By Jackie Mooney, For The Miami Student
Tonight marks the beginning of one of Oxford's most anticipated holiday celebrations - the annual Oxford Holiday Festival. The two-day event will be held tonight in Oxford Memorial Park and tomorrow at the Oxford Community Arts Center.
The event is hosted by the Oxford Visitors' Bureau and Oxford Parks and Rec. Friday's portion will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is one of many holiday traditions in the area.
"This year, the event will feature free horse drawn carriage rides and visits with Santa's live reindeer," Kathy Crowley, president of the Oxford Visitors' Bureau said.
In addition, Oxford's mayor, Kevin McKeehan will be leading "Light Up Oxford" - the highlight of the night. It is a special evening celebration where over 15,000 LED lights will be simultaneously lit in the park to mark the beginning of the holiday season.
Saturday's portion of the festival will offer a holiday craft market.
According to Jennifer Marston, a community member involved with event planning, admission to the market is free, but concessions and handmade holiday items from local vendors will be for sale all day long.
The event is open to visitors of all ages. Children can enjoy visits with Santa from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For the older crowd, a gingerbread house competition from 10 a.m. to noon is open to anyone 16 years old and above. Cash prizes are available.
The festival is just one of several community holiday events.
"Through the month of December, there is an Christmas tree sale in Uptown Park," Crowley said. "Students and community members can stop by and purchase a tree of their liking in the park."
Local business owner Ralph Barker is also involved with a unique Oxford holiday tradition.
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