Residents will soon bring their patriotic pride as the City of Oxford and the Oxford Lions Club are hosting the annual Fourth of July Parade and Celebration and would like for locals to join in this year's event which will be held Wednesday, July 4.

Participants are encouraged to decorate your bicycle, car, truck or float in a patriotic theme. There will be an award for the best float.

Do not plan to throw anything from your vehicle. Candy, etc. may be handed out by walking participants. Horses are welcome, but no stallions please.

The parade line-up starts at 9 a.m. on Haygood Avenue. Registration is not needed. Turn off of Emory Street onto Whatcoat Street to be directed to your line-up position. To be considered for an award you must be lined up by 9:30 a.m.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. Note that there is a change in the route in that it will turn off of Emory Street one block earlier at Soule Street rather than at Watson due to DOT concerns about the length of time that Emory (Hwy. 81) has to be closed.

Awards and recognition will be presented by Mayor Jerry Roseberry after the parade at Old Church. Entertainment will be provided by Shane Millwood and his band that were named Country Atlanta's Luminary Band of the Year in 2011.

There will also be concessions and the Oxford Lions will be providing free watermelon and popcorn.
For more information call (770) 786-7004.