Christmas on the River returns for 53rd year
Published 5:56 am Wednesday, December 4, 2024
The COTR Nautical Parade is one of the highlights of the annual Christmas celebration. Floats are paraded down the Tombigbee river for spectators watching on shore. Photo by Andrea Burroughs.
This year’s COTR St. Nick was Sergeant Richard “Tank” Bryant. Bryant is a well-known face in Demopolis and was a popular choice this year. Photo by Andrea Burroughs.
The Demopolis High School River City Blue Marching Band showed off their Demopolis pride in the Day Parade this past Saturday. Photo by Andrea Burroughs.
The East Mississippi Community College marching band was a guest in this year’s COTR Day Parade. They played loud and proud as they marched through the streets. Photo by Andrea Burroughs.
The Grand Marshal for COTR was Richard Scott, a well-known meteorologist for WVUA 23 in Tuscaloosa. He is a Linden native. Photo by Andrea Burroughs.
The Market Street Jazz Band provided music entertainment during the Fair in the Square portion of COTR. Photo by Andrea Burroughs.
Miss Christmas on the River, Maddie Singleton, waves to the crowd as the Day Parade rolls through downtown Demopolis. Photo by Andrea Burroughs.
The Noel Trail was a new addition to COTR and was created by the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce. The trail consisted of Christmas trees decorated by local businesses. Photo by Andrea Burroughs.
The Papier Mache heads are a big part of COTR and have been a staple in the parade for many years. Photo by Andrea Burroughs.
Ricki Ann Gandy poses for a picture with her son, Oliver, after the lighting of the Love Lights Tree at Whitfield Regional Hospital. Photo by Andrea Burroughs.
Jeremy Sullivan takes a moment to take a phot with his son Oliver in front of the Love Lights Tree at Whitfield Regional Hospital. Photo by Andrea Burroughs.
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The Crown Jewel of the Black Belt is going to be ready for Christmas.
The 53rd annual Christmas on the River in Demopolis sponsored by the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce is underway, and there’s holiday fun for everyone planned now through this weekend.
Chamber Executive Director Monica King said this year’s event might be one of the biggest celebrations of the season.
“We are excited for the 53rd annual Christmas on the River,” King said. “There has been a lot of work put in by the chamber members and volunteers to make this year’s event be a big success.”
The annual holiday festival began last Thursday when the switch was flipped on Christmas Tree Tower by the Black Warrior EMC, and it continues until midnight on Saturday.
Tonight, Whitfield Regional Medical Center will be hosting the annual introduction of the Special Child and the lighting of the Love Light Tree at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4. This is one of the favorite events of the festivalgoers. Oliver Sullivan of Demopolis was recognized as the 2023 Christmas on the River Special Child.
On Thursday, Dec. 5, at 5:30 p.m., the chamber will have the lighting of the public square. St. Nick will be introduced along with the reading of the Christmas story and photo with Santa at the Demopolis Public Library.
On Friday, Dec. 6, the Alabama State Championship BBQ Cook-Off will be held at George Franks Field beginning at 5 p.m. Admission is $5, and residents can bring drinks.
Also that night, Christmas in the Canebrake will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. where visitors can tour Lyon Hall for $5. They are also offering their Parlors & Trees tour which includes a tour of Lyon Hall along with an exclusive tour of four private homes for $20.
Then, the Gaineswood Candlelight Tour will also be going on for just $5 or they can purchase a combined tour of Gaineswood, Glitter & Glow at the Cedars and a tour of the Whitfield farmhouse at the Cedars for $20.
On Saturday, Dec. 7, the public fair at the square begins at 7:30 a.m. and continues all day until 3:30 p.m. King said they will have wide array of vendors that will have all kinds of Christmas gifts, food and other items available for purchase.
At 8:30 a.m., the Jingle Bell 5k Run/Walk will begin at Rooster Hall and continue through downtown Demopolis.
Then at 11:30 a.m., the day parade will travel down Walnut and Strawberry avenues north of Pettus Street. All of the Christmas on the River queens will be riding in the parade. Numerous businesses and organizations will have floats for the parade, and several marching bands including the Demopolis High School band will be performing for the crowds.
From 1-6 p.m., tours of Bluff Hall will be available for $5 for adults and $3 for children 6-18. Under 6 is free.
Guided tours of Gaineswood will also be available for $10 for adults or $5 for students.
The winners of the BBQ Cook-Off will be announced at 2 p.m.
Then at 6 p.m., the event culminates with the Nautical Parade & Fireworks Show on the Tombigbee River and Lake Demopolis.
At that same time, the Christmas on the River Gala kicks off at the Demopolis Civic Center with a great view of the nautical parade and fireworks show. General admission for the entire night is $75 per person. Ages 20 and under will be allowed to attend the event from 6 to 9 p.m. for $20 per ticket. Those ages 21 and older who want to attend the event from 9 p.m. to midnight can purchase tickets for $45 per ticket.
For more information, log on to https://www.christmasontheriverdemopolis.com/,
