Hi, I'm Helen. You're probably wondering how I got here. It's simple: I am a loser and I have lemonade. What did I lose you ask? I lost this year's March Madness Bracket Challenge among my friends. If you know me, you might not be surprised I am in this situation. If you do not know me, allow me to start from the beginning...
There was an idea. We had competed against each other in the past for nothing but glory. Now, in the year of our Lord 2023, we all wanted more. Ideas were shared, money buy in and winner gets the pot, the 24 hour Waffle House challenge, among other wagers; but one topped them all: A Lemonade Stand. A lemonade stand during the most popular weekend in the spring in Oxford, Mississippi, Double Decker. Is this punishment or opportunity? Only time will tell, but we can all agree there will be lemonade. If you can't make a trip, no worries. You can still explore this page and be a part of this journey near or far.
Cheers, all!
ah, you're still scrolling..
Who Are We?
This is Dugan. He was born and raised a city boy and found his way to Oxford, MS for the first time in 2016. He has been shouting Hotty Toddy ever since, even better than those who had been blessed with the infamous chant at an early age. To describe Dugan with words would be inaccurate. You just have to meet the guy; or check out his Twitter. Today, you can find Dugan on the Ole Miss campus sharing his love of sports, dad jokes, and everything Ole Miss.
Lauren is next on the role call. She found her way to Oxford last in the year 2021, but fell into stride with the fanatics of the community. Some have suggested that it was Lauren who brought the last piece to the puzzle of success that the Ole Miss Athletics has seen since her arrival. While she hails from the great state of Ohio, she has enriched the minds of Mississippi youth in the classroom over the last few years.
Finally, this is Lane. Believe it or not, she is related to me. While Lane was born and raised in the great state of Mississippi, she has since spread her wings and made her way to another great state: Idaho. We don't worry though, because she visits. Like Dugan, describing Lane in words is inaccurate; you just have to meet her.
Hold up! You know my name and why I am here, but you don't know MY story! Again, I'm Helen and Oxford has been my home since 2016. I keep it real. Some say I am a natural leader, and maybe you'd agree once you see me with my megaphone. I don't command, I simply direct. Basketball brackets may not be my thing, but I am a woman of many other talents. Come see me at the lemonade stand for a chat.
How bad was my bracket?
oh, now you're just being kind!
What is Double Decker?
Click the Double Decker Bus to be directed to the festival's site!
The 26th annual Double Decker Festival will be held in Spring, 2023. Originally inspired by the Double Decker bus that Oxford imported from England in 1994, the festival showcases Oxford as a town that supports the arts and has grown to be one of the champion events in the region.
Double Decker started with the bed of an old pickup truck serving as the stage for music, and only hosted a handful art and food vendors. Today, the event is centered around the historic Courthouse Square, and boasts a crowd of more than 60,000 people.
Now in a two-day format, Double Decker will kick-off on Friday with art demonstrations around the Square and the evening with with music. Saturday is an all-day affair featuring over 100 art and 20+ local food vendors while a generous mix of touring musicians take to the stage.
Lemonade: A History
Lemonade is a sweetened citrus beverage made from lemon juice, sugar, and water. It has been a popular drink for centuries, with evidence of its consumption dating back to ancient Egypt and Rome. However, the modern version of lemonade likely originated in the United States in the late 19th century.
The earliest known written recipe for lemonade is from a cookbook published in 1676 in England, which called for lemon juice, sugar, and water to be mixed together. It wasn't until the 18th century that lemonade began to be sold commercially in Europe, and by the 19th century, it had become a popular drink in the United States as well.
In the late 1800s, carbonated lemonade began to be produced and sold, and in the early 1900s, bottled lemonade became popular. In the 1920s, frozen lemonade was invented, which made it possible to enjoy the refreshing drink even on hot summer days.
Today, lemonade is a popular beverage around the world, with many variations and flavor combinations. It is also often used as a mixer in cocktails and other alcoholic beverages.
References
Facts!
Click each card to reveal a fact!
Lemonade stands are a quintessential part of American culture and have been around for over a century. The first recorded lemonade stand was set up in Brooklyn, New York in 1873 by a young girl named May E. Ward.
Lemons were originally grown in India and were introduced to Europe in the 1st century AD by the Romans. It was not until the 15th century that lemons were introduced to the Americas by Christopher Columbus.
Lemon juice has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties and can be used as a natural cleaner.
Lemon trees can produce fruit year-round, making them an important crop in many parts of the world.
The world's largest lemon was grown in Eureka, California in 2003 and weighed over 11 pounds.
In some cultures, lemons are believed to have a cleansing effect on the body and are used in detox diets.
The sour taste of lemons is due to the presence of citric acid, which is also used in many cleaning products.
Did you know that the longest recorded line of glasses filled with lemonade measured 1,296.02 meters (4,251 feet and 1 inch) and was achieved by volunteers in Cacak, Serbia in 2017?
Lemon juice was historically used to prevent scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, among sailors on long sea voyages.
