DEMOPOLIS &045; The Christmas on the River Gala will begin Saturday evening at the Demopolis Civic Center in tandem with the start of the river parade.

The theme for the event is coordinated with theme of the Christmas of the River, saluting the military. The decorations at the gala will coincide with the Antique Christmas theme.

Haskin said that the committee sent invitations out to many veterans to attend the event. Many of those veterans in attendance will wear their uniforms to the event to celebrate the military theme.

Another special features at the gala will be the live cedar trees that will be used for decoration. There will be three trees decorated inside and one planted out front of the Civic Center.

Along with the donated trees, Haskin said that all the decorations are authentic antiques that have either been bought, donated or lent for the event. She said that the event will rely largely on candle lighting to further the effects of the theme.

Haskin sad that the Demopolis Boy Scout Troop 41 and the Demopolis Middle School Beta Club have helped her and the committee decorate for the event. She also mentioned that the Demopolis Girl Scout Troop will provide assistance as Santa’s helpers at the event.

The gala will begin about 6 p.m. at the Civic Center. After the parade there will be a party at the gala featuring the band Brother 2 Brother.