Jenna Mayer, the new Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. (OMI) manager, came on board on Jan. 10, just in time for the return to First Fridays in the borough.

At Borough Council’s last meeting, they approved a number of Event Applications, including the ever-popular First Fridays and the Annual Car Show. And Mayer is ready to coordinate those events.

Mayer hails from New Jersey. She graduated from York College in 2018, and then from Northern Colorado in 2020 with a master’s degree in sport and exercise science.

She went to work at Princeton University in the Athletic Department Facility and Events Operation.

“Then COVID hit,” she said, “and I got thrown into marketing. I actually decided I wanted to come to this area, having spent time in York, Pa. My boyfriend lives in Lancaster, Pa. I saw the ad on Indeed.”

She was instantly smitten with the town of Oxford when she came in for her interview.

“I told Brian Dix that walking into Oxford was like walking into a Hallmark movie. This town is quaint and walkable. I’m footsteps away from all of these amazing businesses. I am so excited to be a part of the First Fridays,” she said.

She is looking forward to hosting an event and lining up food trucks and vendors. There will be performers as well, but she said, “Mum’s the word on that for now.”

However, she did say that the First Friday theme for April is “Fools Friday.”

Mayer stressed, “For a small town there is a lot of opportunity here. All the businesses are so welcoming and supportive to each other.”

She was also delighted with the diversity of the town, admitting she had no idea where Oxford was until she started the job.

“The diversity here is amazing,” she said. “I really didn’t know there was a large Amish population here. Just traveling here was an adventure. I am also thrilled to work with the community and businesses and I hope we are coming out of the pandemic. Businesses are up and running and thriving.”

She loves working in the marketing field and working with Dix, the executive director.

“I know the pandemic has taken a toll on everyone and I am happy to be a part of moving forward. Being outside again and enjoying First Fridays is going to lift everyone’s spirits. I hope I can everyone proud in this role,” she said. “Come enjoy First Fridays with me. We’re going to have a great time.”