OXFORD – The Oxford Holiday Committee has held two meetings making arrangements for this year’s Tree Lighting ceremony. The goal of this nonprofit committee is to encourage Oxford Village businesses to get ‘in the spirit’ of the season by “dressing” their establishments in their “holiday best,” and to decorate LaFayette Park’s Village Green for the holiday season. This has evolved into a spectacular “Festival of Lights”, which the Oxford community is very proud of.

Over the past couple of years, generous donations from the community have enabled the committee to purchase additional lighted sculptures, pre-lit garlands, replacement strings of lights (as are needed this year), wreaths and bows for all the Village light poles as well as a 12’ tall everlasting evergreen tree. The singing of, “Oh Tannenbaum” is the cue for the grand lighting of this tree, as well as the other sparkling displays.

Some topics of discussion covered were: getting fliers to the Oxford Primary school students for “Friday Folders”; distribution of posters (view or print PDF posters here: http://www.oxfordny.com/business/pon/index.php ); moving displays; Santa Claus coming to town to make an appearance (which has been confirmed!); community groups to bake more cookies due to the growing attendance each year; donation box distribution; a sound system; and musical entertainment.

Offering assistance, the Oxford Fire Department youth group, the Explorers, have volunteered to help with moving displays out of storage, the Oxford Lions Club will have a surprise to improve the sound system on the park, and the new music and arts venue, 6 On The Square, have offered to have their doors open for warming up and getting acquainted. If the weather is inclement, refreshments will be served inside.