MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – Meridian native and American Idol finalist Jamal Roberts will return home for a hero’s welcome Wednesday as the city honors his Top 3 finish with a parade and concert in the heart of downtown.
Fans from across Mississippi and beyond are expected to line the streets to celebrate Roberts, who has captivated national audiences during his run on the popular singing competition. The festivities will take place Wednesday, May 14, ahead of the American Idol finals.
The parade will begin at 5:45 p.m. at the Lauderdale County Courthouse (612 22nd Ave.) and will travel along 22nd Avenue to Eighth Street, turning left and continuing to 26th Avenue. The procession will end at Meridian City Hall (2412 Seventh St.).
A mini concert featuring Roberts is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. on the City Hall Lawn.
City officials announced multiple street closures in preparation for the event:
Parade Route Closures (beginning at 5:40 p.m.):
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22nd Avenue from the Courthouse entrance to Eighth Street.
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Eighth Street from 22nd to 26th Avenue.
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23rd, 24th and 25th avenues to be closed to through traffic starting at 5:30 p.m.
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23rd Avenue from Fifth to Ninth streets.
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24th Avenue from Fifth to Sixth streets.
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25th Avenue from Fifth to Ninth streets.
Concert Area Closures:
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23rd to 25th avenues closed to through traffic.
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24th Avenue open only for access to the Arts District Parking Garage (712 24th Ave.) from Ninth Street.
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Sixth Street closed from 22nd to 26th avenues.
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Seventh Street closed from 22nd to 26th avenues.
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Fifth Street will remain open, though access to 23rd to 25th avenues will be restricted.
Parking on Sixth and Seventh streets between 23rd and 25th avenues will be blocked Wednesday morning. Additional parking is available west of 25th Avenue or in the garage.
City Hall will close early at 4 p.m., and the parking lot across from the building will be reserved for vendors.
Roberts’ return marks the culmination of a journey that began with local support and has grown into a statewide celebration of his talent. As he heads to the final round of competition, the community is rallying behind him with pride.
