Christmas in Demopolis, Ala., is done in true Southern style. A town of 8,000 swells to nearly 40,000 for Christmas on the River, and it's all made possible through the spirit of volunteerism. Preparations for the weekend include putting the finishing touches on the floats for the street parade, and Miss Christmas spends the day reading to local schoolchildren. Down near the river, contestants prepare for the Alabama state barbecue championships.
After weeks of preparations, the big day in Demopolis finally arrives. The annual Children's Day Christmas Parade makes its way through the crowded streets, with racing driver Donnie Allison serving as the parade's grand marshal.
Across town, Jim Bird works through tangled wires on his boat for the lighted boat parade. People gather on the riverbank to anxiously await Bird's famous lead float, which features elves walking on water.
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