Oxford's Big Plans for Fourth of July

The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Family Crisis Services of North Mississippi, is honoring America’s 238th birthday with the annual Lafayette-Oxford-University Fourth of July community celebration.
This year’s two-day celebration is presented by Olin-Winchester Corporation.
Beginning Thursday, July 3 at 7 p.m., Leap Frog will present the Firecracker Bash at The Lyric. The bash will include a silent auction, the Mr. and Mrs. America contest, and the Bouffants, who will provide entertainment during the event. Tickets for the Firecracker Bash are $25 and each ticket is entered for a chance to win a door prize.
Tickets for the Firecracker Bash are $25 and each ticket is entered for a chance to win a door prize.
Festivities begin at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, July 4 with the Stars and Stripes on the Square 5K run to benefit the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society, which also includes a children’s fun run at 8:30 a.m. Following the run, participants may lineup for the annual festive Children’s Parade on the Square at 9:00 a.m. The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. Children, pets, golf carts and motorized entries are welcomed.
Oxford-based PMQ magazine will host the ‘Slice of Americana Pizza Competition,’ a competitive event featuring pizza makers from around the United States at the Powerhouse Community Arts Center on University Avenue, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event is open to the public and local fans will also have the opportunity to choose a winner with the people’s choice award. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, with tickets prices starting at $10. Ticket price includes tasting for all pizza selections. Adult beverages will also be available for an additional cost. For more information and competitions rules, visit www.pmq.com/slice
“We are very excited to continue to grow the LOU Fourth of July in Oxford and are pleased to partner with PMQ magazine and Yoknapatawpha Arts Council for handcrafted pizza, children’s activities and live music at the Powerhouse,” LOU Fourth of July committee chair Meredith Rawl said.
After grabbing a few slices of pizza, participants can head to The Grove at the University of Mississippi, where children’s and family activities continue to take center stage with a petting zoo, pony rides, train rides, bounce houses, face painting, prizes and games will all be available from 4-8 p.m.
Musical entertainment on the Grove stage includes the LOU Community Band, Morgan Pennington, Big E, and Jimmy Phillips and the Ruminators.
The Independence Day ceremony in The Grove will honor local servicemen and servicewomen, and begins at 6 p.m. The annual fireworks presentation will begin at approximately 9 p.m. at Oxford-University Stadium. Premium stadium seats are available for $2 and the gates open at 7:30 p.m. Pizza slices and water will be available for purchase.
Fundraising opportunities will be available at each event, to help further support the annual event, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the chairing organization, Family Crisis Services.
Other event sponsors include the City of Oxford, Lafayette County, Oxford Bank Association, and the University of Mississippi.
For more information, visit www.lou4thofjuly.com. For additional comments or information, please contact Meredith Rawl, LOU 4th of July Committee Chair at mrawl@hotmail.com