Festival of Lights contest adds to COTR fun

With Covid-19 hampering Christmas on the River parades this year, the River City Blue Marching Band at Demopolis High School is launching a new festive event to light up Demopolis for the holidays.

Called the Demopolis Festival of Lights, the inaugural contest is open to all residents and businesses and fetches some nice prizes for winners.

Registration closes Friday, Nov. 27 at noon; the entry fee is $30, and the contest will be judged by a panel of professionals on Dec. 2. The first 25 entries will receive a custom River City Blue ornament. The top three winners will be announced at the Fair in the Square during COTR by Mayor Woody Collins after a short Christmas concert.

Contest entries will be judged on theme and design, creativity, neatness and overall presentation. They will judged by curbside appeal only; no judges will enter properties.

Demopolis RCB is thankful for the donations that enable the band to reward the “best-dressed” entries for their décor. All homes and businesses with a Demopolis address are eligible to enter, and all homes that enter will be invited to be entered in the Parade of Homes so community members can drive by and admire them. 

It is the the Demopolis RCB’s hope to get the city ready for the holiday season. Jessica Dial, president of the Demopolis RCB Band Booster Club, said the idea for the contest came about because of the difficult year 2020 has been.

“This year has been full of challenges, disappointments and sadness,” Dial said. “We hope that the people of Demopolis will celebrate with us and help ring in this joyful and fun season and a better end to this year.” 

Flyers have been placed around town, and entry forms have been placed at several locations throughout Demopolis. Contestants also may sign up by going to https://forms.gle/9BN8Eu1NGKLpjoJN7.