This is from Ch 2's website

Huge Homecoming Planned For Utah's "Idol"

Contestant David Archuleta attends the 'American Idol' annual Top 12 Party Thursday, March 6, 2008 in West Hollywood, Calif. (AP Photo/Phil McCarten) MURRAY, Utah (AP) - What a homecoming. Officials are predicting 20,000 people Friday during a rally for Utah's David Archuleta, the young finalist on "American Idol." A pep rally at the Murray High School is scheduled for late afternoon, with cheerleaders, the choir and a parade around the football stadium with Archuleta, his family and Gov. Jon Huntsman. Archuleta, 17, is expected to sing at the event and later appear at EnergySolutions Arena to perform the national anthem at the Jazz-Lakers NBA playoff game.

"We're making sure we're prepared and for everyone involved to make it in a grand way," Murray Mayor Dan Snarr said. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." The Fox network wants to videotape the hometown reception. "Who wouldn't be thrilled to have this type of talent in their city, and he represents Murray city very well," Snarr said. "You won't find a more caring person. That is what a true American idol should be." Archuleta also might appear at an AT&T store at the Gateway Mall in Salt Lake City.

A family friend, Brett Hales, said Archuleta's mother feels he's gaining confidence each week. "She said this is the first time she ever heard him say, 'I want to be in the top three,"' Hales said. "He's really starting to feel it. His drive really kicked in." Snarr is inviting everyone to the football stadium. "We're open to everybody and we let people in and out, so they don't need a key," he said.

MURRAY EVENT SCHEDULE

Date: Friday, May 9, 2008

Location: Murray High School, 5440 South State Street, Murray,

Pre-Pep Rally Activities

3:30 - 4:15 PM Break dancers at entrances with music, MHS entertainment in MHS stadium

4:15 PM MHS PEP RALLY BEGINS • MHS Entertainment; Cheerleaders, Acappella Choir, Pep Band, Drill Team,Dance Company• Fun with Salt Lake REAL Leonardo the Lion & Utah Blaze Chief mascots

4:30 - 5:15 PM Parade of Dignitaries, including David Archuleta and family
• Welcome’s and Proclamations from Utah Governor Jon Huntsman’s Office,
• Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon & Murray City Mayor Dan Snarr.
• Mayor Snarr and Murray City Council present gift basket to David
• David’s family introduce
• DAVID ARCHULETA TO PERFORM (2-3 songs)
• American Idol Announcement – Mayor Snarr and David
• Hot Air Balloon lift-off to take David (and group) “To the Top” on American Idol

5:15 David “whisked” off to Utah Jazz Game to sing The National Anthem.GENERAL PUBLIC:
• Gates will not be open until 3:30 PM. (Students & buses MUST have time to leave parking lots).
• Security will be on site all day
• Toilet facilities will be provided

PARKING & DRIVING SUGGESTIONS:• Take Trax to the Murray Central Station; then about a block south to MHS• Hillcrest Junior High lots, across the street to the east, 126 East 5300 South• Murray Park areas, NE of MHS on Murray Park Blvd (east side of State Street)• LaPoint Ford will donate 250 parking stalls, adjacent to MHS directly to the South (or at MY HOUSE!! ;) )

He'll be signing autographs at The Gateway too!!

SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!