Deb Peterman, an employee at the Sullivan County High School and an Emergency Medical Technician for the fire department in Laporte, announced last week that a block party and parade for Aaron Kelly will take place on Friday, Sept. 10, 2010, in downtown Laporte, Pa.
According to Peterman, the event is a joint effort amongst the community, and Kelly, who will be departing for Nashville, Tenn. following his visit, will be appearing at the event to sign autographs, participate in the parade, talk about his future plans, and hopefully sing a song or two.
"Aaron is expected to sing one or two numbers," said Peterman following a brief conversation with Kelly's aunt, Kelly Kelly.
The block party is scheduled to take place in downtown Laporte from 5 to 9 p.m., with the parade beginning at 6 p.m., and will be centered across from the Courthouse located at Rt. 42 and Muncy Street in Laporte, Pa.
Peterman is expecting a large crowd for the event, and noted that the Laporte fire company will be assisting with security along with the Pennsylvania State Police and the Sullivan County Sheriff's Department.
"The biggest problem we are projecting is parking," said Peterman. "This might become an issue," she added.
Local organizations from around the community are also working with Peterman to get involved in the celebration, and bands are being lined up to perform for guests as well during the block party and parade.
"Everyone, county-wide, is helping out with this event," exclaimed Peterman.
And the county is certainly excited. Fans from in and around Sullivan County, and nationwide, were fixated on Aaron Kelly throughout this past year's season of American Idol as he climbed his way into the Top Five prior to his elimination.
Raised in Sonestown, Pa., 17-year old Kelly was already well-known throughout the community for his strong country vocals and his generosity in relation to assisting with benefits and other fund-raising events. So when Kelly landed himself in the Top Five on American Idol it turned the town upside-down.
Working as a cook at the Sullivan County high school, Peterman exclaimed that the upcoming block party with Aaron Kelly is all that the kids, as well as people in the community, have been talking about.
"The kids are excited," said Peterman. "That's all we've been hearing about."
Since the American Idol season concluded in May, Kelly has been traveling with the Top 10 on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2010, to include performing in seven concerts in seven days at the end of August. But now, with a contract that expired on Aug. 31 with American Idol, Kelly will be traveling to Nashville, Tenn., where he will continue his singing career.
Kelly is also scheduled to make an appearance, prior to his departure, starting at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11 at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds in Hughesville, Pa.
