Hay named 2014 COTR St. Nicholas

Warm temperatures did not dampen the Christmas spirit in downtown Demopolis Thursday night, as a large crowd turned out to see Cindy Hay named St. Nicholas for 2014’s Christmas on the River.

St. Nicholas “is an adult from our community who portrays the Christmas spirit all year long through their generosity and compassion for children,” noted Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michael Kennedy.

Hay certainly seems to fit the bill. “I cannot attend a youth function in Demopolis without seeing her there, and she is always working behind the scenes,” said the anonymous person who nominated Hay in a letter to COTR.

Hay’s involvement in the community includes soccer volunteer and coach, Children’s Director at Fairhaven Baptist Church and Director of First Baptist Church’s WEE School program.

Other nominees for St. Nicholas were Roni Long, Andi Tuberville, Eleanor Park, Edmond Colgrove, Mike Rogers and Mark and Trish McVay.

Thursday evening’s festivities opened with the Lighting of the Park, including a new 30-foot Christmas tree, a parade of lanterns by Westside Elementary School students, introduction of this year’s COTR Special Child Jacob Saelens, introduction of the Christmas on the River pageant winners and their courts, and the reading of the Christmas story by Rev. Hank Atchison, pastor of Gallion Baptist Church.

COTR festivities continue Friday evening with a Candlelight Evening, Christmas in the Canebrake and the Alabama State Barbecue Cookoff, followed by a full slate of activities Saturday and Saturday night. Read a full schedule of events at the following link: http://www.demopolischamber.com/COTR/cotr-calendar.asp