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.