Scotty McCreery’s Homecoming Celebration Schedule Announced

Within minutes of last night's announcement that Scotty McCreery was safe for another week on 'American Idol,' the town of Garner, N.C. revealed plans for his homecoming visit. Tonight, the 17-year-old flies home aboard a private jet. Tomorrow, a day that includes a parade, a concert and tens of thousands of his closest friends and fans begins mighty early.

The first stop for McCreery is his hometown country station WQDR. Program Director Lisa McKay tells Taste of Country they're preparing for a few thousand people to take over their parking lot for the 8AM appearance, and that she's not surprised that the area has pulled together to take McCreery this far. "He is as well-grounded as he is talented," she says, "and it's magical to watch this dream come true."

After a visit to a local AT&T store, his high school, and his old employer Lowe's Foods, McCreery will line up for a parade in his honor at 2PM. Garner Mayor Ronnie Williams tells WRAL television he's expecting up to 30,000 people in attendance for the parade and concert that follows at 3PM. "It's the biggest thing that’s ever happened in Garner," he admits.

Scotty fever is so contagious that the country singer isn't even allowed to sleep in his own bed. Instead, he'll be relaxing at a hotel outside of town ... not that there's going to be much time to relax. McKay says she's seen this type of pandemonium before, but not in real life. "Local boy does good and takes the high road: It feels more like a movie than real life," she tells Taste of Country. "How lovely that it is actually happening."

Watch Scotty McCreery Sing 'Long Black Train' Live Last Summer