The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and Family Crisis Services is ensuring that there will be plenty for those in town on the Fourth of July.

Family-friendly events will be taking place all day in Oxford and local citizens are encouraged to participate by the chamber to “celebrate the community, military, veterans and America’s hard-won freedoms.”

The day begins early with the Stars and Stripes on the Square 5K beginning at 7:30 a.m. to benefit the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society. A children’s fun run will take place after at 8:30.

Once that ends, the lineup for the Children’s Parade on the Square will begin for a 9:30 a.m. start time.

New events in the Grove

In the afternoon beginning at 4 p.m., the Grove is the setting for more activities including a petting zoo, train rides and bounce houses. Everything is free for kids and “kids at heart.”

Also at 4 p.m., the LOU Community Band plays on the Grove Stage. A new pageant for children up to seven years old is also primed to kick off.

“We have added a Lil’ Miss & Master and Tiny Miss & Master Firecracker Pageant this year,” Meredith Rawl of Family Crisis Services said in an email. “The idea came from the spirit and excitement that is the Children’s Parade on the Square. Everyone is decked out in red, white, and blue! So, in an effort to keep those spirits high, we added the pageant. It will be held on the Grove Stage at 5:30. Line up starts as early as 4:30. The winners will receive a crown and, if possible, ride in the parade next year!”

The Independence Day Ceremony takes a moment to reflect, honor and respect our local service men and women at 6:30, with a series of special guests and announcements on the stage. Music continues with Honey & Boots at 7 p.m. followed by headlining band, Rocket 88.

Once the sun goes down, fireworks, presented by Olin Winchester, will cap off the evening at 9 p.m. The show will take place at the Oxford-University Stadium and Swayze Field. Seating is available in Swayze for a donation of $2. Stadium gates open at 7:30 p.m.

For more information and to sign up for some of the activities, visit lou4thofjuly.com. To volunteer, contact Meredith Rawl at mrawl@hotmail.com.