Double Decker Begins Friday Morning on North Lamar Boulevard

I’m a 13-year resident of Oxford and I can’t remember a time in those years that I’ve seen so many people on the Oxford Square on a Friday morning. It’s crazy out there, y’all.

This photo, taken at 11:45 this morning, shows the gridlock that is the Oxford Square as the masses begin to gather.
Photo by Jeff McVay

The 2016 Double Decker Arts Festival presented by Caterpillar is in full blown construction mode and unless you have around 20 minutes to spare trying to get through the maze, a little detour may be in order.

Of course, this evening at 6, the festival will launch in a big way as Southaven musician Cory Branan takes the stage followed by the Thacker Mountain Radio Hour at 7 and The Nightowls at 8.

Currently, traffic is creeping as it dodges pre-festival revilers; balconies are already filling up; local bars and restaurants on the Square are pumping amazing food and drink specials; artists are giving demonstrations in the brilliant light and heat; massive stages are being built; adjacent streets and city lots are already overflowing; and artist booths are popping up like frightened lemurs.

Artist Tammy Oliver Cook demonstrates her oil painting technique on the Oxford Square earlier this morning.
Photo by Jeff McVay

It is indeed Double Decker weekend on the Oxford Square, and the congestion is only in its infancy.

The photo gallery inserted here will give you and idea of the energy already seeping into the area and the featured video (top) shows artist Tammy Oliver Cook as she demos her oil painting technique on North Lamar – right in front of the Ole Miss Sports Stage.

Balconies are already filling up on the Oxford Square.
Photo by Jeff McVay

Some art booths are well under way and open for business.
Photo by Jeff McVay

The Double Decker information center is being organized.
Photo by Jeff McVay

An oil painting in progress by artist Tammy Oliver Cook.
Photo by Jeff McVay

Artist Tammy Oliver Cook
Photo by Jeff McVay

Double Decker stage construction.
Photo by Jeff McVay

Jeff McVay is a staff writer and graphic designer for Hottytoddy.com. He can be reached at jeff.mcvay@hottytoddy.com.

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