Christmas on the River set for 42nd year
Published 12:00 pm Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Plans are set for the 42nd annual Christmas on the River. The week of Dec. 4-7 is jam-packed with many activities, so there’s sure to be a little something for everyone.
The event is sponsored by the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce and takes many volunteers to pull off.
Below is a breakdown of COTR events.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
•The festivities will kick off during the Lighting of the Love Light Tree and Announcement of the Special Child at Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital. During the ceremony, which begins at 5 p.m., a 24-tall tree atop the hospital’s roof will be lit by this year’s special child and his or her family.
Thursday, Dec. 5
•The public square in downtown Demopolis will be lit and this year’s St. Nicholas will be crowned. St. Nicholas is a community volunteer who embodies the Christmas spirit throughout the year. The Nativity story will also be read. The event, which starts at 5:30 p.m., will be moved to the Civic Center if inclement weather.
Friday, Dec. 6
•A Candelight Evening will be held from 5-8 p.m. at historic Gaineswood. Admission is $5.
•Christmas in the Canebrake, will be held in two more historic homes, Bluff Hall and Lyon Hall.
Admission is $5 per home for adults. Children 12 and under will be admitted free.
•The Alabama State Championship BBQ Cook-Off will kick off at George Franks Ball Field at the Demopolis City Landing. Admission is $5. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., and there will be living music from 9-11 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7
•The Fair in the Square will be from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in the Public Square downtown.
•The Jingle Bell Run/Walk 5-K will be held through downtown Demopolis. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and is $20.
•Bluff Hall will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students kindergarten through 12th grade.
•Gaineswood will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $5.
•The biggest draw of the weekend, the Christmas on the River day parade, will begin at 11:30 a.m. in downtown Demopolis. Grand marshals are World War II and Korean veterans from Marengo County.
•Judging for the Alabama State Championship BBQ Cook-Off will begin at 11 a.m. at George Franks Ball Field at the Demopolis City Landing.
Trophies and checks will be presented at 2 p.m.
•The Canebrake Players children’s production of “Pinocchio” will be put on at the Old School on Main at 2 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
•The famous nautical parade will be from 6-8:30 p.m. on the Tombigbee. The Demopolis City Landing is a great place to watch the parade from. Fireworks will be shot following the parade.
•The Christmas on the River Gala will be put on at the Demopolis Civic Center from 6-8:30 p.m. Admission is $25 and $15 for those under 12. Dress is semi-formal (no jeans). Cash bar.
•The Christmas on the River Dance will be from 9 p.m. to midnight at the Demopolis Civic Center. Admission is $10. Ages 21+ only. The band “Heart Attack” will play.