UM Students Partner for Double Decker Kids’ Area

Changes in Square Fair at festival will be ‘out of this world’

By Tad Wilkes

tad.wilkes@hottytoddy.com

The University of Mississippi’s Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management is partnering with the 2013 Double Decker Arts Festival Presented by C Spire to provide its students event management experience in the children’s Square Fair component of the festival. Students will manage the Square Fair.

“Students majoring in nutrition and hospitality management, enrolled in NHM 312: Event Management, are spearheading this event, explains Jeremy Roberts, adjunct instructor and event management coordinator in the Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management at the University of Mississippi. “We are going with space theme—it will be out of this world. The event is changing a bit, too; the time will be 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., instead of in the past of ending at 5 p.m.”

“We are really excited to partner with the Ole Miss hospitality program for Square Fair,” says Mary-Kathryn Herrington, director of tourism and marketing with the Oxford Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We anticipate the enthusiasm they are bringing to this project will make this area better than it has been in years.”

Roberts notes that this year’s Square Fair location moves to the parking lot of the Lafayette County Chancery Courthouse (at the intersection of North Lamar and Jefferson).

“We will have a variety of vendors, all incorporating a space theme into their display, activities, and events,” Roberts continues. “There will be face painting, arts and crafts, and photo opportunities. We will have our very own alien and astronaut there, too.”

Other changes include moving to a ticket system, “much like a true fair experience,” Roberts says. Each ticket will be $1 and will be used at for all vendors, activities, and events within the Square Fair. However, a number of free activities will also be offered.

“Other students within the department will be volunteering for the entire Double Decker festival, either assisting with Square Fair, or other aspects of the festival, to gain a great event management experience. The faculty and staff within the department will also be a part of the event.”