By Teddy Rydquist

Leader Staff Writer

An event that will be here before we know it, the annual Oxford Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 1 p.m.

Presented by the Oxford Chamber of Commerce, Genisys Credit Union, Oxford Bank and The Village of Oxford, there will be plenty of activities for people of all ages to enjoy.

“We’re extremely excited about the Christmas Parade,” said Amy Desotell, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.

“Santa’s float will be the last one to go through. We’ll finish up in Centennial Park where Santa will meet with the kids, we’ll have the fire rings lit, live reindeer that you can feed, fun for the whole family.”

With pre-registration and the parade lineup taking place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the day of the festivities, there are plenty of ways for people to secure their spot beforehand. The registration is only required for those seeking to participate in the parade; simply attending the event is free of charge.

“Anyone looking to be involved can sign up right on our website,” Desotell said. “You can call up here and register, even stop in. Lots of ways to go about it.”

The parade will begin at Daniel Axford Elementary School on Mechanic St., with the floats traveling up Washington St. and being escorted off East Street, just south of the Oxford Fire Department.

The theme for this year’s parade is “Old Fashioned Christmas.” A celebration of Christmas’ early days in America, attendees are encouraged to wear clothing and bring decorations fitting the theme.

In addition to the judges and prizes, hot beverages and desserts will be available in Centennial Park.

Finding their Christmas spirit, the Chamber of Commerce is identifying ways to benefit needy groups during this season of giving.

“We’ll be partnering with the Oxford Township Sheriff’s Department for a ‘Toys for Tots’ fundraiser,” Desotell shared.

“We have donation bins in our office that will be available until Dec. 20, and police cruisers at the parade will be accepting toys, as well.

“The Downtown Development Authority is also putting on a window decorating contest, which will add some scenery and help get people ready for the season.”

Founded in 1947 and run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, the “Toys for Tots” program distributes toys to less fortunate families for Christmas.

A local tradition, the parade is deeply rooted in the Oxford community.

“I know the parade has been going on since at least 1954,” Desotell said.

“We get people that come from all over, people that have been coming for years and others that just made it a new tradition. It’s one of the best days of the year in our community — makes you proud of Oxford and all we accomplish.”

In recognition of her contributions to the community, Dora Rolando, owner of Great Lakes Mercantile, will serve as the Grand Marshal for this year’s parade. Nestled in the heart of downtown Oxford, Great Lakes Mercantile is a family owned business specializing in Michigan made products including books, maps, paintings and antiques.

The store has been named a top attraction in Oakland County by Pure Michigan. Oxford Community Television will televise the parade.