Anyone who’s visited the Square knows it’s a prime location to find dozens of local retail stores, restaurants and boutiques.

Need a new outfit for Saturday’s game? The Square’s got you covered. Looking to find a good dinner spot or an evening libation? The Square’s got that, too. The visitors center, lawyers, banks, real estate agents, insurance agents and your very own Oxford EAGLE have all found their home on the Square.

Oxonians agree the Square’s one of our town’s most charming locations, offering something for everyone. But the Square does more than give us a place to eat, shop and play.

The Square serves as a unifying place for Oxonians to gather on election night, view art galleries and attend events on the Courthouse lawn. It’s a place to people-watch from a bench or delve into your newest read from Square Books. It’s where locals gather before the annual Stars and Stripes 5k and brides-to-be take photos in front of the picturesque courthouse before their wedding day.

The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council in particular brings the community together through a host of events held on and near the Square. Three upcoming events include Oxford Makers Market this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Courthouse lawn, 3 Blind Wines event at the Powerhouse Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and the Holiday Art Market to be held next Thursday to Sunday. Check out oxfordarts.com for more information and upcoming events. 

Another thing you’re sure to find on the Square is familiar faces — friends, family, co-workers and acquaintances who are more than happy to give you a quick head nod, “hello” or “how are you?”

We are blessed to live in a place that is the location of the University of Mississippi’s main campus, a designated retirement community and has two of the best school districts in Mississippi.

We’re even more fortunate to live in a place that has so much, yet still has the small-town feel of a community that comes together and is united as one.

Next time you’re on the Square, take a moment to sit down on one of the benches and look around at the beautiful scene that is Oxford.

Be thankful that you live in a place where, at any point in the day, you can come to this location and feel connected to the community.