Memorial Day Weekend Packed with Activities in Oxford

Mark your calendars as Memorial Day Weekend in Oxford is set to be bustling with a myriad of activities. Several events geared towards sports, live music, literature, and culinary enthusiasts are set to take center stage on this auspicious long weekend.

Wonderbird Spirits’ Special Event

Launching the entertainment-packed weekend is Wonderbird Spirits, based in Taylor, slated to host a special event on the lawn and within the confines of the distillery. The event welcomes Neal Bodenheimer, the founder of the James Beard Award-winning, New Orleans-based bar, Cure. Oxford’s own John Currence will be in deep conversation with Bodenheimer, centered around his book titled, “Cure: New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix ‘Em.”

Food from Homeplace Pastures, cocktails courtesy of the Cure team, and music by The End of All Music are some of the highlights of the event. Square Books, in collaboration with the event, offers attendees the opportunity to get their own signed copy of the book.

Literary Evening at Square Books

Concurrently, Square Books will also be ushering attendees into a literary world through an event featuring author Pete Candler. Candler, with his new book, “A Deeper South: The Beauty, Mystery, and Sorrow of the Southern Road,” will engage in discourse with local author John T. Edge. Candler’s latest work is a travelogue, chronicling 25 years of his exploration through the backroads of the American South.

50th Anniversary of the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest

Music enthusiasts have a reason to be excited, as Memorial Day weekend coincides with the 50th anniversary of the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest. The annual ritual draws participants from the world over. Attendees can either witness the contest or immerse themselves in the thrill by joining the festival for evening performances.

Musical Performances

The musical performances are poised to liven up the evenings throughout the weekend. On Thursday, the festival will feature a performance by Grammy-nominated Judy Carmichael, renowned for her impressive interpretation of stride piano and swing. Other highlights of the weekend include the Tune-Up Party on Friday featuring contestants in action, the sing-along of classic American tunes on Saturday, and the Red, White and Blue Finale on Sunday.

The Grand Fundo

The Grand Fundo, a scenic bike ride party through the Hills Country of Lafayette County, is scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Drawing more than 200 riders with varying skills, the scenic course ranges from 20 to 70 miles. The entirety of the ride is marked with fun activities like pop-up photo booths, cheerleaders, and homemade cookies.

Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Park

The local Veterans of Foreign War, American Legion, Marine Corps. League and Disabled American Veterans extend an invitation to the community for their annual Memorial Day Ceremony. Scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Veterans Park, the event aims to honor veterans and first responders through engaging speeches and a hearty community cookout.