OXFORD – The start of the holiday season was marked with this year’s annual “Holiday Tree Lighting on the Park,” held Nov. 27. The weather was unseasonably warm which seemed to attract an unusually large gathering. There was an inspiring choir, music by the Oxford United Praise Band, Santa, cookies and smiles everywhere.

The honorable Oxford Village Mayor, Terry Stark, donned his formal top hat, welcomed everyone for coming out and gave a special thank you to emcee Jim Baldwin and the Oxford Lions Club for providing the gingerbread cottage-sound system that was being used.

The Oxford Academy High School chorus student volunteers lead a sing-along of traditional Christmas carols. There was a pause for the announcement of the primary school winners of the Recycled Holiday Ornament Contest by Mayor Stark, followed by more singing.