By CJ Lester | CJ Lester Investigates
Oxford's Fourth of July parade — a tradition that stretches back roughly 50 years — will not be held this year, and Mayor David Eady says the driving reason comes down to one thing: the city simply does not have enough people to run it anymore.
"Oxford has hosted a parade for about 50 years, but it has grown while our volunteer base has not," Eady told me this week, "so we depend heavily on the staff to organize and manage the parade."
The mayor said the strain falls not just on city employees generally, but specifically on law enforcement. Three years ago, the city added a community festival to the Independence Day celebration, which Eady said only made the workload heavier. Before making the final call, the city surveyed its staff.
I have filed an open records request for that survey, any related communications surrounding the decision, and any transcript or recording of the March 16 work session.
What the council is considering instead
At a March 16 work session, the council discussed alternatives. Eady proposed a summer festival modeled on Oxford's existing seasonal festivals, which he says have been well-attended in recent years. The current thinking is a Friday evening event on June 26 from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring local vendors and food trucks.
Eady said he has asked Event Manager Sydney Mathis — who coordinates the farmers market and seasonal festivals — to weigh in with recommendations before the council takes a formal vote. That vote is expected at the city's next regular meeting on April 6.
I was not present at the March 16 work session, as I work nights, but I have filed open records requests for all documents from that meeting including any available transcript or minutes. I will be covering the April 6 council vote and will continue to update this story as records come in. I have also reached out to council members for additional comment.
The city needs volunteers
At the heart of this story is a straightforward problem: Oxford does not have enough volunteers to sustain a tradition its residents have enjoyed for half a century. If you live in Oxford and want to see community events continue — whether that's a revived parade someday or a summer festival this year — the city needs your help.
If you are interested in volunteering, contact Oxford City Hall at 770-786-7004 or email comments@oxfordgeorgia.org.
I want to hear from you
I am a resident of Oxford and I will be covering the April 6 council vote. If you have thoughts on the parade cancellation, the proposed festival, or anything else happening in the city, reach out to me at cj@cjlesterinvestigates.com or call or text the tip line at (470) 996-6915.
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