OXFORD – Oxford Village Mayor Terry Stark will be dusting off his top hat for one of Oxford’s grandest events of the year, the holiday season kick-off. Everyone’s invited to join the Mayor in LaFayette Park for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Sunday at 5 p.m. Gather at the heart of the Village, by the bandstand, as it’s the site of an old-fashioned community festivity of lights, music, roasted chestnuts, caroling, refreshments, joyous reveling, and perhaps even a few surprises.

Each year it’s up to the Oxford Holiday Committee (OHC), a nonprofit organization, to creatively design and decorate the park. A bright and dazzling display is promised by the committee once again. The beautiful 12-foot evergreen tree will be up and twinkling with lots of lighted vignettes. For a sneak-peek of the tree or to see the Tree Lighting countdown, visit www.OxfordNY.com.

A schedule has been planned, and printed programs will be distributed to all. Mayor Stark will officiate the holiday spectacular and welcome in the holiday season. After a couple of carols, he will announce the Oxford Academy Primary School award recipients of the eighth annual “Recycled Holiday Ornament Contest.” This contest is sponsored by the OHC as a way to encourage the local children to get involved in the decorating fun, be part of the ceremony, and learn the benefits of recycling. Place prizes will include gift certificates to Big Blue, Hoppie’s, and the Oxford Coffee House.

More attention will be drawn to the ceremonious lighting of the big tree with a countdown this year. With some young assistants from the Primary School, a large light switch will be pulled to turn on the lights.

Talented members of Oxford Academy’s Middle and High School chorus’ will lead off with, “O Christmas Tree.” Following that, spirited carols will fill the air led by student volunteers under the direction of the very talented Michael Moren. There will also be music by the Oxford Brass Quartet.