Christmas on the River names co-founder Hal Bloom as Grand Marshal

One of the men who helped establish Demopolis' Christmas on the River celebration in 1972 will return to the spotlight this year as the event's Grand Marshal.

The Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce has named Hal Bloom as Grand Marshal of the 2026 Christmas on the River. Bloom served as director of the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce during the early years of Christmas on the River and worked alongside Barry Collins and Mem Webb to launch the celebration.

Inspired by river parades in other cities, the three men saw an opportunity to use Demopolis' riverfront to create a unique holiday event that would bring the community together and attract visitors.

What began as a river parade has grown into a longstanding holiday tradition, drawing thousands of visitors to Demopolis each year for festivities along the riverfront along with festivities for a week before.

According to a statement by the Chamber, Bloom's selection as Grand Marshal recognizes his vision and leadership in helping establish an event that has become part of the city's identity.

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Bloom has spent four decades working in government relations, public finance and advocacy for Alabama communities as founding principal of The Bloom Group. His career includes work in legislative leadership, banking and investment services, and he has been recognized by the Montgomery Advertiser as one of Alabama's top lobbyists.

Bloom is a graduate of the University of West Alabama and graduated from the Chamber of Commerce Executive Institute at the University of Georgia.

He has remained active in higher education and civic leadership, serving as chairman of both the University of West Alabama's governing board and its foundation board. He also served as president of the Montgomery Rotary Club.

The Chamber said honoring Bloom as Grand Marshal is an opportunity to recognize not only his professional accomplishments and community service but also his lasting contribution to Demopolis.