Our little town gets bigger every day, but the Fourth of July is our time each year to be small town Oxford once again.

We have one of the better Fourth of July celebrations, a time for families and a time for recognizing our freedom and those who have served in the military to protect this freedom.

The celebration is approachable for all in a small town wonderful sort of way, including a 5K fun run, a children’s parade on the Square, live music and food vendors with a children’s area and petting zoo during activities in the Grove at Ole Miss, and fireworks — fireworks, of course.

The weather is leaning toward cooperating, but when the air is this warm and muggy there’s always a chance of summer showers or thunderstorms. We’re hoping for the best, and expecting it. But even a little rain won’t stop the show.

You may recall last Fourth of July when heavy rain fell in Oxford at about 8 p.m., delaying the fireworks at Oxford University Stadium. But eventually patience paid off and the skies lit up with one bang after another.

This year, once again, our small town charm will shine on the Fourth of July, which makes it one of our favorite celebrations in Oxford.

We appreciate those who make it happen each year, including Ole Miss, which works with the city to provide a venue for a true community event. And, we appreciate all who participate starting with the early-morning fun run and parade and culminating with traditional fireworks.