Another excellent Double Decker Arts Festival has come and gone, establishing Oxford as the place to be the final weekend of April.

We appreciate everyone who made this happen, and want to give special thanks to Ole Miss Athletics, under the leadership of Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Ross Bjork, and the University Museum and Rowan Oak, led by director Robert Saarnio.

Whenever we looked at the presenting sponsor signage this year, and saw the partnership presence of the University Museum and Rowan Oak, we were reminded of the strong town and gown relationship that that exists between Oxford and Ole Miss.

We must also note the creativity and sense of community held by Bjork, who made the $25,000 sponsorship donation from athletics funds to this year’s Double Decker Arts Festival on behalf of the University Museum and Rowan Oak.

Bjork understands the importance of the arts, and the importance of supporting the Oxford community, and helping make something happen that builds a valuable bridge between the city and the university.

As for the University Museum, we have enjoyed watching this important part of our community rise to prominence under Saarnio and we look forward to seeing support returned to the museum and Rowan Oak as the town and gown partnership flourishes.