DEMOPOLIS &045;&045; After a year of anticipation, Christmas on the River has come and gone, leaving behind it a lifetime of memories for many people.

Kelley Smith with the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce said this year’s COTR went very well.

Christmas on the River Chairman Alex Braswell agreed.

This year was Smith’s debut for Christmas on the River.

Additionally, she said, Jennifer Roemen helped tremendously.

Braswell said all events showed increased attendance, particularly the cookoff.

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra performance was new this year, and it is something Smith said may become an annual thing.

Smith talked excitedly about the other events that took place during the week, events that she said made Christmas on the River this year so special.

Smith said the BBQ cook-off couldn’t have been better, with 41 teams participating this year, five more teams than last year, and teams that were signed on well in advance of the event.

Braswell said the cookoff was probably the most attended event all week.

The Children’s Parade and the evening Nautical Parade both featured new floats this year, and the grand finale fireworks were truly a grand ending to the day.

Next year, the COTR will be Nov. 27 through Dec. 3.