POWERGRAMS

7 EMPLOYEES HELP MAKE CHRISTMAS ON THE RIVER ONGOING SUCCESS Every year, Christmas comes rolling into town by land and by water in Demopolis, and this year was no exception. With two parades, floats, music, barbecue and a crowd of more than 30,000, it's easy to see why Christmas on the River has become a holiday tradition for families across Alabama. Christmas on the River has marked the start of the holiday season for Demopolis since 1972, after two local businessmen saw similar river parades. On the banks of the Tombigbee River, this west Alabama town was seen as the perfect location to create its own water celebration. As one of the only parades in Alabama with "floats that really float," Christmas on the River features a day parade through town and a night parade on the river. Along with the parades, the four-day celebration includes a barbecue cook-off, historic home tours, an arts and crafts fair, fireworks, a 5K race and the lighting of holiday decorations on the public square. Christmas on the River would not be possible without the help of dedicated volunteers. "It takes the entire community to make this happen every year," said Diane Brooker, Demopolis Business Office manager and chairwoman of the 2014 Christmas on the River. "The beauty of a small town is that you know people are willing to show up and help in any way they can." This year alone, volunteers from high schools, civic groups and businesses worked more than 2,000 hours. Alabama Power employees and their families logged many of the hours by building floats, making decorations, pulling floats for the day and night parades, and chairing various events throughout the weekend. The APSO Western Division Chapter, Demopolis area, sponsored the annual Jingle Bell Run, with proceeds going to the Demopolis Food Bank. "The proceeds for this year's race provided much-needed support to the local food bank," said Aimee Reynolds, Western Division market specialist. "It's a heartwarming way to celebrate your own wellness and your community this holiday season." Mark Freeman, team leader at Greene County Steam Plant, was chairman for this year's Fair in the Square, which was home to more than 160 food, retail and craft vendors on Dec. 6. "Being from Demopolis, I have been to almost all of the Christmases on the River. But only in the last few years have I taken a renewed interest because of my involvement," Freeman said. "What started as a small group of civic-minded people has turned into a communitywide volunteer effort. This event could not happen without the dedication of our volunteers from Alabama Power and throughout the town." Planning for next year's Christmas on the River has already begun. Like every year, the Demopolis community and Alabama Power employees will be out in full force to make it a success again. "It's always encouraging to see people take pride in their community," Brooker said. "Christmas on the River brings out the true spirit of the employees at Alabama Power and in the community. It is this spirit that will continue to make it a success for years to come." By Anna Catherine Roberson Tombigbee Tradition POWER TO ALABAMA From top left, clockwise, Christmas Parade weaves through town; float on river; parade queen waves; Joy to the World entry. Photos by Billy Brown Santa makes his annual appearance.

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