FITZGERALD, GA (WALB) -
Okay everybody it's getting down to the wire for Phillip Phillips on American Idol!
If he makes it into the top 3 this weekend he'll get to come home for the weekend.
And Leesburg is sure ready for him.
To say the town is proud is an understatement.
People are clearing their calendars and getting ready to welcome Leesburg's latest super-star Phillip Phillips.
A concert and parade are planned as part of his welcome home event.
The small town of Leesburg is bracing for a big weekend,
"We're going 90 miles per hour around here," said Lisa Davis, Lee County Chamber of Commerce, Vice President.
American Idol Camera crews, and what could be tens of thousands of people are expected to show up Saturday in Leesburg for a homecoming parade for Phillip Phillips a small town guy who could be the next American Idol.
"It's pretty awesome, the whole magnitude is big," said Davis.
It's down to the final four and everyone is anxiously awaiting to find out if Phillips advances to the final three.
"We just want to remind folks to vote tomorrow night those votes tomorrow night will be what helps bring him home," said Davis.
And if he does come home supporters want to give him a very warm welcome,
‘We want to make him as proud as he's made us," said Davis.
Arranging a parade and concert of this magnitude can be stressful, but they're getting used to planning these kind of things,
"We've had the luxury of having Luke Bryan and Buster Posey and wow how many folks can say that," said Davis.
Having big name stars helps put Leesburg on the map.
"We've sent signs and shirts out to California so, wow and he's from Leesburg Georgia," said Davis.
The national attention is helping out local businesses too,
"Leesburg has lots of mom and pop businesses and we are always asking folks to support them," said Davis.
Like Java The Hut, a relatively new coffee shop that has turned into a sort of Philip Phillips Fan shop.
"Probably 75 percent of our day is spent answering phone calls and selling Phillip Phillips t-shorts and the rest is our coffee shop," said Davis.
But locals don't think it is the end when it comes to home grown talent,
"We got a tradition started now so who knows what is coming up next," said Davis.
In fact it could be just the beginning.
If he does get to come home Saturday the parade will start at 2:30 and the concert will start at 3pm.
The big IF here is that Phillip HAS to make the top three for all this to happen.
So that means watch the show tomorrow night and vote, vote, vote.
Copyright 2012 WALB. All rights reserved.
Here is the full press release from the Lee County Chamber of Commerce
– Lee County Chamber of Commerce is planning a homecoming celebration Saturday, May 12, 2012 for AMERICAN IDOL Top 4 finalist Phillip Phillips. This celebration is contingent on Phillip making it to the top 3. With that being said…it is of the utmost importance that everyone VOTE! The parade will begin at 2:30 p.m. and will run down Hwy. 32 from Starksville Ave to the Lee County High School. The concert will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the Lee County High School Football Stadium. Gates will not open until 2:00 p.m. No coolers or backpacks will be allowed.
We certainly hope that everyone will come out and show their support! The event is free and open to the public.
WHAT: Phillip Phillips Homecoming Celebration
DATE: Saturday, May 12, 2012
TIME: 2:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Leesburg, GA
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