The city of Blue Springs is taking some lessons from Bothell, Wash.
The city, home of former “American Idol” finalist Blake Lewis, was both honored and overwhelmed when it hosted a parade and concert for Lewis in May 2007. No incidents were reported during the celebration and parade, but it left an undeniable mark on the city.
And now it’s Blue Springs’ turn – should native David Cook break the top three tonight.
Merideth Parrish, Blue Springs city spokesperson, said the public information officer for Bothell said the Seattle suburb of about 30,000 people was overwhelmed by the number of people who attended the event. Approximately 40-50 police officers assisted with security and escort for the event, which drew between 7,000 to 10,000 people.
But Blue Springs will see at least 10,000 people when David Cook takes the stage at Larry Stewart Memorial Stadium at Blue Springs South High School, 1200 S.E. Adams Dairy Parkway. The parade begins at the intersection of Moreland School Road and Adams Dairy Parkway at 3:30 p.m. on Friday.
Gates to the stadium open at 3 p.m., and all seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. No reserve seating is permitted. Included in the festivities is a special presentation from Mayor Carson Ross, who plans to present Cook with a key to the city. Also included is special entertainment from Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders and more.
Leslie Evans, spokesperson for the school district, said the stadium holds 10,000 people, but there will be more people if you count the outside perimeter of the stadium and field areas.
“We’re preparing for a big event,” she said. “There will be the opportunity to see some of the entertainment if you can’t get in.”
Evans said the district continues to coordinate with the city, the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District and local police.
“We’re doing everything we can to make this as entertaining and as safe as possible,” Evans said. “There will be a police presence at the stadium and on the parade route.”
When Cook arrives at the Kansas City International Airport Friday, he’ll be escorted by Kansas City police, security and a motorcade. From there, Cook will venture to Independence, where local police will pick up security duties, escorting him to Lee’s Summit and finally Blue Springs.
All told, about 200 police officers and security from Kansas City, Raytown, Grandview, Independence, Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs will see Cook through from his arrival and departure from Kansas City.
“It’s certainly the biggest event I’ve ever had to coordinate,” Parrish said. “Luckily, I’m getting great help. Everyone is pitching in to make this run smooth.”
Capt. Anthony Modrell said approximately 30 Blue Springs officers will assist with Friday’s festivities, with about 10-15 additional officers from several area departments.
‘This is a special response for us,” Modrell said. “It’s similar to the city’s fall fest, but a little bigger, obviously.”
Details are unconfirmed at this point, but Cook may make brief appearances in cities other than Blue Springs.
“We’re unsure at this point where he’ll appear other than in Blue Springs and at the Royals game,” Parrish said.
Cook will appear at Kauffman Stadium during the Kansas City Royals game Friday night, where he agreed to sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” before throwing out the first pitch. He may even call one inning of the game from a broadcast booth.
As for tickets – good luck. By late Tuesday afternoon, all tickets at Blue Springs South High School were gone.
