Steffi Ledbetter, East Central highlight FOTR entertainment

The City of Demopolis and the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to attend Freedom on the River 2015. Freedom on the River will be held on Saturday, July 4, 2015 at the Demopolis City Landing.

Freedom on the River’s Best Backyard BBQ will be Saturday, July 4, 2015 at George Franks Field from noon-5 p.m. A limited number of spots are available (there is no entry fee), and anyone can participate.

Teams will receive a 30’x30’ space with water and electricity, and must give out at least 15 pounds of meat (your choice) for samples. Turn in times for judging are from 4-5 p.m.

Set up is on Friday, July 3, 2015 starting at 8 a.m.

The winning team gets bragging rights and entry into the Christmas on the River BBQ Cook Off.

pic - fotr entertainmentContact the Chamber office at (334) 289-0270 for applications.

Freedom on the River will last from noon-10 p.m. on July 4. For the general public, there will be a $5 admission to Best Backyard BBQ (includes meat samples and children’s bouncy houses). A DJ will provide entertainment at the BBQ Cook Off.

The Children’s Corral opens at 4 p.m. and includes patriotic games with prizes. the Children’s Parade begins at 5 p.m. Dress up in your most patriotic gear and deck out your wagons, strollers, skateboards and bicycles to win a prize! Register at the Children’s Corral by 4:45p.m.

Parents must accompany children at all kid’s activities. It is recommended that you bring an extra change of clothes, towels, and sunscreen for your children.

Vendors will be selling food and drinks all afternoon and into the night – including Mug Shots!

Live entertainment from 6-8 p.m., featuring Steffi Ledbetter and East Central.

Steffi was born in Demopolis and has been performing at many small and large events since a very young age. Some of these performances include opening up for Trace Adkins and Lonestar, being invited to sing the National Anthem for five years at the FLW national championships, and opening up with a few songs for George Bush Jr. during his run for President.

She was trained classically for years through a professor at Auburn University and has participated in many musical theatre productions since the age of seven.  She is also former American Idol contestant, earning a trip to Hollywood for her audition.

For the last four years, Steffi has been a part of a band in the Auburn/Columbus area. It began her junior year of high school when another student who was interested in recording some music with her approached her. The student, who actually went on to be her band’s lead guitarist for two years, gave her a list of classic jazz standards to listen to.

Steffi immediately found her true passion through jazz and since then has created her own style with an incredible band. The band members have obviously changed over the years, but it has really made them what they are today!  The band started as the “Steffi Ledbetter Band” because the musicians would frequently switch out. Now that it has had consistent members for over a year, the name has changed to “East Central”.

The band is now working toward its first CD.

Freedom on the River’s events culminate with the ever-popular fireworks show, featuring Mark Pickel and Extreme Pyrotechnics, who will light up the sky with their fireworks show at 8:30 p.m. at the City Landing.

Commissioner’s Street will be closed starting the morning of July 4 from the Civic Center to the City Landing. Other street closures to be aware of that day include Main Street from Pearl to Childress, Childress from Walnut to Commissioners and Pearl from Walnut to Commissioners.

Contact the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce at (334) 289-0270 for details.