OXFORD – 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. You are invited to join the Mayor in LaFayette Park for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Sunday, Nov. 28 at 5 p.m. Gather at the heart of the Village, by the bandstand, as it’s the site of an old-fashioned community festivity of lights, music, roasted chestnuts, caroling, refreshments, joyous reveling, and perhaps even a few surprises!
Each year it’s up to the Oxford Holiday Committee (OHC), a nonprofit organization, to creatively design and decorate the Park. A bright and dazzling display is promised by the Committee once again. The beautiful 12’, evergreen tree will be up and twinkling with lots of lighted vignettes. For a sneak-peek of the tree or to see the Tree Lighting countdown, visit www.OxfordNY.com.
A schedule has been planned, and printed programs will be distributed to all. Oxford Village Mayor Terry Stark will officiate the holiday spectacular and welcome in the holiday season. After a couple of carols, he will announce the Oxford Academy Primary School award recipients of the 7th annual “Recycled Holiday Ornament Contest.” This contest is sponsored by the OHC as a way to encourage the local children to get involved in the decorating fun, be part of the ceremony, and learn the benefits of recycling. Place prizes will include gift certificates to Nice ‘n Easy, Hoppie’s, and the Clachan Coffee House.
More attention will be drawn to the ceremonious lighting of the big tree with a countdown this year. With some young assistants from the Primary School, a large light switch will be pulled to turn on the lights.
Talented members of Oxford Academy’s Middle and High School chorus’ will lead off with, “O Christmas Tree.” Following that, spirited carols will fill the air led by student volunteers and there’ll be music by the Oxford Brass Quartet.
Adding a little magic to this evening, the “jolly old elf himself,” Santa Claus, has been contacted at the North Pole, and he’s promised to visit Oxford. Santa’s busy right now pressing his red velvet suit, combing his long white beard, and shining his big black boots to look his best when he arrives in LaFayette Park. He will be waiting on a special park bench, amidst the twinkling lights, ready to listen to wishes from hopeful young ones. (Parents, bring your cameras!)
As a very special treat this year, there will be an exciting preview of Princess Tilly of Klutzenstein ©2010, written by Fred Dankert with music by Diane Thorn, performed by the Oxford Civic Theatre. Santa may be hearing some wishes for “Princess Tilly” tickets!
This display attracts an estimated 200 residents and visitors who come to see the spectacle of lights. The Committee is prepared for that number to increase.
The OHC has been busy coordinating the community groups who volunteer to participate in this once-a-year event. The refreshments, provided by the Girl Scouts, the Cub Scouts, the Oxford Grange, and the Eastern Star will be on hand early. There will be (literally) gallons of delicious hot cocoa and hot apple cider, hundreds of sweet home-made cookies, and dozens of minty candy canes.
DJ Jim Baldwin of the Oxford Lions Club will be back with his gingerbread house sound system making speeches and music clear and bright. If the weather is inclement, refreshments will be served inside.
Weeks of volunteer planning and work by the Oxford Holiday Committee, as well as generous donations by the community, make the beautiful lighted display possible. A big thank you goes out to all the community groups and individuals that help to make this Oxford festivity a success.
Don’t miss the official start of the holiday season with Oxford’s annual “Holiday Tree Lighting on the Park,” Sunday, Nov. 28, at 5 p.m. Just as the glow of the lights radiate, so does the spirit of the season!
The printable (PDF) 2010 keepsake flyer is available on the OxfordNY.com website here: http://pon.oxfordny.com.