Smoking Ban Gets Online Opposition (mm3)

Soon students may be able to breathe easier on the campus of Ole Miss.  A smoking ban was proposed and passed in the ASB senate, but still must go through faculty and administration for approval.

Student opinion on the ban varies between smokers and non-smokers.  Junior Journalism major and non-smoker Kristen Stephens said “I believe it’s a good idea. The current system ins’t working well enough and stuents aren’t always staying in the designated areas.  Getting rid of the problem altogether seems like the best solution.”

Other students, especially smokers, are not on board with the program.   Opposition to the ban gave rise to a facebook page called “Kiss My Butt Ole Miss” intended to raise awareness of the potential ban and get support. Richard Burke, a senior political science major from Natchez, is the founder of the new facebook page.  So far the page only has 31 fans since being founded back in September.  In the information bar the page says “We Intend on Keeping Designated Smoking Areas at Ole Miss”

“I'm not real sure what makes the ASB think that I deserve fewer freedoms than everyone else, but I certainly beg to differ,” Ole Miss student Kate Jones wrote on the page, “I'm fine with respecting smoking regulations. It's that a governing minority is trying to limit my actions, not because I'm doing anything wrong, but only because they don't like it.”

If you’d like to voice your opinion on the matter or link up with fellow smokers visit the Kiss My Butt Ole Miss fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kiss-My-Butt-Ole-Miss/269043923118477

Counseling Center Promotes Stress-Less Week (MM2)

Finals week can be a very stressful time for students in college.  To fight off the stress, the University of Mississippi has initiated “Stress-Less Week” beginning April 30 and going through May 4.  Stress-Less Week is made up of several activities including yoga, lawn games, massages, and live entertainment.

During this week the counseling center will open a ‘napping well’ where students can take 30-minute power naps between the hours of 11am and 2pm.  The napping well will not allow any electronics or distracting devices inside but they can be safely checked in at the front desk.   Earplugs, air mattresses, blankets, and eye masks will be available for students.  The napping well will maintain complete silence to offer students a good place to nap.

For more information on stress less week visit the counseling center’s facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/University-of-Mississippi-Counseling-Center/87391980232

RA10

Double Decker Festival b-roll and interview

Study Help List

Brown Hall Students Make Study Help List

With finals at Ole Miss right around the corner, students in Brown Hall got together to help devise five important study tips.  After a bit of research, they found the five strategies below can help deplete stressful behaviors just before the big test.  Freshman Nathan Weston said, “I hope these [tips] can help some people pass.  I know I need the extra advice.”

1)    Avoid distractions

      It is important to create an appropriate study environment that is free from interruptions.  Everyone is different when it comes to studying.  Make sure your environment is conducive to your needs, no matter where your friends might want to study. 

      Do you have that friend of that is always upset about their performance on the last test until they get it back and realize they made an A?  Stay away from that person during finals.  You do not need attitudes like that to stress you out while you are preparing.  They are usually the ones not afraid to pull an all-nighter on material they already know.

2)    Break it up!

            Make sure you give your brain a rest periodically.  You cannot simply cram information inside it all day.  That’s extra stress.  Set checkpoints ahead of time that will act as goals for study breaks.  Once you reach that point, grab a snack or take a walk.  Your brain will thank you!

3)    Don’t procrastinate

            Being prepared is important to finishing any task.  Stress is reduced severely when students take the time to begin reviewing material piece by piece, instead of directly before they are asked to show what they know.

4)    Study before sleep

            Studies show that your brain retains more information just before rest.  If you must cram before a final, try your best to limit your study session to an hour and a half.  Studies show that after that time period, ability to hold on to information decreases exponentially.

5)    Be confident!

            Relax! If you went over these tips, and took the time to implement them, you’ve got this! Stay strong!

Delta Delta Delta Hosts Dinner for Parents’ Weekend

Those in the mood for a bit of barbecue and fellowship before the big Double Decker Festivities get into full were in for a treat at the Delta Delta Delta house on Ole Miss campus.  Rib Cage on the Square catered a barbecue dinner as a part of Parents’ Weekend.

For just $10 students and family members were able to help themselves to as much pork shoulder sandwich, slaw, and beans as they could eat.  The dinner was held from 3:30 to 5:30 and enjoyed a major turnout.

Freshman Tri Delt member, Dunn Latham, commented, “I had no idea Parent’s Weekend would produce such a large event.  Anyone who didn’t make it definitely missed a nice luncheon with great food.” 

Proceeds from the barbecue went to the Carson-Pitcock Scholarship Fund, a Delta Delta Delta sponsored scholarship.  The scholarship, established in 2007 by the sorority will be presented to a member based upon sorority board approval that establishes the selected student as a valued leader.

Latham stated that she is proud to represent a sorority that gives back in a creative way.  “I’m just proud that the extended Tri Delt family was able to come out and help us with such an important cause!”

Ole MIss Attractions RA #7

Mallard Point RA #6

MM1

Library to have 24/7 Hours during Exam Week

       During exam week, the John Davis Williams Library, located at the center of the Ole Miss campus, will have their doors open round the clock. While this may sound like a student's dream, it is not as beneficial as you may think.

       There have been dozens of studies in the past that have proven lack of sleep is a big contributor to poor exam grades.

       "Sure I'll be there, but I'm certainly not going to be there all night," stated freshman Zach Joos, "if I don't get enough sleep, I'll bomb my exams. I couldn't imagine anyone being fully awake and alert during an exam after they stayed up all night the night before."

       To put more salt in the wound of all-nighter students, the Starbucks Cafe located inside the library will be open until midnight all week long. If a student were to take in caffeine that late at night, the chances of having a 5am crash greatly increases.

       Which means, consequently, the chances of sleeping through an exam increases as well.

       Students, think twice before deciding to pull an all-nighter the night before your exams. 

MM1

1960s Board Game Inspires Movie

Jared Burleson

You’ll soon be able to enjoy a favorite past-time board game in a world class film production. International toy and game company Hasbro has produced a film inspired by the game Battleship.  The board game was created in 1967 and has gone through a few cosmetic updates since then but the general rules of play have remained the same.

            Battleship was first adapted to another format in 193 when a videogame was released for the Nintendo Entertainment Center and Sega Game Gear.  The game was reworked and re-released in 2011 for newer game platforms.

            The movie will be released in the US on May 18. It has already premiered in the UK and Japan.  Avid gamers and fanatics have already made it clear they’re ready for the release.

            “I’m going to come decked out in a naval whites costume,” said Scott Stogner of Saltillo, MS, “I’m so excited for this film.”  When Stogner was born the game had already been a favorite past time of his parents’ and growing up he started playing it with his friends too.

            The movie will tie together generations who have enjoyed the game.  Grandparent’s, parents, children, and grandchildren who have loved the game Battleship can now enjoy the new movie premiering on May 18.  Visit www.battleshipmovie.com for more information about the film.

RA #9

Reporting assignment #9

Paige Canfield

                                    Gavin DeGraw and Craig Morgan come to the Grove!

Gavin DeGraw and Craig Morgan will be playing for free at the grove this Friday at 8:30pm brought to Ole Miss by the Student Programming Board. All students are welcome to come. Kandace Belk a freshman at the University of Mississippi is happy with the choice of Gavin on preforming in the Grove “ I love Gavin DeGraw, there was a rumor going around that Maroon 5 was going to be preforming, but I’m happy they didn’t,”  It will be a fun concert and a great chance to hangout and socialize with friends! Kelley Killorin a freshman at Ole Miss is excited to have a concert in the grove. “I think it’s going to be really fun! I love the grove and I love Gavin, also having a concert outside will be awesome, I just hope it’s not too cold.” This concert in the grove is not the first event to be held there. Tailgating for football games is how most people identify with the Grove. Craig Morgan will be opening up for Gavin; some of his songs include You Never Know and Redneck Yacht Club. For more information on whom Gavin DeGraw or Craig Morgan are you can look them up on iTunes.

controversy and harry potter

Harry Potter has been a house-hold name ever since its first appearance in the literary world in 1997. Since then the series has become nothing short of a phenomenon with seven books, eight movies, tons of merchandise, and its very own theme park in Orlando, Florida. The book’s author, J.K. Rowling, was met with instant success. She quickly went from a single-mother on welfare to a multi-millionaire.

All seven of her books have been on the New York Times Bestseller list as well as translated into over sixty languages. The movies have also been met with tremendous success. The latest and final movie broke all national records making over $250 million in one weekend. Yet regardless of the fame, love, and success Harry Potter continue to achieve, there are still some who question the book’s themes and motives. As much love as there is for Harry Potter there is also much debate, and more so much controversy.

The debate over religion and is involvement in Harry Potter has been an on-going argument since J.K. Rowling first published the book as a children’s story in 1997. While some observers say that Harry Potter is just a fun, good read others believe the book promotes witchcraft, the devil, and other dark themes. Various religious groups have spoken out against and in favor of the series including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The main issue most religious officials say is the book’s emphasis on magic and the supernatural. They feel her writing about a world where witches and wizards are normal and accepted encourages children to practice witchcraft. J.K. Rowling dismissed this notion early on in her career saying she did not write the books to encourage witchcraft to children. Rowling herself in fact is Christian, and as said in her interviews she believes there is more than anything a Christian undertone in her writing. J.K. Rowling declares Hogwarts (the school wizards and witches attend in the book) a multi-faith school although she uses Christian scriptures and ceremonies in her books. In one book, Harry Potter actually draws a cross of the grave of a loved one. Even with these Christian messages Rowling states she is not trying to convert anyone to Christianity. This has not stopped religious officials and parents from putting up a fight. In the fourteen years J.K. Rowling’s books have been on the shelves, they have been challenge on quite a regular basis. Some schools require a signed permission slip in order to check out Harry Potter books due to parent’s complaints. The parents said the books encouraged witchcraft, and it was not something that should be on the shelves of public libraries.

    The Harry Potter series is a thrilling tale enchanted with magical creatures, tricky spells, and many unforgettable characters. It is a classic story of good versus evil with important themes such as bravery, courage, loyalty, and friendship tied in. However it is a story filled with dark magic, death, spirits and evil in its worst form. Although the series has come to an end, the series has created a religious controversy that will more than likely fuel an endless debate. The Harry Potter series will be picked apart, analyzed, and discussed for years to come.

Hooping at the Turner Center

MM#3 Double Decker Spring Run

Clint Tucker

4/28/12                    

Journalism 102                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                MM#10

Double Decker Spring Run

                The Double Decker Spring Run was held Saturday. The event was a part of Oxford’s 17^th annual Double Decker Arts Festival that started Friday April 27^th and ended Saturday April 28^th. It included a 10k run, 5k walk/run, and a Kid’s Fun Run.

                The races began at North Lamar across from Handy Andy’s and went up sorority row, around the grove, through the Square downtown, and ended back at North Lamar. 10k (6.2 miles) participants started at 10:30, followed by the 5k racers at 7:45 a.m. (3.1 miles), and wrapped up with the Kid’s Fun Run at 9:00.    

                Matt Reynolds, a 10k contestant, “ This is my third time running this and every year there is more and more people and it keeps improving. I love how the community of Oxford comes together for Double Decker, and this race is a great way for people who have never been to Oxford, MS, to come and experience what this small college town has to offer.

                All contestants received a race shirt, race number with a timing tag, and race goody bag. 

The racers had to wear the timing tag becauseit allowed the judges keep track of them and gave the

an exact time from start to finish.

                Participants that finished in the

 top 3 of the 10k and 5k were given a prize.

$200 was awarded to the of the winner of

 the in both men and womens division. There

were no awards for the Kid’s Fun Run.

                The official time of the winners were, in the male division was Barnabas Kiru, 26, Oxford, MS with a time of 30:43. In the 10k womens division Sheryl Chatfield, 50, of Oxford, MS ran it in 40:51. The 5k overall winners were; in the male division Charlie Dawson,36, of Pontotoc, MS, finished in 16:35 and the female winner was Melissa Robinson, 29, of Austin, TX, and she finished in 20:10.

Stress Less Week RA 10

Lamar Park RA #10

Clint Tucker

4/29/12             

Journalism 102                                                  Lamar Park is Booming

                Lamar Park has been one of the bright spots for the Oxford community in the recent years. With summertime right around the corner, people are starting to pack the park again by walking, running, and just enjoying the sun.

                Lamar Park is a one and a half mile loop that was built over an old country club. Located just outside of town on Country Club Road, the park has become popular for its convenient location, relaxed, family feel, and its scenic views that attract all sorts of crowds.

                 It was recently ranked the #6 of #9 things to do in Oxford according to the Lonely Planet Travelers. Visitors bike, walk, jog, run, and do just about everything imaginable.

                “I come here all the time and it’s just an awesome place for me and my friends to come walk. It’s quiet and secluded off the road and it’s a great place to get away from things.” Emily Davis, a graduate student at Ole Miss.

                One major reason that it is a hot spot is because it allows people to bring their pet(s) from home. As long as visitors keep their pet on leashes, quiet, and clean up after them, then they are allowed to walk them around the park.

                One thing is for sure, this summer will be yet another busy one for the park.  It gives everyone an opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the people and city of Oxford. Who knows? You might even see Ole Miss’ own Eli Manning running around out there.

Mavis Staples moves crowd at Double Decker

With acts ranging from lo-fi indie singer Iron and Wine to alternative rockers Deer Tick to alt-country crooner Patterson Hood to local favorites Young Buffalo, this year's Double Decker Arts Festival certainly enjoyed its fair share of talented musical acts. Perhaps one of the most impressive was Saturday evening's headliner, soul singer Mavis Staples.

A rhythm and soul, blues and gospel singer from Chicago, Staples was once a member of the influential Staples Singers band and has been active in the music industry for over fifty years. Although Staples primarily tours as a solo act now, she brought her whole band to Oxford for the festival performance.    

Taking the stage at 9:00 PM Saturday evening, Staples launched immediately into her soul-filled set. Staples played a wide range of songs covering her extensive music career and interspersed among her songs, the former civil rights activist also included a healthy dose of social commentary concerning the state of the country.

Throughout the evening, Staples interacted with the crowd and even joked about moving to Oxford given the warm reception she had received thus far at the festival. Earlier in the evening Staples even joined an earlier performer, the Funky Meters, on stage.

Oxford residents, Ole Miss students, and visitors alike crowded close to the Caterpillar Main Stage where Staples performed, and generations gathered together to hear the music legend.

"I grew up listening to Mavis Staples my whole life and it was great to finally see her live," stated Peter Englert, a freshman journalism major. "Her show was easily the best I saw at Double Decker this year."

"It was great to see such a legend perform tonight," said Austin Williamson, a concertgoer and native of Dallas Texas. "I don't often come to Oxford, but when I do, it's for events just like this. This is what's great about this city."

Even after a half century performing, Staples kept the Oxford crowd on their feet and moving through her hour-long set, an excellent close to the 17th year of Double Decker.

Next weekend, Staples continues her summer tour at Jazz Fest in New Orleans, Louisiana. For more information about Mavis Staples or to see her other upcoming festival dates, check out her website here.

Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers Performs at Double Decker

On Saturday, Patterson Hood, who usually shares vocal duties with Mike Cooley in the popular alt-country band Drive-By Truckers, was in Oxford in support of his solo projects, which include two albums—2009’s Murdering Oscar (and other love songs) and 2004’s Killers and Stars. The show drew one of the larger crowds at Double Decker, despite the 85 degree temperatures when his set began.

Hood mostly performed songs from these two albums, along with a few songs he sings with Drive-By Truckers and a few new songs set to be released on an upcoming album. Though he rejects the label of “protest singer,” many of his songs had a strong political bent, including a new song in which he sings against the development of downtown Atlanta. “Who needs a downtown when there’s a Wal-Mart next door,” Hood crooned.

The crowd at the show was a mixed lot. Ole Miss students wearing Polo brand shirts and Cole Haan shoes stood next middle-aged men with long hair and “Brad Morris for Congress” stickers (Morris is the Democratic candidate in the upcoming election for Mississippi’s First District).

The diverse nature of the crowd seemed to belie a strong division among Hood’s (and Drive-By Trucker’s) fan base—the split between those who enjoy the love songs and stories of the South for which Hood and the band are known and those who strongly support the band’s message of class solidarity and anti-corporatism.

“Patterson Hood and DBT… I feel like their music just speaks to so many different people,” said Mark Roberts, a senior at Ole Miss. “I’m not a fan of his political message, but I like everything else they’ve done.”

Roberts’ statement was reflected by the reactions of the crowd. When Hood sang the Wal-Mart line mentioned above, many of the fans stood stone-faced, while others yelled and clapped.

For more information on Hood and upcoming tour dates, visit www.pattersonhood.com.

My most recent video, I think this one worked last time.

Dorm Break Ins

This is my second video, still don't know if you ever got it or not so I'm just posting again!

Chi O Crawfish

this is the first video I don't know if it worked before

MM#3

Police Aren't the Only Ones Using Breathalyzers

      Breathalyzers have recently been introduced to the square and the people of Oxford seem to appreciate it. These machines are in the form of a vending machine and hope to help people not drive when they have passed their limit and give some bars a few extra bucks.

     These interactive machines are meant to help people in knowing their limit, but some students of Ole Miss disagree with what the use of the machines are. Daniel Blount, Ole Miss Freshman, says,"I feel like they are a good idea, except for the way that they can be used against police. If a student blows a .07 on this, then blows a .08 for a cop, there will be lawsuits."

     So is this machine something that's going to help stop drunk driving, or is it going to give people a reason to drunk drive. It can in fact go either way, and the accuracy of a machine can't be to blame for more drunk drivers on the roads.

     The machine does have some neat features, like the ability to call a taxi if the user blows higher than a .08. The innovation of an easy way for people to call a taxi will help the people of Oxford and especially the OPD.

     The intoxbox isn't limited to just Oxford though. The creator is a Mississippi State student, and hopes to spread the machine throughout college towns. This invention could be the next big thing, or it could just be a failed invention. For now, it's time for the city of Oxford and its' people to put this machine to the test.

     Each breathalyzer is $2 and you can get three for 5$. For more information about these interactive breathalyzers, go to http://www.intox-box.com/ 

Crosby close

MM3

Double Decker Weekend



       The 17th annual Double Decker Arts Festival was held over the past weekend here in Oxford. The festival is a two-day long event that is family friendly and enjoyable for all ages.

       The festival was free on Saturday from 10am-8pm. The day was complete with art presentations, vendors selling various items, lots and lots of food.

       One of the main attractions of the festival was the Picnic Area, which is an auction of painted wooden picnic tables by various talented artists. All of the benefits of the auction were donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Oxford.

       "I think it's great how they donate the funds to the Boys and Girls Club of Oxford," stated Destiney Fucich, freshman at Ole Miss, after learning where the benefits go, "it's always good to hear about people going out of their way to help out such a great organization."

       The festival also hosted a Spring Run, which is a highly competative 6.2 mile race through Oxford, passing through many landmarks of Oxford, such as the Ole Miss campus, the William Faulkner home, and Rowan Oak.

       For more information about the weekend, you can contact Mary-Kathryn Herrington at marykathryn@oxfordcvb.com.

http://www.oxfordcvb.com/doubledecker/index.html

       

Brandon Skaggs

4/27/12

MMA #3

Double Decker On The Square

The 17th Annual Double Decker Festival started off this past weekend in Oxford on Friday April 27th through Saturday April 28th.  

The festival featured a concert on Friday and art vendors, food vendors, the Children’s Square Fair, and live music on Saturday.  There is always something to do at the festival. 

The Double Decker festival is a huge deal for everyone in Oxford, and a lot of people attend to try the foods, enjoy the entertainment, and socialize with the town.  “It’s a fun gathering with great food and entertainment.  You can look through all the vendors and tents, or enjoy music and friends,” said a Freshman at Ole Miss named Skyler Thomas 

The festival is named after Oxford’s own Double Decker bus that was imported from England back in 1994.  It is a fun attraction that has a great social atmosphere for everyone.  “The double decker bus in Oxford is cute and the festival and the bus itself adds to the charm of the town,” mentioned Emily Hugh a freshman at Ole Miss.

Friday night the concert had performers Charlie Mars starting at seven, Deer Tick around eight and finishing off with Iron and Wine at ten.  On Saturday the Festival was free and started in the morning at ten, and lasted till eight in the evening. Several other musicians performed throughout the day from ten to nine.

Alongside the concert the art vendors and food caterers were a great setting for socialization.  Several of the town’s restaurants had vendors setup.  The whole affair is a great experience bringing local residents and visitors together.  

For more information on The Double Decker Festival visit this website www.doubledeckerfestival.com/

Double Decker weekend mm#3

Anna McPherson

Marvin Williams

Journalism 102

29 April 2012

Double Decker Weekend

This past weekend, the 27^th- 29^th of April, the famous Double Decker weekend was held. Tents doubled and lined the streets of the Oxford Square as merchants came to sell their items.

            As I walked the streets of the square in the blistering hot sun, each tent brought many different items than the tent before them. There were stands of food and sweets, with long lines at every one. Blocking a few sides of the square were stages for bands to perform. It was the most crowded the square has been the whole year.

            Most of the items that people brought to sell were beautifully homemade. Out of state parent, Desi Edlen commented, “this is my first time at double decker with my daughter and I am overwhelmed at how much there is to offer us here. There is not a store or tent in sight that isn’t full of people!”

            Double Decker buses that were given to us by the queen herself, gave tours of all around Oxford, Mississippi. People lined the square in order to get on for a tour. Fathers all piled in to any restaurant with the Ole Miss baseball game on it in order to watch and get out of the heat and hustle of the outdoors.

            An artist by the name of DeAnn Williams told me, “this is my second year back and I love the atmosphere of Oxford and all of the friendly people. I can see why everyone loves this weekend so much and it’s perfect weather to host this weekend-long event. I have enjoyed selling my paintings here and I am happy when I hear that some will be hanging up in apartments or homes the next year!”

            Double Decker weekend is a family friendly weekend full of food, art, and music. It is busy but very worth the trip for those that live out of state. It is always fun to see the double decker buses around the city, and especially fun when they are used for this certain weekend.

The 17th Annual Double Decker Arts Festival RA #10

                                                    The 17th Annual Double Decker Arts Festival  RA #10

         The 17^th Annual Double Decker Arts Festival was held this weekend in Oxford, Mississippi.  The name of the festival originated from a signature bus imported from England in 1994.  The event is held on the courthouse square and brings residents and alumi to the square for a weekend of food, music, and a good time. 

            The event started on Friday night as students and their families flocked to the square.  The officers on horseback blocked off the roads and people were often seen dancing in the streets.  The bars were crowded with people, sharing stories of their college days and having a good time.

Two stages were set up on the north and south end of the square.  Headliners like Iron & Wine, Mavis, and Grace Askew were there playing as the crowd cheered them on.  Double Decker also gave local bands an opportunity to play in the festival.  Young Buffalo, Minor Adjustments, and Machine Gun Kelley and the G-Men were just a few of the bands participating. 

On Saturday morning, the square was filled with art vendors and people ready to update their collection.  Over a hundred artists came to Oxford.  Some of the more famous ones include Ann Evers, Arthur Covington, Chuck Lamb, and Circe Zungo.  There were also linen clothing and fashion design booths for designers to promote their brand. 

Food is another major highlight of Double Decker.  The “Taste of Oxford” is supported by local businesses like Boure, Soulshine Pizza, Taylor’s Grocery, and LB’s Meat Market.  All of the bars in Oxford participate heavily in Double Decker.  Cydni Joyer, a four year participant in Double Decker, noted, “It’s always nice to see everyone having a good time. I always look forward to the crawfish and the music.” Local artists painted picnic tables that will be auctioned off at the end of the festival.  The proceeds go towards the Boys and Girls Club of Oxford.

The event was ranked Best Large Festival Event in Mississippi by the Mississippi Tourism Association in 2009.  Double Decker is certainly a one of a kind experience.  The festival is made possible in part by sponsors in Mississippi and the surrounding area.  To learn more about tickets for next year, please visit the Double Decker Arts festival website.   

Double Decker MM#3

                                                              Double Decker MM#3

       The 17^th Annual Double Decker Arts Festival was held this weekend in Oxford, Mississippi.  The name of the festival originated from a signature bus imported from England in 1994.  The event is held on the courthouse square and brings residents and alumni to the square for a weekend of food, music, and a good time. 

            The event started on Friday night as students and their families flocked to the square.  The officers on horseback blocked off the roads and people were often seen dancing in the streets.  The bars were crowded with people, sharing stories of their college days and having a good time.

Two stages were set up on the north and south end of the square.  Headliners like Iron & Wine, Mavis, and Grace Askew were there playing as the crowd cheered them on.  Double Decker also gave local bands an opportunity to play in the festival.  Young Buffalo, Minor Adjustments, and Machine Gun Kelley and the G-Men were just a few of the bands participating. 

On Saturday morning, the square was filled with art vendors and people ready to update their collection.  Over a hundred artists came to Oxford.  Some of the more famous ones include Ann Evers, Arthur Covington, Chuck Lamb, and Circe Zungo.  There were also linen clothing and fashion design boothes for designers to promote their brands. 

Food is another major highlight of Double Decker.  The “Taste of Oxford” is supported by local businesses like Boure, Soulshine Pizza, Taylor’s Grocery, and LB’s Meat Market.  All of the bars in Oxford participate heavily in Double Decker.  Cydni Joyer, a four year participant in Double Decker, noted, “It’s always nice to see everyone having a good time. I always look forward to the crawfish and the music.” Local artists painted picnic tables that will be auctioned off at the end of the festival.  The proceeds go towards the Boys and Girls Club of Oxford.

The event was ranked Best Large Festival Event in Mississippi by the Mississippi Tourism Association in 2009.  Double Decker is certainly a one of a kind experience.  The festival is made possible in part by sponsors in Mississippi and the surrounding area.  To learn more about tickets for next year, please visit the Double Decker Arts festival website at http://www.oxfordcvb.com/doubledecker/index.html.