As a native of Demopolis, I can recognize the charge of excitement in the air as Christmas on the River week begins tomorrow.

We lived here for six years when I was growing up, and there seems to be something different each year the city holds its annual festival. There are a lot of new things each year, to be sure, but I also seem to find new things to enjoy in the year-to-year events.

As a student here in Demopolis, there were some years when I was actually in the children’s day parade — one year as a member of the Demopolis High School band and two years as a member of the Demopolis Junior High School cheerleading squad. Other years, I was part of the spectating crowd, watching friends and other family members take part in the parades.

The nighttime parade — the keystone of the entire celebration — was always fun to watch. We would put our jackets on and walk down to the Civic Center and find a spot to watch the “floats that really float” go by.

For those of you who have been here for a number of years, you know that the Christmas on the River week is a fun-filled celebration full of things to enjoy and be a part of. For those of you new to our area, I invite you to go to the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce Web site at www.demopolischamber.com and click on the “Christmas on the River” tab to look at the schedule of programs set up for the week.

Take some time and take in as much of it as you can. As someone who was able to go to everything last year for the first time ever, I can guarantee and enjoyable time, no matter what you choose to go see — and most of the events have no admission.

Christmas on the River has become a defining event for the city of Demopolis. Please take advantage of the programs and see what the people of Demopolis have to offer. From musical programs to living Nativity scenes, from parades to popcorn and much more, Christmas on the River is one of the best things about living in Demopolis. I hope to see you there!

David B. Snow is the managing editor of the Demopolis Times.