INSIGHT Magazine July 2014 | Page 6

Jacksonville Oxford This week is Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Department’s “Week of Heroes,” a week-long celebration with community events from Monday, June 30 up to the July 3 celebration at Golden Eagle Stadium at Jacksonville High School. Today is the City of Oxford’s Freedom Festival, which starts at 8 a.m. at Oxford Lake Park and runs all the way through to late evening. Kids can participate in the 9 a.m. parade, featuring many local Oxford groups and organizations, including firefighters and EMS responders. Afterward you and the family can enjoy activities throughout the park, like meeting caricature artists who will make free, funny drawings of attendees (for a limited time), playing games, eating food or even having a race in the swimming pool. There will also be an antique car show, so you’ll have a chance to see some amazing automobiles. Admission and participation is free of charge. On July 1, the Toddler Challenge takes place at the Frogtown Soccer Complex. On July 2, the Splish-Splash Pool Party runs from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jacksonville City Pool. Both are great opportunities to give the kids something to do, especially a day at the pool to get out of the heat for a while. Thursday night’s celebration features plenty of entertainment, like a performance from local country music star Riley Green, as well as carnival games, food vendors, arts and crafts, a live broadcast from Alabama 810 and a fireworks show to finish off the evening. Call the Parks and Recreation Department at 256-831-2660 to find out more, or to get a specific schedule of events. The doors open at 5, and the fireworks start at 9. Admission is free. You can find out more by calling the Jacksonville Community Center at 256-435-8115. ✽ 6 July 2014 INSIGHT