Green Beer Day is one of Oxford’s oldest traditions that can also help to foster a sense of community within the city. 

At 5:30  Thursday morning, Elizabeth Siegle opened up Uptown Blends, located at 20 E High St, hoping to be a part of that. 

She partnered with Stephene Spahn of Oxford Doughnut Shoppe to serve non-alcoholic options of drinks and treats to all participating in the tradition in uptown. 

“We’re women and we’re just trying to do businesses,” said Siegle.  “Our whole thing here is trying to change how to do businesses up here.” 

The Hamilton resident and also talked about how her experience has been in the past with traditions in Oxford since she went to Talawanda. “There has been no spirit and I want to change that,’ said Siegle. “To change that, I have to be involved in the community.” 

She also understands that it is going to take time. Siegle wants to be involved in things with Oxford and its community. She said she has kids in the Talawanda school system and she doesn’t want Oxford to remain a “seasonal town.” 

One way to do that, bringing lots of energy in the early hours of the morning. She made a backpack with containers and long tubes with dispensers so she could share some of Uptown Blends’ drinks with those who were partaking in the festivities. 

She also repped a big green wig, green tutu and a ‘Lucky’ green shirt to match the festive mood. “If it’s not about fun then I’m in the wrong business.”

For others, Green Beer Day isn’t about doing business, but visiting them. For Bill Levenderis and Judy Eaton, it was about enjoying what Oxford has to offer. 

They met last year on St. Patrick’s Day and Levenderis thought, ‘Well if you like St. Patrick’s Day, what about Green Beer Day?’

The two then had their first date on Green Beer Day a year ago. “I have worked at Miami for a long time and so I tried to avoid it,” said Eaton. She works in the Office of Research and Innovation and has been at Miami for over 22 years. 

Levenderis however, said it was tradition for him to go and has been going yearly since he went to Miami. He was wearing a large green and white jester hat with clover tassels and a green O’Pub T-shirt. He still lives in Oxford now. 

Following their first date, Eaton now appreciates the tradition and said it is fun and how she enjoys people watching. He talked about how he enjoys getting a hot dog and Guinness from The Wood’s/Sidebar. 

The two were out bright and early this morning taking in Oxford together. 

Green Beer Day can be a time for those to serve the community and for others to experience the community. It is something that keeps Oxford together.