What’s new at COTR?

Much of what will be a part of the 2019 version of Christmas on the River will be familiar to those who have made it a tradition to attend each year.

There are several new things to look for, however.

The Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce is offering a novel way to view Christmas lights this year. For sale are holographic glasses. At first glance they look like the glasses used to watch a solar eclipse, but when lights are seen through these lenses, they become something else entirely.

Five designs are offered: a Christmas gift, tree, reindeer, Santa and gingerbread man. Each pair is $3, but all five can be purchased for $10 at the Chamber gazebo beginning Thursday night.

The glasses will be for sale at the gazebo in the Public Square in time for the lighting of the park. At that time St. Nicholas will be announced, and this year 15 people from Demopolis were nominated, the most ever.

When attending the Alabama Championship BBQ Cookoff Friday night, be sure to welcome its first international team, which hails from Breda, Netherlands.

Saturday at the BBQ, young grill masters will compete for prizes in the best hamburger contest. The event is being organized to encourage young cooks and interest them in further competition.

The 5K run on Saturday morning will have several mascots joining the race, and fans are told to be on the lookout for their favorite.

The Fair in the Square Saturday expects to have some 90 vendors, including food and craft booths sponsored by local artisans and groups.

For the first time the fair will feature a farmers market with fresh produce from truck farms across Marengo County.

The Day Parade not only will have 17 COTR floats but some 40 other entries. In addition to six marching bands, the parade will feature two jazz bands, a rock band, and singing group and Big Al.

The night parade on the river will have 15 brightly lighted COTR committee floats. They will be joined by 10 private entries.