Pickler pals gather for ‘Idol’ photo opportunity at airport (thesnaponline.com)

[James]

Tuesday, March 7, 2006
By Jim Lisk, Staff Writer

Hundreds showed up at the Albemarle-Stanly County Airport Saturday to let their feelings about Kellie Pickler be known.
“We love you Kellie!” rang out across the Albemarle-Stanly County Airport Saturday afternoon as Kellie Pickler fans spelled out her “American Idol slogan” - “Pick Pickler.”

With TV crews and SNAP photographer Matt Irvin shooting from a plane that circled overhead, the fans cheered and waved their homemade Kellie signs.

There were fans of all ages, from the little ones being held by parents to the graying seniors and even those in wheel chairs that came to be a part of history and to support our “American Idol” as she continues her march to stardom.

Tonight, live from Hollywood, Pickler will again take to the stage, competing with the eight remaining females as she shoots to make the Final 12.

Downtown Albemarle with be alive with Kellie-mania tonight as First Street will be blocked from West Main to West North from 6:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. for J. D. Shuckers Block Party to honor Pickler.

Big-screen TVs will be set up outside to catch all the action live from Hollywood.

Pontiac Pointe is joining in the celebration with free “Kellie’s Calamari” appetizers tonight while The Boardroom Bar & Bistro is offering a Tuesday night special of buy one entree, get the second one at half price.

Signs have popped up at businesses all around town that proclaim everyone’s support for Pickler.

Film crews from several national entertainment shows will be in town as will be crews from local stations to catch the action as Albemarle and Stanly County cheers on Pickler.

Banners are now up at the four gateways to Albemarle as the city leads the way in supporting Pickler in her quest to become the 2006 American Idol.

Going into tonight, there are eight talented young ladies left, and as the phone lines and cell phones heat up after the one-hour show, America will decide who the remaining six will be.

Albemarle Councilmember Judy Holcomb suggests Pickler fans use their cell phones when trying to vote.

Last week, Holcomb and her husband, Dave, registered 386 votes on their two cell phones and she’s primed for another all-out effort tonight.


Partying

for

Pickler

Downtown Albemarle at First Street will be blocked from West Main to West North from 6:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. for J. D. Shuckers Block Party to honor Kellie Pickler.

[Hazelpaige]

thats cool, gotta be nice to have ur whole town behind you