Double Decker Arts Festival Lights Up Oxford with Fun and Festivities
Oxford, Mississippi, came alive this past weekend as the 27th annual Double Decker Arts Festival unfolded in all its glory. Recognized as one of the best festivals in the state for many years, this year certainly did not disappoint! Kicking off on Friday night, the streets were filled with the vibrant sounds of live music, featuring talented acts such as Grace Bowers, Conner Smith, and Flatland Cavalry. The free evening concert attracted thousands, setting a festive tone for the days to come.
A Day Full of Activities
Saturday was packed with excitement, starting bright and early at 10 a.m. The Square transformed into a bustling hub with around 140 art vendors setting up shop, alongside a delicious assortment of food vendors. There was something for everyone, from handmade crafts to mouth-watering treats. By 10:30 a.m., the children’s area was already buzzing with laughter and joy, as families arrived to soak in the festive spirit.
Throughout the day, music echoed from the stage located on North Lamar, adding to the lively atmosphere. But before the festivities on the Square officially kicked off, an impressive 2,333 participants laced up their sneakers for the annual Double Decker Spring 5K, 10K, and Family Fun runs. Runners of all ages took to the streets and enjoyed the beautiful Oxford weather.
Mayor’s Enthusiastic Approval
Oxford’s Mayor, Robyn Tannehill, shared her excitement on social media, proclaiming the festival the “most successful Double Decker in history.” Her heartfelt gratitude extended to all city departments who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to create a memorable experience for the community.
“It is a huge team effort, and it makes me so proud every year to watch our departments all come together to serve our community,” she posted. The mayor emphasized that Oxford was truly showcasing what it does best — great music, fantastic food, and beautiful art.
Evening Festivities and a Surprise
As the sun began to set, more people flocked to the Square for the Saturday night concert. The crowd grew even larger, filling North Lamar from the stage all the way back to the courthouse. The evening’s entertainment began with the incredible Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, followed by the highly anticipated headliner, Brittany Howard. To heighten the excitement, Visit Oxford had teased a special surprise at 8:15 p.m., which was announced to be a spectacular drone show.
However, fans were disappointed when the drone display was canceled due to “reasons beyond our control.” Nevertheless, the night’s festivities rolled on, with many still enjoying the music and the vibrant atmosphere.
Safety and Celebrations
Meanwhile, the safety of the festival-goers remained a top priority. Oxford Police Chief Jeff McCutchen reported that while it was a busy weekend, there were no major issues. With beautiful weather attracted large crowds, he expressed satisfaction with the event, stating, “It was the perfect weekend to have Oxford on display. All of our city employees worked hard to provide a safe, clean, and fun experience.”
The Oxford Police Department did note that they made 28 arrests, with seven DUIs and nine for public drunkenness recorded during the festivities. What a mix of fun and festivities!
Looking Forward
The Double Decker Arts Festival brought together the community in a splendid way, showcasing the heart and soul of Oxford. From lively music to spectacular art and tasty eats, the city shined throughout the weekend. Here’s looking forward to many more events like this, where residents and visitors alike can come together to celebrate everything that makes Oxford so charming!
