OXFORD – Each year the Oxford Holiday Committee (OHC), a nonprofit organization, creatively designs and decorates LaFayette Park. This spectacle of lights attracts an estimated 200 residents and visitors who come to see the display when they’re first lit and enjoy them throughout the holiday season. This year, with the support of Oxford’s restaurants, they’ve come up with a couple of unique fundraisers.

In the past, generous donations from the community have enabled the committee to purchase lights, a 12 foot tree and more. This year they’re having a raffle for a decorated and lighted table top Christmas tree. Included in the raffle is a handcrafted wooden cutting board and tongs made by wood artisan, John Knapp of Oxford.

John Knapp started woodworking after retiring from the U.S. Merchant Marines. For his business, Knapp Knoll Woodworks, John makes everything from “scratch,” starting with hardwoods, such as oak, cherry, and maple trees growing right on his property that he mills and dries himself. He enjoys making a variety of beautiful, useful items such as lazy susans, cutting boards, and articulated toys.