By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer

The Oxford Village Market has been a welcome staple of the downtown since the early 2000s— nearly 25 years. It is a real convenience to those that don’t have transportation, or those that like to slowly stroll through the historic Borough of Oxford.

This year, the market is moving to Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Edward Jones lawn at the corner of Locust and Third Street—the location where it began all those years ago. The market is now open every Thursday from May through October.

This year, the market will have a new addition—a food truck. Foodies can enjoy a leisurely meal at picnic tables. The food trucks will rotate so the public can discover the variety of Oxford’s enjoyable cuisine.

Melissa Pacella, the executive director  of SILO (Serving, Inspiring, and Loving Others) also has exciting news about the market. SILO is now partnering with the Oxford Village Market.

"Fresh produce is our most frequently requested food item,” Pacella explained. “By adding just one extra item to their market basket, shoppers can help ensure that everyone in our community has access to healthy, local produce.”

Each market day, shoppers will find a SILO donation basket where they are encouraged to purchase a little extra — a pint of berries, a bundle of carrots, a head of lettuce — and place it in the basket. At the end of each market day, SILO will collect the donated food and distribute it through their Delivering Hope program, which brings groceries directly to families and individuals facing food insecurity in the community. This simple act of generosity allows market-goers to easily and directly support local families while helping to reduce food waste and build a stronger, more connected Oxford.

Pacella said, “We believe in meeting people where they are — and thanks to the generosity of the Oxford Village Market community, we can bring fresh food directly to the doorsteps of those who need it most. The Oxford Village Market has always been a place that brings people together — now it’s also a place where neighbors can help nourish each other. It’s a small action with a big impact.”

Vendors can also sell their creations at the market. Participating in the market is free to vendors this year. However, registration is required. Please email [email protected] for information about how to register.

Amanda Reynolds, the Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. (OMI) Mainstreet Manager can walk vendors through the requirements of the health department, if necessary.

OMI is still accepting vendor registrations. They are particularly looking for produce farmers, those selling honey and other specialty foods to join the great group of market vendors.

Craft vendors, artists, and anyone with a unique handmade creation is also invited.