SANTA CRUZ, Calif.- Santa Cruz is not keeping quiet about one of the biggest events possibly to ever hit the Central Coast.
In a news release Friday, the Santa Cruz city said city officials, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and other community members are busy preparing to welcome home American Idol hopeful James Durbin with a special "Durbin Day" on Saturday, May 14th. "Durbin Day" will officially recognize James Durbin's impressive accomplishments on American Idol and provide the community with an opportunity to cheer on their hometown hero.
Durbin continues to impress American Idol judges and national audiences and could be one of the show's final three contestants who return to their hometowns, providing TV viewers with a glimpse into their lives before stardom.
The only hitch? Nobody will know if Durbin has actually made it to the "Final 3" until the show airs on May 12.
"We fully expect James Durbin to win American Idol, so we're very confident he will be in the final three," said Santa Cruz mayor Ryan Coonerty in the city news release. "Millions of people watch James every week and our community has really supported his journey, we're looking forward to welcoming him home on May 14."
According to Kris Reyes with the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, full details of the planned visit are still being confirmed, but the public could expect to see Durbin's motorcade, not a parade, cruise down Pacific Avenue and Beach Street as well as make stops at several county locations to greet fans.
Durbin will end his day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk around 5 p.m.
"Our stage is ready, and we're making final preparations to host James here at the beach," said Reyes in the city's news release. "We're very proud to welcome James and his family to the Boardwalk. With Monterey Bay as a backdrop, our stage has one of the most stunning settings ever seen on American Idol and there is no better place for our community to support him in his amazing adventure," he said.
Reyes said the boardwalk as their own security department for special events, American Idol will also provide security and Santa Cruz Police will work closely with both teams. No outside security firms are expected to be hired.
"It will definitely be one of the most unique and largest events in the history of the Beach Boardwalk with American Idol's popularity and the support locally, we expect it to be a very special day next Saturday."
Reyes said they have done their research. Boardwalk officials have spoken to other communities who have hosted Idol hometown visits. Those communities offered up tips like "be flexible" and "prepare for the schedule to change and fall behind." Reyes said they will know more by the beginning of next week.
The White Album Ensemble, a popular Beatles tribute band, will perform a free concert beginning at 4 p.m. on the Boardwalk's Beach Bandstand. Reyes said he believes Durbin once sang with the cover band. Durbin is scheduled to join his former musician friends on the stage for a few songs at 5 p.m., followed by an autograph signing for his fans.
"Not only is Durbin Day a fun opportunity to share our pride in James Durbin's incredible achievement on American Idol, this is also a great opportunity to showcase our beautiful county in front of a huge national TV audience," said Maggie Ivy, CEO of the Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitors Council in the city's news release Friday. "We plan to be ready," she added.
