Chamber seeking St. Nicholas nominations

Christmas on the River organizers are seeking nominations for this year’s St. Nicholas, the title that annually honors an individual who has contributed considerably to the well-being of local young people over the course of the year.

The 2011 St. Nicholas honor went to Demopolis High football coach and athletic director Tom Causey. Other recent St. Nicholas honorees have included Kenny Freeman, Albert Thomas and Ann Parsons among others.

The St. Nicholas tradition became part of the Christmas on the River festivities in 1989. The first recipients of the award were former Demopolis High School teacher Pat Hinson and community volunteer Jim Carlson. Other notable honorees over the years have included Sandy Yeager, who received the honor posthumously in 2001 and Verne and June Humble, who carried the title as a couple in 2006 for their work with Operation: Christmas Child.

Each year, the title goes to an individual who is determined to have portrayed the spirit of Christmas all year long.

The Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce and the Christmas on the River Committee are accepting nominations for St. Nick candidates now through Nov. 15.

Nominations must be submitted in the form of a letter and can be dropped off at the Demopolis Chamber of Commerce office on E. Washington Street, mailed to P.O. Box 667, Demopolis, AL 36732 or faxed to 289-1382.  Letters must be signed in order for the nomination to be counted.

“There is no greater compliment than for someone to sit down and write a letter of recommendation on your behalf,” Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce Director Jenn Tate said. “All of us know someone who has made a difference in our community. Take a few minutes and write a letter of recommendation on behalf of someone who has made a lasting impression on you.”

St. Nicholas will be crowned Thursday, Nov. 29 in Public Square in downtown Demopolis at 5:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the coronation will take place at the Demopolis Civic Center.

The event will also feature other COTR staples such as the reading of the Christmas story by J.D. Barnes, Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, the lighting of Public Square and the Lantern Light Parade.

“It is a fun-filled evening honoring people that help make Demopolis the wonderful community that it is,” Tate said in a press release issued Tuesday.

Those seeking more information on the event are encouraged to contact that chamber office at 334-289-0270.