The Fourth of July is one of Oxford’s most treasured days.

We love the hustle and flow from students, visitors and a world-class university that make our community a national treasure throughout the year. Our city was born to be an educational hub, and everything that goes with that, after all.

But for one day each year in July, when our nation celebrates its freedom, Oxford gets to have a small-town moment all to itself, with festivities from the Square to the University, which graciously opens its doors and properties to the community.

The Fourth of July is about the only day left in the year these days that Oxford truly slows down and feels more like another small town in Mississippi than the mecca of Southern smart and savvy.

Not many students in town, though we know they are just around the corner. Not much traffic to find, though we know it is just around the corner. You can get a seat in most any restaurant. And, there’s plenty of room on the Square to spit a watermelon seed — if one wanted to.

We are counting the days to kickoff, of course, anticipating the rush of activity that brings our community to its remarkable best.

But there is no apologizing for our taking a moment to exhale and savor our small town moment, enjoying Oxford’s more traditional Fourth of July celebration including fireworks tonight at 9 p.m. at Oxford-University Stadium.

We appreciate the University continuing to help make this happen. And, we appreciate our freedom, both in America and on this special day in Oxford.