Kris Allen fans from across the state are being encouraged to get out the vote Tuesday night to help guarantee the Arkansan makes the top three and is ensured a hometown visit to be aired on American Idol.

Kris Allen fans from across the state are being encouraged to get out the vote Tuesday night to help guarantee the Arkansan makes the top three and is ensured a hometown visit to be aired on American Idol.
Allen, a Conway resident and a student at the University of Central Arkansas, made the Top 4 last week. Typically, the top tree contestants on American Idol return to their hometowns for a variety of activities – media interviews, a parade and a concert. While no official word has been received from American Idol producers, speculation is that the hometown visit would occur in Conway on Friday.
Members of the Kris Allen Kick Awesome Task Force aren’t taking the hometown visit for granted and are encouraging everyone across the state to vote for Allen to ensure he is in the Top 3.
The third official Kris Allen watch and vote party is planned 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday at New Life Church, where Allen has served as a worship leader. The church is located at 633 S Country Club at Dave Ward Drive in west Conway. Previous watch parties were held at the UCA Farris Center, but the facility is not available this week.
Prior to the show broadcast at 7 o’clock, there will be live music. Jeff Matthews (Little Rock radio station B98.5), Tiffany Barr (Conway station Y107) and Levi Gilbert (KUCA) will serve as the emcees for the event.
Little Rock radio station The Point 94.1 will be at the watch party, reporting live during breaks and giving away prizes.
Kris Allen T-shirts will also be sold at the watch party, with proceeds used to help Allen’s family with travel expenses. Shirts can also be purchased at Ace Hardware, at Morningside Drive and Prince Street in Conway, beginning Tuesday.
Conway Corp. will be on hand at the watch party to video well wishes that will be sent to Allen. 501 LIFE will have a Kris Allen “cutout” for individuals who would like to have their photos taken with the American Idol contestant. Also, there will be index cards that individuals can use to write messages that will be assembled in a scrapbook for Allen.
Hot dogs, courtesy of the First Security Bank “Teal Grill,” and drinks will be served 6 to 6:45. Items will be free but donations for the Allen family will be accepted.
Chick-Fil-A will be distributing coupons to the first 1,000 and providing free food for voters. Pizza Inn, Stromboli’s, Dominoes, Stoby’s, Sonic and Starbucks will also be donating food to encourage individuals to stay and vote from 8 to 10 p.m.
Voters who remain the entire two hours will be eligible for prizes, including a VIP package to Riverfest and a HTC Fuse phone, valued at $500, courtesy of AT&T.
For more information, please contact Sonja Keith at 501 LIFE – 501.327.1501/501 or [email protected], or Kathy Wyrick at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, 501.327.7788 or [email protected].