Oxford – Let the Celebration Begin!

July 8^th tercentennial parade and activities

Janet Stoica
Patriot Correspondent

The prelude to Oxford’s 2013 Tercentennial Big Bash begins on July 8. A kickoff parade starts at Oxford’s Middle School and ends at Joslin Park, beginning at 12 noon. Thirty-four groups and individuals will be participating, among them Oxford’s award-winning Jr ROTC Colorguard and Chairman and Board of Selectman John Saad, who will be the Master of Ceremonies. Best of all, the Grand Marshall will be Oxford resident May White, whose 104^th birthday coincides with the parade date of July 8^th.

According to Deb Lamarche, member of the parade organizing committee, other parade participants will be the Worcester Fire Brigade’s bagpipers, the Pulaski Brass Band, floats from various organizations, including Hometown Bank, the Barton Center, St. Ann’s Church, a replica of the Huguenot Society’s Monument with historical figures, Women’s Club, Lion’s Club, Cubs & Girl Scouts as well as a float from the Universalist Church with its original steeple bell.  Also expected to be part of the celebration are Finz, the Worcester Sharks AHL hockey team mascot, Ronald McDonald of McDonald’s Restaurant fame, members of Oxford’s three amazing dance studios, antique cars, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, the American Red Cross, and many local businesses.

Also at noon, entertainment will begin at Joslin Park. There will be  plenty of food vendors, craft retailers, dance performances by local dance studios, a Frank Sinatra singer/impersonator, animal shows, various bands, and games for children. Shirley McAfee, songstress, will be the host of the bandstand activities.

The 300^th anniversary planning committee is headed up by Alan Hammond, and also includes Tina Weldon, Emily Thomas, Jean O’Reilly, Michael Voas, and many others who continue to give their valuable time and effort to benefit the Oxford townspeople.  So come one, come all, for good food, good times, and great fun for all ages!  Let the Celebration Begin!