Rivas named 25th St. Nicholas
J.R. Rivas is the 25th St. Nicholas in Christmas on the River history after being announced for the honor Thursday evening during the annual Lighting of Public Square ceremony.
“I was very surprised,” Rivas said. “It took me by surprise and I’m very honored by it.”
As Katie Windham readied to make the announcement, she read excerpts from the letter written to nominate Rivas for COTR’s highest honor.
“He quietly works to improve the quality of life for all the people of Demopolis and has impacted the lives of many people and children here in our community,” Windham read. “He frequently hosts underprivileged children to his ranch, offering them a unique learning experience. He visits with the elderly and hospital patients, showing compassion for those who are often forgotten. He is a strong supporter of education and is a compassionate giver to the Demopolis community. He portrays the spirit of Christmas all year long and quietly brings opportunities to the children of Demopolis.”
“I guess just coming from a third world country and growing up with hardly anything,” Rivas said when asked about the origin of what has become a charitable lifestyle for him. “Coming to the United States, especially the way I’ve been treated and embraced in this community and the City of Demopolis. It’s time for us to kind of give back.”
After reading the letter, Windham then introduced Rivas as “a father, a grandfather, a local business owner, a big volunteer, a friend of the community, a really big Alabama fan.”
“First of all, I just want to say thanks to all the volunteers that make Christmas on the River happen. There’s a lot of time that goes into this to make this happen. It is prepared so well,” Rivas said. “I also want to especially thank the Pink Ladies. To me, they’re phenomenal with what they do on a day-to-day basis. They sacrifice their time. They show a lot of compassion, a lot of love, a lot of kindness and that’s what really Christmas is all about and they show it every day of the year.”
As he readies for all that comes along with being St. Nicholas, Rivas is preparing to see the Christmas on the River festivities from a different angle.
“Mostly the Day Parade,” Rivas, who moved to Demopolis in 1993 said of what he most looks forward to about the festival. “To be able to once again be more in touch with the community and to be able to experience this moment now from a float.”