As far as summer festivals go, it’s still the new kid on the block, but the Seymour Celebration has arguably become Oxford’s largest and most eagerly anticipated event.
‘I think every year it just gets bigger and bigger,? said Ron Davis, director of the Oxford Township Parks and Recreation Department, which organizes and runs the festival. ‘The last four or five days have just been nuts. The phone’s been ringing off the hook as far as selling (carnival ride) wristbands and picking up additional sponsors.?
Now in its third year, the celebration is set to take over Seymour Lake Twp. Park from Thursday, July 7 through Saturday, July 9.
‘Originally, (the Seymour Celebration) was just for the grand opening of the splash pad, but then it just kept expanding,? Davis said. ‘People asked us to do a carnival, so we added that last year.?
Founded in 1857, the Skerbeck Carnival will return to the park this year for three days of thrilling rides, delicious food, fun games and exciting prizes.
The carnival will run from 5-10 p.m. on Thursday and from 12 noon until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
A $20 wristband purchased at the gate entitles the wearer to unlimited rides.
Davis noted the carnival is the only part of the Seymour Celebration with a charge attached to it. Everything else, including entrance to the park and parking, is completely free.
On Friday and Saturday from 6-10 p.m., two bands each night will entertain the crowd with their musical stylings.
Following the live music both nights, there will be a massive fireworks display that will fill the sky with dazzling lights and thunderous explosions.
‘The fireworks were so successful, we said okay, let’s do two nights of fireworks,? Davis said. ‘People love it.?
On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., part of the park will be transformed into ‘vendor alley,? featuring nonprofit groups and a variety of local businesses displaying their products and advertising their services.
‘I think we have about 50 different exhibitors coming out,? Davis said.
As always, the park’s famous Kids Kingdom playground and KLR Splash Pad will be open to the public during the celebration.
Davis is inviting all of Oxford, Addison and the surrounding townships to come out and enjoy one of the area’s premiere parks and most popular celebrations.
‘It’s just a neat community event,? he said. ‘It’s small town America. I hate to sound corny. It’s family fun at reasonable cost, if any.?
The Oxford Leader is a proud sponsor of the Seymour Celebration.