DEMOPOLIS – As the holiday season approaches and signs of Christmas on the River begin to appear throughout the city, Demopolis residents and businesses are invited to deck the halls with Christmas spirit and participate in the annual COTR decorating contest.

Sharon Laney, head of the decorating contest committee and president of the contest’s sponsor, the Southside Garden Club, said the contest is held each year in an effort to encourage area residents and businesses to decorate in time for COTR.

“It helps to make our city look festive in time for our Christmas on the River visitors,” Laney said.

Residential participation is divided into three lawn categories — religious, traditional and whimsical — and a holiday doorway category. Businesses may be entered in outdoor and window decoration categories.

Individuals may enter themselves in the contest, but Laney also said residents who notice decorations at a neighbor’s house or at a local business are encouraged to enter them in the contest as well.

The contest will be judged by members of the Newcomers Club, and a cash prize of $50 will be awarded to the top residence or business in each category.

Entries will be accepted until Nov. 29, and judging will be held Dec. 1. Funding for the prizes comes from the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce and Southside members.