be terrifying for pets. Keeping cats and dogs indoors during the celebrations will minimize their exposure to loud noises and flashes of light. You can also create a calm space by providing a quiet and safe area for your pet. Include familiar bedding, toys, and perhaps soothing music or white noise to help them feel secure. Don’t forget to ensure your pet’s microchip and ID tag information is up-to-date. In case they get scared and escape, proper identification will increase the chances of a safe return home. 

We hope you have a safe and fun Fourth of July this year, and we hope to see you out enjoying the holiday in Oxford and the surrounding areas.