Oxford Community Market is proud to announce their first market of the season and kickoff party will be held on Tuesday, April 18. Formerly known as Oxford City Market, the rebranded market will host this event to welcome the Spring 2017 season. Formerly a program of the City of Oxford, the Community Market is now an independent nonprofit organization, but OXCM’s mission remains the same: improving access to fresh, healthy, local, and sustainable goods for all citizens and building a warm, welcoming local food community.
“I can’t go anywhere without someone asking, “When does the market start?” said market director Betsy Chapman. “People are just chomping at the bit for some good, old-fashioned, home-grown Mississippi produce.”
OXCM’s first market will have around 20 vendors selling fresh produce from local farms, fresh baked goods, refreshments, as well as live music. Expect to see many OXCM regulars: Yokna Bottoms, Native Son, Mardis Honey, 7D, and everyone’s favorite egg man, Mr. Aldridge. Plus, new vendors include Gretchen of Heartbreak Coffee, Thistle and Myrrh Bath & Body, Sweet Bee Farm, and Poultry in Motion.
“It’s going to be a really fun day,” said Chapman. “We’ll have free kids activities with RebelWell and the Mississippi Sustainable Agriculture Network, Hula-Hooping with Soulhooper, and cake for everyone!”
The Oxford Community Market will kick-off the 2017 market season from 3–6:30 pm at the Old Armory Pavilion on the corner of University Ave. and Bramlett Blvd. A special Friends of the Market Happy Hour with Shannon McNally will take place from 4–6 pm to thank OXCM’s supporters.
“Friends of the Market are our core supporters, customers, business owners, and organizations who value the economic, social, and health impacts that the market has on our community,” said Chapman. “Anyone can be a Friend of the Market. These small yearly donations of $30 keep the market going.”
For a donation of $30, Friends of the Market receive thank-you perks throughout the year such as an invitation to OXCM’s Friends of the Market Happy Hour on opening day, hosted by Artist Vodka, Living Foods, Oxford Canteen, and Neon Pig. For more information or to become a Friend of the Market, email Betsy at oxcmkt@gmail.com or call 662-816-7413. 
