Mount Prospect Prepared to Welcome Home American Idol Lee DeWyze

MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill., May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Mount Prospect is planning for the possible hometown visit of "American Idol" finalist Lee DeWyze. The voting results announced on Wednesday night's show will determine if Lee makes it to the top three finalists. If he does, he will be returning to the Chicago area and Northwest suburbs for a hometown visit and celebration. For up to date information, fans are encouraged to visit www.mountprospect.org for all the details on the pending visit.

Lee's morning is expected to start in Chicago where he will visit the FOX 32 morning program "Good Day Chicago." That will be followed by stops at several local radio stations and a public appearance at an AT&T Store. Lee is also expected to throw out the first pitch at the Chicago Cubs game. From there he will head to the suburbs. Lee will make a private stop at a District 214 school. This event is not open to the public.

The official public kick-off for the hometown celebration will be the motorcade/viewing in Downtown Mount Prospect. The route will be along Northwest Highway between Route 83/Main Street and Central Road. The motorcade is expected to begin at approximately 4:30 p.m.

Parking options for the motorcade event include: the Village Hall Parking deck at 50 S. Emerson Street, commuter parking lots along the railroad tracks on Northwest Highway and Prospect Avenue; and designated on street parking.

Mt. Prospect Mayor Irvana Wilks is thrilled to be hosting this hometown celebration, should Lee make it to the final three. "There has been such an outpouring of community support for Lee DeWyze these last few months from students, business owners, and all our residents. The enthusiasm has been remarkable," said Mayor Wilks. "All I can say is VOTE FOR LEE!"

Following the motorcade, the finale of the day will be a performance at Arlington Park Racetrack. The performance will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be the culmination of his daylong return to the Chicago area.

At the performance, Mount Prospect Mayor Irvana Wilks will present Lee with a proclamation and a key to the Village. Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder will greet the crowd and welcome Lee, his family, friends and fans to the Village.

This is a ticketed event only.  Those fans who wish to only come for the post-race performance can do so free of charge but will need to secure a general admission ticket that allows entry to the racetrack after 4 p.m. by visiting www.arlingtonpark.com  after Wednesday night's "American Idol" results program concludes at 9 p.m. Central time. These general admission tickets will not include reserved seating and will be made available on a first-come, first-serve basis. We strongly encourage fans to get their tickets early.

Those fans wishing to purchase admission and reserved seats for the afternoon's races, which begins at a special time of 1 p.m. to accommodate the post-race performance, will be permitted to remain in those seats for the free performance. Tickets for racing start at just $6 and can be purchased online at www.arlingtonpark.com.

Fans are strongly encouraged to allow extra travel time as the area is expected to experience high than normal volumes. Both events are accessible via the Metra Union Pacific Northwest line (Motorcade – Mount Prospect stop; Performance – Arlington Park stop) – public transportation is also highly encouraged.

The most important message is to "VOTE FOR LEE." Please remember to vote on Tuesday night starting at approximately 8:00 p.m. Central Time (watch FOX for details – the show starts at 7:00 p.m. Central time and voting takes place for up to 2 hours after the conclusion of the show). Lee will only be here on Friday if he gets the votes!

The day's events are being planned in a cooperative effort between the Villages of Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights and Palatine, the City of Rolling Meadows, Township High School District 214, Arlington Park Racetrack, and the City of Chicago.

SOURCE Village of Mount Prospect