Fourth of July Community Celebration Begins Friday

Next week’s LOU Fourth of July Community Celebration begins Friday. Photo by Robert Jordan/Ole Miss Communications

The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the city of Oxford, Lafayette County and the University of Mississippi for the 2016 Fourth of July Community Celebration this weekend, which culminates in a fireworks display over Oxford-University Stadium.

“This is my fourth year to chair the committee for the Lafayette Oxford University Fourth of July Celebration,” Meredith Rawl said. “Please join us for all the events, including the children’s parade on the Square and entertainment and activities in the Grove. My hope is to bring a great day of events in Oxford and a peaceful day to reflect on America’s past and appreciate the freedoms our nation has won.”

Events begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday (July 1) with a Firecracker Bash at The Lyric, presented by Leap Frog. The event features a silent auction, a Mr. and Mrs. America contest and entertainment provided by Leap Frog alumni and party band Hollywood.

All proceeds from the event benefit Leap Frog. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Oxford-University United Methodist Church or at the door.

On Saturday (July 2), bring the whole family out for a community dance at the Community Pavilion on University Avenue. The dance, presented by Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, begin at 5 p.m. and runs through 7.

And, of course, Monday (July 4) is packed with activities. The day begins at 7:30 a.m. with the Stars and Stripes on the Square 5-K Classic to benefit the Oxford Lafayette Humane Society, followed by a Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. To register for the 5-K and Fun Run, click here.

After the run, the LOU Fourth of July Children’s Parade on the Square begins at 9:30. Line-up for the parade begins at 9 a.m. in the parking lot next to Something Southern. Antique cars, floats, children and pets are welcome to participate in the parade to show off patriotic spirit. Prizes will be awarded to the most unique and most patriotic entries. To register for the parade, click here.

From 4 p.m. to nightfall, bring your children to participate in a variety of activities in the Grove, sponsored by Your Extra Closet. Activities include live music, a petting zoo, train rides, bounce houses, face painting, balloon art and plenty of food vendors to keep the hunger away.

At 6:30 p.m., an Independence Day ceremony in the Grove will allow everyone to reflect on the occasion and honor local servicemen and women. Live music will continue after the ceremony until 8 p.m., provided by the Lafayette-Oxford-University Community Band, Gunboat and the Alanna Mosley Trio.

Gates at Oxford-University Stadium open at 7:30 p.m. for the grand fireworks display. The admission cost is a $2 donation, and all proceeds help fund next year’s celebration. No coolers are allowed, but refreshments will be available for purchase. Local films will be shown on the stadium screen.

At 9 p.m., the fireworks presentation begins over the stadium. The show, presented by Olin-Winchester, will last about 20 minutes and is sure to end your holiday weekend with a bang!

Courtesy of Christina Steube and the Ole Miss News Desk

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