OXFORD – Oxtoberfest will return to Lafayette Park on Saturday, October 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., marking the seventh year of the signature fall celebration hosted by Promote Oxford Now (PON). The event brings seasonal activities, food, and live music to downtown Oxford.

“We're bringing back all the things people love,” said organizer and PON member Jessica Henninge.

Visitors can expect more than 60 vendors, six food trucks, additional food vendors and festive activities including Pumpkin Head's live pumpkin carving show.

The Kid Zone will offer a variety of free children's activities throughout the day, including face painting, games, a slime bar, Chenango County Sheriff's Child ID station, school fundraisers, activity inflatables hosted by Faith Bible Church, and the Oxford FFA petting zoo. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. BJ the Balloon Twister will roam the grounds creating complimentary balloon art and The Bubble Man returns from 12 to 2 p.m..

Live music will fill the bandstand throughout the day, beginning with DJ Joe as vendors set up, followed by performances from Mike Mullenax from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and Randy Miritello and the Hell City Hell Cats closing out the afternoon.

Organized by PON with support from local families, volunteers, businesses, and sponsors, the event has grown into one of the village's most anticipated fall gatherings. “Oxtoberfest is a chance for people to gather and enjoy all the things that make fall in Oxford special: pumpkins, apples, crisp weather, falling leaves, music, food trucks, local vendors and familiar faces,” Henninge said. “It feels like a true community celebration.”

Visitors are also encouraged to explore other participating local stops while in town, including Canal Street Hardware, Gallery 3-2-1, Bull Thistle Bridal, La Place Art Studio, Peila View Corn Maze, and St. Paul's Apple Fest. “We love that it gives people a chance to discover some of the other great things happening around Oxford too,” said Henninge.

Along with Oxtoberfest, PON continues work on its housing imitative, Improve Oxford Now (ION) which Henninge said focuses on creating and preserving quality, affordable housing in the community. She mentioned that the organization recently began work on its second property within the village.

PON thanked the local businesses, funders, and community supporters for helping to make the event possible each year.

“Most of all, we want people to feel welcome. Come for an hour or stay all afternoon, bring the kids, meet up with friends, wander around and enjoy a really fun fall day in Oxford. There is something for everyone,” Henninge said.