Oxford celebrates America’s 250th birthday

The Oxford Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) held Oxford’s annual Independence Day celebration, the OPRD Freedom Festival, on July 2 in Oxford’s community park. This year’s festival marked the 250th anniversary of the United States. 

The event featured music from the Oxford Community Band and local bluegrass band My Brother’s Keeper. The Declaration of Independence was also read aloud by a panel including members of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution and Mayor Mike Smith, among others. 

Spread throughout the park were inflatables, games, a balloon artist, horse-drawn carriage rides, food stalls and a dunk tank fundraiser for the Talawanda boys’ basketball team.

The festival culminated with a fireworks display beginning at 10 p.m.