DEMOPOLIS &8212; Getting Demopolis in the holiday spirit, the Southside Garden Club along with the Christmas on the River committee are sponsoring the annual COTR yard-decorating contest for homes and businesses.

Mary Jo Alexander, a veteran club member, said the contest is held each year to encourage residents and businesses to display holiday decorations.

The club hopes area families who participate in a &8220;day after Thanksgiving tradition&8221; of trimming the tree and decorating for Christmas to contact the club and enter the contest. The contest not only will get homes and businesses in the holiday spirit but also offer a chance to win a $50 cash prize for first place and honorable mention prizes.

The club has sponsored the contest for the past 13 years. &8220;We are happy to do this for the community,&8221; Doris Kirkpatrick, veteran club member, said. &8220;It is something we do every year to get into the holiday spirit.&8221;

Each year the judging for the contest gets more difficult, Kirkpatrick said.

Alexander said 26 residents and businesses participated in last year&8217;s event.

All judges for the contest are from out of town.

The club invites all area businesses and residents to enter. There will be two prizes given for businesses, the best window displays and the best outdoor displays. For residents, there will be three prizes given, religious, traditional and whimsical.

The deadline for entry is Wednesday, Nov. 28.

Judging is set for Thursday, Nov. 29.

To enter please call Mary Jo Alexander at 334-289-3302 or Betty Baxley at 334-289-2957.