DIABETES FOUNDATION FIRECRACKER BALL LIGHTS UP SUMMER IN OXFORD

OXFORD, MISS—The lights, the noise, the excitement! Fourth of July has always been a holiday that represents tradition and celebration. This year, the Fourth of July week activities in Oxford will get a boost with a new event, the Firecracker Ball, which will ignite a spark of excitement into the hearts of all who live in and love visiting this historic town.

“The Fourth of July is an amazing opportunity to bring out locals and visitors for a celebration of our country and our city. We have a special thing here in Oxford, and I think people are always looking for a reason to visit!” said Meg Frazier, Regional Manager of the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, the group organizing the Firecracker Ball. “Oxford needed something over the top to go along with the Fourth of July week activities already in place.”

The Firecracker Ball promises to be a lively summertime event that draws people from around the state to visit Oxford. The event will benefit the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi and will be held on Thursday, July 3, at the Lyric Theater from 8 p.m. until midnight. It will be the first event held in the newly renovated theater. Headlining the inaugural Firecracker Ball, will be the Memphis Bouffants, who are known for creating their own type of fireworks at a party!

“Compared to the fall, summer in Oxford is relatively low-key,” says Kate Barron of A Bash Events, who is planning the Firecracker Ball with Frazier. “By adding a gala to the Fourth of July week activities, we are not only providing a new twist on entertainment for families, but we are also helping local business owners by bringing in more business.”

Both Frazier and Barron serve as members on Oxford’s Fourth of July planning committee and are passionate about bringing more attention to the week’s activities, as well as raising awareness about the seriousness of diabetes. Over than 346,000 Mississippians have diabetes, and approximately 115,000 of those with the disease are undiagnosed. Mississippi leads the nation in prevalence of diabetes, and it is hoped that the Firecracker Ball will not only raise donations to support the mission of the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi but also increase awareness of diabetes as a major health problem in the Magnolia State.

The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi is the only diabetes organization dedicated to helping all Mississippians, from children to adults, with the disease. Plus, every dollar raised stays in Mississippi!

The Firecracker Ball will be a black-tie optional affair. Heavy appetizers and cocktails will be served. Tables can be purchased for companies or groups. Tickets can be purchased at $60 per person or $100 per couple. For more information, please contact Meg Frazier at 662-232-2777 or e-mail her megfrazier@msdiabetes.org.