DEMOPOLIS &8212; More than 30 children decorated in red, white and blue filled North Commisioners Avenue last night as the Freedom on the River festivities began.

The parade, which was sponsored by the Demopolis Civitan Club, was slated to start at 7 p.m., but a late afternoon shower forced the event to begin around 6:45 p.m.

Judging by faces after the event, the participants didn&8217;t let the sprinkles &8220;rain on their parade.&8221;

Just as with past parades, the children competed by dressing up their rides in patriotic fashion. The competition was divided into age groups and the participants were competed against only those in their division.

Taking home first and second place in the 0-4 year age group was the brother and sister duo of Miley and Windham Lee, respectively.

Miley was dressed as the Liberty Belle and rode on her &8220;float&8221; made from a wagon.

Her younger brother, Windham, had his stroller decked out as the Liberty Bell.

Following the parade, the Rock-Tenn Freedom Fireworks Extravaganza took place at dark.

The event was sponsored by the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce.