Larry Slocum jazzed up the annual Oxford Farmers Market report to city council by bringing instruments, fresh apples, coupons and some holiday cheer to council chambers.
Accompanied by fiddle, banjo and guitar players, Slocum and two friends passed out apples and $1 farmers’ market coupons. At the meeting Dec. 5, Slocum encouraged residents and council members to sing along parts for farmer, artisan or customer designated on the back of the coupons.
By the end, it was a chaotic mixture of singing, music and laughter as the council accepted the farmers market annual report. Council approved a measure to allow the market to continue using the parking lot adjacent to Uptown Park from 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
“I’m thankful for all the people who work hard to put on these events for the community,” said Councilman Mike Smith. “It really brings the community together and is what makes Oxford so great.”
Oxford Farmers Market has been active uptown since 2004. From December through April , the market will be open from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday.
“I always encourage people to shop local first,” said Mayor Bill Snavely.
In other news:
- Ex-councilman Glenn Ellerbe was recognized for his committed service to Oxford during his seven-year run as councilman. The council gifted him a medallion and a Carhartt outdoors jacket stitched with the city’s logo to recognize his work.
- City council approved free parking in Oxford from Dec. 11 to Jan. 1. Time limits of 2 hours and 11 hours will still apply based on signage at the meter. The parking prohibition between 4 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. will also remain in effect where the signage designates.
- The council also approved an increase to the forgivable loan program intended to support daycare businesses in Oxford. Assistant city manager Jessica Greene said the maximum amount for a loan to a daycare business was changed from $5,000 to $10,000.The loans will be forgiven once the daycare has been certified and operational for 12 months, Greene said. The program is funded by the American Rescue Plan and is capped at $30,000.
- Finally, Greene said that the council will continue to take resident comments about the Oxford Area Trail, plans for which are about 70% complete. She also said the city will set up a webpage to answer frequently asked questions.
