Oxford Parks and Recreation’s inaugural Women’s Day event, held Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Oxford Civic Center, will not be the last.

According to PARD Recreation and Events Manager Ashley Bias, an estimated 500-600 came through the doors during the event’s six-hour run.

“We designed this day to be somewhere where women can come and do a little bit of everything – explore health resources, do some shopping, get some free stuff and goodies – and really love on the women in our community,” Bias said.

She said the goodie bags given to the first 150 through the doors were gone within the first half-hour.

Dillard’s was the main sponsor and vendor for the event, joined by 39 others offering clothes, designs, health care options, snacks, and food.

“I have gotten really positive feedback from everyone who came and our vendors, which we could not be happier with, this being our first time,” Bias said.

Mary Jo Pruitt from Anniston was one of those who came to visit and said she would be a return visitor when the event returns next year.

“This has been fantastic,” Pruitt said. “There are so many vendors, and they are all very friendly. It is amazing they have brought this together as they have. I will definitely be back again.”

Some of those vendors received awards as judged by those who visited. Those attending could use special QR codes to vote for their favorites, and their choices were: Gadsden Pelvic Rehab and Physical Therapy for Best Resource; LaRue’s for Best Vendor; and Granny’s Sweets for Best Food and Drink.

Dillard’s was also presented a special award for being the major sponsor for the event’s inaugural year.

“We already have some new ideas in mind for next year to make it even bigger and better,” Bias said.