The honorable Oxford Village Mayor, Terry Stark, will be dusting off his top hat for one of Oxford’s grandest events of the year, the holiday season kick-off. Preparations are being made, a petite Christmas tree will be raffled, and a Roma's "Give Back Day" is set. You are invited to join the Mayor in LaFayette Park for the annual Holiday Festival of Lights ceremony on Sunday, December 1, at 5 p.m. Gather at the heart of the Village, around the Cole Fountain and Veterans Memorial Walkway, as it will be the site of an old-fashioned community festivity of lights, refreshments, caroling, and perhaps even a few new surprises!

See the spectacle of lights when they’re first lit! The Park will be twinkling and tables will be full of delicious cookies from the Primary School families and from Hoppie's. After a couple of carols, Oxford Village Mayor Terry Stark will announce the Oxford Academy Primary School award recipients of the sixteenth annual “Recycled Holiday Ornament Contest”. He will also be announcing the winners of the new Gingerbread House (or structure) contest.

Spirited carols will fill the air by some of Oxford Academy’s talented student chorus members, directed by the music department. Everyone is encouraged to join in song. Music will be provided by DJ Jim Baldwin of the Oxford Lions Club and his gingerbread house sound system. There will be a pause for the ceremonious tree lighting with a countdown. Some young assistants from the Primary School will pull a large light switch to turn on the lights.

Adding a little magic to this evening is the “jolly old elf himself,” Santa Claus. Santa’s busy right now pressing his red velvet suit to look his best when he arrives in Hoppie's Banquet Room. He will be waiting, amidst twinkling lights, and a display of gingerbread houses, ready to listen to wishes from hopeful young ones. (Parents, have your cameras to catch that magical holiday twinkle.)

While the evening is still young, peruse Peila View Farm's Christmas trees, wreaths, and kissing balls and then plan to stay for dinner in Oxford. There are some special deals that night: Roma’s will have a $9 pizza, Hoppie's will have a free double scoop dessert (with a dinner), and The Stadium is offering a dozen wings for $7.00 (in house only).

Helping to keep all the light strings burning brightly, Roma’s has offered a “Give Back Day” on Tuesday, December 3. They will donate 10% of the full day’s total sales to the Oxford Holiday Committee for any meal or even take-outs.

Additionally, the purchase of raffle tickets for a beautiful table top Christmas tree, will also help. (Tickets $2 a piece or 3 for $5.00.) The tree is at Hoppie's now until Nov. 30, then it will move to Roma's. A big thank you goes out to all the community groups and individuals that help to make this Oxford festivity a success.

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