From Staff Reports

The Asheville Downtown Association  recently announced that “American Idol” winner Caleb Johnson will serve as grand marshall for the Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles, on Nov. 22.

About 25,000 people are expected to attend the annual event.

“That’s a huge honor,” Johnson, an Asheville native who just a few years ago attended the parade with Erwin High School classmates, told local news media.

He added that leading the downtown parade “is a really awesome way to top off the year.”

Following the parade, Johnson will stop by Ingles JingleFest for a meet-an- greet and sign autographs for fans. U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows will also honor Johnson with a Congressional Record for his significant contributions to North Carolina during Ingles JingleFest.

Meanwhile, Meghan Rogers, interim executive director of Asheville Downtown Association, said of Johnson, “He’s a perfect fit because the theme of this year’s parade is home for the holidays. 

Johnson spent the majority of the last year away from home, either on the set of the popular singing competition show in Los Angeles, or on the subsequent American Idol summer concert tour.

The Asheville Holiday Parade, which will feature about 100 entries from area nonprofits, schools and businesses, is “likely the largest community event all year,” Rogers said.

The annual downtown parade typically draws 20,000-25,000 people. People come from all of Western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee and Upstate South Carolina.

“I would certainly presume we are going to see even greater audiences” because of Johnson leading the parade, she said.

After winning the 13th season of “American Idol” in May, Johnson visited home before entering the studio to produce his first album, “Testify,” which was released in August.

“I am super proud of it,” Johnson said. “I can’t wait to perform it live” on my tour.