see & do
OXFORD’S
DOUBLE DECKER FESTIVAL courtesy of the oxford, ms convention & visitors bureau
Experience food, music and art at the 17th annual Oxford Double Decker Arts Festival presented by C Spire Wireless on April 2728. Taking its name from the town’s authentic double decker bus imported from England in 1994, the festival brings together visitors and residents alike for a celebration of music, food and the arts on the picturesque Courthouse Square. The 2012 event will again follow a two-day format that includes special music on Friday night and the traditional festival activities on Saturday. Friday’s concert featuring music from Charlie Mars, Deertick and Iron & Wine is a ticketed event, but the family activities on Saturday are open to the public. Music continues on Saturday on both the Caterpillar Stage and Oxford American Magazine’s 20th Anniversary Stage, and the festivities will wrap up Saturday night with musical legend Mavis Staples. 94 | At Home Tennessee • April 2012
The festival also includes more than 150 art vendors from around the region who will display their creative wares for the anticipated 55,000 festival attendees. Selected by Oxford’s Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, the vendors include potters, glass craftsmen, woodworkers, painters and self-taught artists working in a variety of media.
prize, parade their dogs, cats, rabbits and even chickens decked out in elaborate costumes.
Attendees with an appetite can stroll through the “Taste of Oxford” food court, which features a sampling of culinary treats from 23 local restaurateurs. Whether a cup of spicy duck gumbo, a slice of pepperoni pizza, or a chocolate-filled croissant, there is something to satisfy everybody’s palate.
“The festival continues to grow each year, and we hope that this year will be the largest celebration ever,” said Mary-Kathryn Herrington, festival director, “We have made some improvements and really stepped up our game this year, and can’t wait to share it with all the people who love this festival.”
The Winchester Children’s Square Fair will again include face painting, storytelling and musicians to keep both children and their parents entertained. The highlight of the afternoon is the Best Dressed Pet Contest when participants, hoping to win the coveted first
For more information, visit www. doubledeckerfestival.com. Tickets for Friday night can be purchased from the Double Decker Facebook page or through the event website.
Saturday’s activities begin at 8 a.m. with the Double Decker Spring Run 5k and 10k Run/ Walks. Winding through the campus of Ole Miss and nearby Oxford neighborhoods, the two courses are fun for beginning joggers as well as experienced athletes.