According to the calendar, it’s still summer, but that doesn’t mean Christmas on the River isn’t right around the corner.

The 2014 Christmas on the River pageants are the first week of October, and the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for another big group of girls to participate.

“The pageants really kick off the Christmas on the River season and then it builds up to the first Saturday in December,” said DACC Director Michael Kennedy. “We’re expecting all four groups to fill up again this year.”

The entry fee for each pageant is $25. Applications have been sent to local schools, and they’re also available at the Chamber as well as on the Chamber’s website, www.demopolischamber.com. Applications are due to each pageant’s director by Monday, Sept. 22.

The four pageants will be held the first weekend in October starting with the Miss COTR Pageant on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center. ABC 33/40 chief meteorologist James Spann will emcee the event. It is open to girls in 9th through 12th grade. Completed applications must be mailed to:

Miss Christmas on the River 2014
Ann Parsons
P.O. Box 363
Demopolis, AL 36732
Checks should be made payable to “Miss Christmas on the River” or “Miss COTR.”

Miss Junior COTR will be held Monday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center. It is open to girls in 6th through 8th grade. Completed applications must be mailed to:

Miss Junior Christmas on the River 2014
Melinda Perry
3295 Powe Road
Demopolis, AL 36732
The first 50 applicants will be accepted. Checks should be made payable to “Miss Junior Christmas on the River.”

The Young Miss Christmas on the River Pageant will be held Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center and is open to girls in 3rd through 5th grade. Completed applications must be mailed to:

Young Miss Christmas on the River 2014
Carrie Logan
158 Colonial Dr.
Eutaw, AL 35462
Checks should be made payable to “Young Miss Christmas on the River.”

The Little Miss COTR Pageant will be held Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. at the Civic Center. This pageant is open to girls in kindergarten through second grade. Girls must be 5-years-old to participate. Completed applications must be mailed to:

Little Miss COTR
Lisa Moody
1004 River Bluff
Demopolis, AL 36732
The first 50 applicants will be accepted. Checks should be made payable to “Little Miss Christmas on the River.”

The winner and court of each pageant is required to ride the designated float in the Christmas on the River Day Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6 and participate in all other COTR events that week. If the winners and courts don’t participate, they will not be eligible to compete in the 2015 pageants.

For more information about the pageants, contact the Chamber at (334) 289-0270.