A Season to Remember in Lake Orion and Oxford
The 2026 season of Our American Summer (OAS) has officially come to a close, marking our 11th anniversary of celebrating the vibrant communities of Lake Orion and Oxford. From June 5th through July 5th, our towns were alive with patriotic spirit, local pride, and a shared commitment to supporting the small businesses that make this area home. This year wasn’t just a celebration; it was a powerful demonstration of what we can achieve when we come together.
Key Questions Answered:
- What was the economic impact of the 2026 Pub Crawl? Over $23,100 was spent at local businesses in a single night.
- How much money was donated this year? A total of $1,000 was donated to community safety and beautification projects.
- Who were the primary sponsors? Major supporters included Elivate Wellness Co., Samuel Adams, RUSH Cannabis, and many more.
📌 Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- Economic Growth: The Pub Crawl alone generated $23,100+ for local merchants, with an average spend of $154 per crawler.
- Giving Back: $1,000 in donations supported a new flagpole for Downtown Oxford and the Yes 2 Safety fund for local law enforcement and fire departments.
- Legacy of Support: Over 11 years, OAS has raised significant funds and consistently driven traffic to Lake Orion and Oxford establishments.
The Economic Engine of Our American Summer
One of the core missions of Our American Summer is to reinvigorate our local economy. The numbers from 2026 tell a story of incredible success. During the Pub Crawl alone, more than 150 participants spent over $23,100 at Lake Orion and Oxford businesses. With an average of $154 spent per person, the impact of a single night ripple through our downtown corridors, supporting jobs and sustaining our local merchants.
This “hyper-local” spending is vital. According to recent community data, every dollar spent at a local business has a much higher retention rate within the community compared to national chains. By choosing to celebrate here, you are directly investing in the future of our towns.
Investing in Our Community’s Future
Beyond the immediate economic boost, Our American Summer is proud to give back to the organizations that keep us safe and beautify our surroundings. This year, we were honored to donate a total of $1,000 to two essential causes:
- $500 to Downtown Oxford: This contribution will fund a new American flagpole, standing as a permanent symbol of our shared values and patriotic spirit.
- $500 to the Yes 2 Safety Fund: These funds support the Orion Township Fire Department and the Oakland County Sheriff Department’s Orion Substation, ensuring our first responders have the resources they need to serve us effectively.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Sponsors
We could not achieve these milestones without the unwavering support of our sponsors. These businesses are the backbone of Our American Summer, providing the funding and resources necessary to make every celebration possible. We want to extend a special thank you to our title sponsor, Elivate Wellness Co., and our key partners:
- Samuel Adams & Sun Cruiser
- RUSH Cannabis
- Deals By Me
- The Birney Directive
- Motor City Granite
- Lake Orion Plumbing Heating Cooling
- Robert Thomas Landscape
- OHM Advisors
- Jake Asbury – State Farm
- Counelis Farm Bureau Agency
Conclusion
As we look back on 11 years of Our American Summer, we are filled with gratitude for the residents, businesses, and volunteers who have joined us. Your participation in events like the Pub Crawl, Restaurant Week, and Flare Night transforms Lake Orion and Oxford into a destination for summer fun and economic resilience. Thank you for making 2026 another incredible year. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2027!