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Events for Christmas on the River continued in Demopolis Thursday night with the annual Lighting of the Square and the crowning of this year’s St. Nicholas.

Kirk Brooker was selected as the 2018 St. Nicholas, a title given each year to someone in the community who “best portrays the spirit of Christmas all year long by being involved in the development of the lives of children in our community.”

In addition to Kirk Brooker, other nominees for St. Nicholas included: Diane Brooker, Richard Bryant, Brandi Cross, Jennifer Jordan, Amanda Hall, Kayte Melton, Beverly Robinson “Mr. Puncho,” Nadine Rogers, and Jason Windham.

Also participating in the celebration on the square Thursday was the Demopolis Middle School band and Westside Elementary School second graders. There was also a live nativity scene.

Events continue tonight with open houses at Gaineswood and Lyon Hall as well as the Alabama State BBQ Cookoff tasting, which is a BYOB event this year.

Saturday marks the annual Day Parade and Nautical Parade with fireworks, Fair on the Square, Jingle Bell Run, the BBQ Cookoff judging and the COTR Gala and Dance.