By Steven Hoffman

Staff Writer

The Oxford Run returns this Saturday, Sept. 27, highlighting a day filled with family-friendly activities throughout the borough.

This is the 12th year for the Oxford Run, which includes a 5K run on a USA Track & Field-certified course, a walk, and a 100-yard dash for children.

Sue Cole, the executive director of Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. said that the Oxford Run is one of the more popular events that the town organizes each year.

“We are expecting 300 participants combined,” Cole said. “We have teams lined up from Tastykake/Nature’s Own, the CUDA Swim Team of Jennersville YMCA, the Lighthouse Youth Center, and many local church groups.”

Registration is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at ATI Physical Therapy on Third Street. The 5K race begins promptly at 9 a.m., followed by the walkers at 9:05 a.m. Children between the ages of four and eight will start the 100-yard dash at approximately 10 a.m., with all participants receiving medals.

An awards ceremony for the runners will take place once all the walkers have completed the course and the results have been tallied. Medals will be handed out to the top three finishers in each age group.

Cole said that they have added a 60-69 age group and a 70-and-over group this year.

 Oxford Feed & Lumber is hosting its annual Whisker Walk to coincide with the Oxford Run, offering pet owners a chance to take a leisurely one-mile walk through town with their four-legged friends.

Cole said that the Whisker Walk is growing in popularity each year, and the event benefits local pet rescues. Anyone who registers for $15 receives a T-shirt and a goodie bag for your dog.

Oxford Feed & Lumber is offering 15 percent off all non-sale pet items, including food “pawtraits” by a professional photographer. Local pet rescues will have pets eligible for adoption. There are also costume contests with gift card prizes.

There will be demonstrations by the police K9 Unit and PAWS Training Center.

The popular annual Apple Festival, hosted by the Oxford Presbyterian Church, is planned to take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oxford Memorial Park. The Apple Festival features live music, crafts, vendors, food, fresh handmade apple butter and desserts, a kid’s barrel ride and games. An added attraction this year is an Antique Tractor Show.

Rounding out the day’s events is the 15th anniversary celebration and open house at the Golden Light Wellness Center. This event, scheduled from 10 a.m to 9 p.m., includes free mini-sessions and demonstrations, information booths, pot luck dinner and a community drum circle, door prizes and gift shop. For more information about the anniversary celebration, visit www.goldenlightwellnesscenter.com.

Proceeds from the 5K event benefit the programs and activities of Oxford Mainstreet, Inc.

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email [email protected].