OXFORD, Kansas, September 17, 2008 – Oxford, Kansas is like many other small towns, struggling to make it. But thanks to some unexpected guests, things are getting better.

Every year the campgrounds next to the Walnut Valley Festival, which officially starts Thursday, are packed. But not this year after Mother Nature’s wrath of rain last week.

Folks had to flee in a hurry, many of them headed to the nearby town of Oxford. And they are very glad they did. And so is the City of Oxford, which has done a number of things to make the campers very happy.

At first, the campground manager in Oxford wasn’t sure she could handle the overflow.

"She goes, ‘we've had 50 or 60 in here,’ I said, ‘we've got that many, hah, hah,’” said David Firestine, who evacuated to Oxford.

Five times that to be exact.

So, the City of Oxford made room and improvements. They covered the roads with gravel, provided electricity, WI-FI and bus service. It’s been a worthwhile investment.

The festival goers have been spending lots of time and money at Oxford businesses, like Angie D’s Restaurant.   

"We've gotten a lot more business in the evenings, they are a great group, they come in and make you laugh,” said Angie Dixon, owner of Angie D’s.

"Oxford is definitely in our hearts, we love them, you couldn't ask for more,” said Terri Houston, who evacuated to Oxford. 

So now, despite never having been to Oxford before, many festival goers say Oxford is where they will stay during their annual pilgrimage to the Walnut Festival.