Large crowds enjoy great weather, entertainment, fireworks

Perfect weather combined with a weekend full of activities provided area residents an enjoyable July 4 weekend.

“I was extremely happy with the way everything went,” said Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michael Kennedy, referring to Friday’s Freedom on the River festivities followed by Saturday’s Highway 80 Songwriters Festival. “The weather was absolutely beautiful. We couldn’t have asked for a better July 4 as far as the temperature and skies were concerned. It was perfect.”

July 4’s barbecue cookoff – a mini-version of the state championship cookoff held each December in conjunction with Christmas on the River – along with children’s activities and the much-anticipated fireworks show all were well attended on Friday, according to Kennedy. “I’ve heard from multiple people that this was one of the larger crowds in recent years,” he said. “And the fireworks show was incredible. I also spoke to one of the food vendors Saturday morning who said he was consistently busy until the end. I think the vendors had a good night.”

For the second consecutive year, Demopolis hosted the Highway 80 Songwriters Festival Saturday evening, featuring songwriting talent from the region. “I think some of the changes from last year helped the event flow a little better,” Kennedy said. “It allowed us to feature some of the artists more than last year. This is definitely an event we can build on.”

The Songwriters Festival is sponsored jointly between Demopolis and Meridian, Miss., which will host a similar event in October.

“We hope everybody enjoyed this weekend,” Kennedy said. “We look forward to providing more great events for our community.”