Big Night - The Ocala Star-Banner - 1/15/07

[ChrisKellieFan]

http://www.ocala.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a.../1027/YOURLIFE

Big night
Thousands expected for Kellie Pickler's concert at the mall

BY ANTHONY VIOLANTI
STAR-BANNER

What started out as a local radio promotion with singer Kellie Pickler has turned into an unprecedented entertainment event for Ocala.

"It's taken on a life of its own," said Jim Robertson, general manager of WOGK-FM 93.7, the station bringing the former "American Idol" contestant and current country recording artist to the Paddock Mall this evening at 6.

"For this town, this is big," Robertson said. "She's a star and she's coming here to play for free."

Originally, the station figured a few hundred fans would turn out. Now, the expectations are for a crowd of about 2,000 fans and maybe more for the outdoor show in front of the JC Penney store. The Ocala Police Department and Paddock Mall security officials have been making plans all week for the added traffic and crowds.

"This is the biggest show we've done at the mall since I've been here; we have not had an event of this magnitude" said Jamie Roy, manager of mall marketing for nearly a year and a half. "We've had tremendous interest in Kellie Pickler from all over. We are going to be prepared to handle everything."

Roy would not reveal the security plans but said they are in place. She also said there will be rules for those attending the show in the parking lot. These include no alcohol, no coolers, no chairs and no umbrellas in the parking lot.

Roy added that the parking lot will have space for more than 2,500 cars. About 90 spaces will be eliminated for setting up the stage, lights and sound system for Pickler's concert.

"We do not think parking will be an issue," Roy said.

All the media attention and public interest is good for the mall, Roy said. "It's going to be a great day with a huge increase in traffic for our stores."

Pickler is expected to play an acoustic set for 30 to 45 minutes, with two other guitarists on stage. She will sing songs from her current album, "Small Town Girl," including her current single, "Red High Heels." Then, she is scheduled to go to the FYE music store in the mall, to sign autographs until 8 p.m.

Retail traffic will be heavy inside the mall but the streets surrounding it could also be jammed. Today is a national holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and many will be off from work to attend the concert. Such streets as Southwest 19th Avenue Road, Southwest 27th Avenue and State Road 200 are often clogged during rush periods and the concert traffic could add to the congestion.

"We will be monitoring traffic throughout the day and we will adjust to it," Roy said.

"Traffic is always a concern in Ocala, even when there isn't a concert going on," said Greg Graham, deputy chief of the Ocala Police Department. "We've been in contact with the mall and we will have security for the concert and we'll be watching the traffic flow."

Graham expects the traffic to be heaviest, "about 30 minutes before the concert, and then 30 minutes after the show. It's like the Christmas parade. We'll have extra officers ready but I don't expect any huge problems. We've been planning and we're prepared."

In addition to watching traffic and security, Robertson said two guards will be assigned to protect Pickler. He added that this is the biggest event K-Country has done in Ocala.

"This is the first time we're putting on a free show by a country star in a parking lot and when we first thought about it, we didn't know what to expect," Robertson said. "Now we know it's going to be a lot bigger than we thought. Ocala loves country music and Kellie Pickler."

Anthony Violanti can be reached at 867-4154 or anthony.violanti@starbanner.com

KELLIE PICKLER AT THE PADDOCK MALL
TIME: 6 p.m.
LOCATION: Stage will be set up in front of the JC Penney Store, facing State Road 200.
CONCERT: Pickler will do an acoustic set with two guitarists on stage. She will sing songs from her current album, "Small Town Girl," including her current single, "Red High Heels." She is expected to perform 30-45 minutes.
AFTER THE SHOW: Pickler will sign autographs in the FYE music store in the mall until 8 p.m.
IF YOU GO: The following will not be allowed in the mall parking lot: chairs, coolers, alcohol and umbrellas. Ocala police and mall security will enforce those bans.
PARKING: Advice to those looking for a parking space: Come at least one hour early.

[robert1848]

I am so happy for her. This should be the biggest reception she has had for her own appearance since her homecoming last year. The fans are going to get a treat. I hope we have some KellieFans there that can give us an eyewitnes account.

[lilMCpickler78]

I reallly hope she comes near me!Everyone is soo lucky that gets to go tonight!

[Young_br]

semms was a terrific time

[werss]

Yep, seems like it was a great success

[kcboy231982]

cool!

[CalamariKellie]

wish i could have gone...