The Oxford Hills region of Western Maine is comprised of the commercial districts of Norway, Oxford, and Paris (aka: South Paris), and complemented by the outlying villages of Buckfield, Harrison, Hartford, Hebron, Otisfield, Sumner, Waterford and West Paris. The area’s 11 towns stretch from Lewiston-Auburn’s border to the Lakes Region, less than one hour north of Portland.

Oxford Hills has more than 10 lakes and ponds, including Lake Pennessewassee of Norway, Crystal Lake and Long Lake of Harrison, South Pond of Buckfield, which are havens for boating, swimming, fishing, ice skating, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and more.

Streaked Singepole and Hawk mountains are hiking treks with vista views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range. Additionally, Norway’s Ordway Grove and Paris’ Cornwall Nature Preserve provide over 150 acres of land for public use. Norway Country Club and Paris Hill Country Club are golfers’ favorites. And, each year, McLaughlin Garden kicks off the spring season with its “Lilac Lap” road race.

The agricultural and farming community is large. You’ll find farmers and their supporters at the Oxford County Fair and Waterford’s World Fair. Similarly, there are many farms and natural food providers in the area who sell yarn, herbs, maple syrup, and organic meat. During the summer, Norway and Harrison host outdoor farmers’ markets.

Other events include the Norway Sidewalk Art Festival, Paris’ Moore Art Show & Festival, Harrison’s and West Paris’ Old Home Days, Scribner’s Mill’s Back to the Past, a slate of summer motor sports at Oxford Plains Speedway and Scott’s Mud Run, and Buckfield Community Day, replete with parade each Labor Day. Oxford Hills is home to Maine’s largest Christmas Parade, always held the day after Thanksgiving.

Oxford Hills has the most active mineralogy mines in Maine. A number of shops feature jewelry and mineralogy histories, including Perham’s of West Paris and Creaser Jewelers of South Paris.

Oxford Hills is especially well-known for its artistic community. The drama, comedy and music of the Celebration Barn Theater, Deertrees Theater, and Oddfellow Theater keep folks entertained in summer, fall and winter. Area businesses host art receptions year-round.

At the heart of Oxford Hills, businesses and restaurants thrive, dishing out first-rate cuisine, healthcare, service and products to the area’s 25,000+ residents.

Especially well-known for its manufactured housing industry, Oxford Hills offers automotive repair, liability insurance, dressage lessons, and just about everything in between.

The Paris Recreation Department hosts free outdoor concerts and shows throughout the summer. There are nine community libraries; additionally, the area’s premiere healthcare provider and one of its largest employers, Stephens Memorial Hospital, like other community partners, serves as a media lending institution.

Folks visiting Oxford Hills for a day, week, or those looking to relocate for a lifetime will find a wealth of information, a community calendar, directory of local worship locations, maps, and more – at the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Center, 4 Western Avenue, South Paris or on the Web at oxfordhillsmaine.com.

– Courtesy of Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce.

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