Oxford experienced a special night of two magical events simultaneously on opposite sides of town on Friday, April 17, 2026.

The Oxford Performing Arts Center brought its magic from the concert hall to Simmons Park, presenting a free performance by “Sweet Tea,” a country music group that has shared stages with arena-filling acts such as Bon Jovi and Alabama.

On this Friday night, their music entertained more than 100 people, taking advantage of the great weather, as they sat in yard chairs and enjoyed the specialties offered by local food trucks, while Main Street’s gazebo became a concert venue for the band singing songs about Southern life.

Choccolocco Park played host to the first of two sold-out nights for the second annual Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office Professional Cowboy Association Rodeo.

The thrill of the cowboys’ yells was backdropped by the smells of the food trucks, the special offerings of vendors, and the smiles of youngsters enjoying a wide range of activities designed just for them.

The proceeds from the rodeo go to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Foundation, which assists the CCSO in developing programs that better engage the people they serve.