Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce president Kelley Smith said on Tuesday that the committees for 2009’s Christmas on the River festival were all but complete.

“We have probably 95 percent of our committee chairmen in place right now,” she said. “We started our monthly meetings in April, which is typical.

“The night parade has already picked out the new floats for this coming year. The day parade has already had one workshop, and we’re planning another one for the month of May. That is to build new floats and repair the existing floats. Sponsorship letters will go out in May as well.”

Smith said that anyone who wants to volunteer his time or make donations to the Christmas on the River festival should contact her office at (334) 289-0270.