COTR is a go, even if it will look a little different in 2020
Demopolis will have its 49th Annual Christmas on the River.
The city’s Christmas Party for the world won’t have the full range of activities as in past years, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, but many of the same events, even if they are altered a bit, will be back.
Activities will be held Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 3-5.
Returning will be the Lighting of the Public Square, Alabama State Championship Barbecue Cookoff, Jingle Bell Run, Fair in the Square and a new take on the night parade of floats that really float.
What isn’t back are the Lighting of the Love Light Tree, Children’s Day Parade, Christmas in the Canebrake and the Gala.
Susanna Naisbett, COTR chairman since July, said the committee has been meeting since June to determine what events could be held while following guidelines to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
One of the major changes is what is being hailed as a “Reverse Nautical Parade.” The lighted floats will be stationary along the banks of the Tombigbee River for onlookers to drive by in their cars or, if they feel safe, stroll along the river walk for a view.
Along with the parade will be fireworks. Since it is planned the display will be set off from a barge in the river, they can be viewed all along the river from the Botanical Garden to the City Landing.
Naisbett said the COTR Committee regretted cancelling the Lighting of the Love Light Tree at Whitfield Regional Hospital and announcing the Special Child. Since there will be no day parade, the Special Child would be unable to enjoy the full event.
“We want the Special Child to experience everything,” she said.
For the same reason, no Saint Nicholas will be chosen this year. The honoree is selected for his or her contributions to the children of the city and would be unable to receive the deserved accolades.
The COTR Committee already had cancelled the pageants to select Miss COTR and her court in an abundance of caution.
The Lighting of the Public Square, while abbreviated this year, still will feature the telling of the Christmas story. The chairmen of the event, Jennifer Jordan and Beth Wideman, are looking for volunteers to string lights throughout the park for a spectacular display.
Naisbett said the park even will be broadcast on Facebook to encourage people to see what’s going on but not get into a crowd.
Photos with Santa will be available at the Demopolis Public Library again, but this year the photos must be scheduled ahead of time.
COVID guidelines will be in place for the barbecue cookoff. This year it is not a Kansas City Barbecue sanctioned event, but teams still can earn points. On Friday night the gates will be opened for people to join in the fun. Each team will compete for a Public Choice Award in different categories. Visitors can vote by placing money in tip jars.
Local judges will rate the teams on Saturday, and the winners will be announced at 2 p.m. In the meantime, a Kids’ Hamburger Cookoff will be open for all junior chefs beginning at 8 a.m.
Saturday starts off with the 5K Jingle Bell Run. This year chairman Kelly Gandy is requiring all entrants to sign up on line for safety reasons. However, runners can register in person the morning of the race from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
Signing up early also saves $5 on the entry fee. After Nov. 29, the fee goes up to $30. A link to the registration form is on the COTR Facebook page.
The Fair in the Square is scheduled to run from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It isn’t known now how many vendors will be opening booths. Because there is no day parade, the booths can be spread out over more downtown streets to accommodate crowds safely.
In past years the three house museums in Demopolis have been open on Friday night for tours and entertainment. This year Christmas in the Canebrake is cancelled, but both Bluff Hall and Gaineswood will be decorated and open Saturday for small group tours. Gaineswood is welcoming back this year M.B. and LeWanna Ulmer who will demonstrate the waltz as performed during the 19th Century. He is a direct descendant of Gen. Nathan Bryan Whitfield, who built the historic home. Only 10 people at a time will be allowed in Gaineswood. Those who wish to see the waltz performed may make reservations in advance for one of four demonstrations at 10 or 11:30 a.m. or 1 or 2:30 p.m.
Throughout December Gaineswood plans a display of quilts by the Marengo County Piecemakers and ornaments by the Demopolis Middle School gifted students. Other local artists are showing and selling their own ornaments.
Even though COTR will be abbreviated this year, said Naisbitt, helpers are vital to make the event special. Volunteers are needed to trim the Public Square trees with lights, prepare the nautical floats, work the Fair in the Square and Jingle Bell Run and a myriad of other jobs. Anyone interested in helping out is asked to call the DACC at 334-289-0270.
They can also contact the chairmen of the various events during COTR: J.B. Warren, Paul Willingham, Dee Wright, Cory McCormack or Nick Parker with the barbecue; Craig Schumaher, Amanda Hall and David Lyons, Fair in the Square; Mike Black, Reverse Nautical Parade.
Others serving on the COTR committee are Shelley Wood, Kathleen Randall, Betsy Stephens, Kirk Brooker and Diane Brooker.
And once this year’s COTR is over, “It’s on to the 50th,” said Naisbett. Plans already are underway to make the milestone event special, even more so because COVID-19 has curtailed the 2020 celebration.