Details Set for American Idol Season 14 Finalist Nick Fradiani Jr.'s Parade and Live Concert

By Brian McCready (Patch Staff)

Guilford native and American Idol Season 14 top 4 finalist Nick Fradiani Jr. returns to a hero’s welcome Friday.

Fradiani, 29, who is Guilford High School graduate, is so popular now that his mere presence in town is necessitating the early dismissal of schools there on Friday.

Officials are planning a parade at 3 p.m. and an hourlong concert featuring Nick and his Milford bandmates, Beach Avenue at 4 p.m. on the Town Green.

Fradiani has ties to many Shoreline communities. Friday is of course ‘Nick Fradiani Jr. Day’ in the town of Guilford.

Guilford Board of Selectman member Charles Havrda said Thursday morning that the decision was made to have schools operate on an early dismissal Friday so students could be part of the celebration. He also said it logistically made sense because of all of the people expected to gather downtown. Several thousand people are expected to attend.

The Guilford High School Marching Band will also perform during the parade.

“This is an opportunity to cheer Nick on,” Havrda said. “It’s a great opportunity for Nick and the community.”

Havrda said it’s amazing that Nick sang “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson on Idol, and he also sang it previously at high graduation at Guilford High School.

See related story: Results: America Decides Top 4 of American Idol Season 14

He added with the long winter it will be great for residents to get out and shake off their cabin fever and root on Fradiani.

“We’ve never had a national event in Guilford before,” Havrda said.

Nick Fradiani Jr. public festivities on Friday include:

3 PM PARADE to the Guilford Green

• Starts at the Rollwood Park (Stonehouse Lane-across from The Henry Whitfield Museum), proceeds up Whitfield Street to the Green. The parade will not be going around the Green so best viewing is along Whitfield Street.

4 PM CONCERT on the Green

• American Idol Nick Fradiani will be joined on stage and perform with his Beach Avenue Band, including “special guest”, his father, Nick Fradiani Sr.
• Renee DeNino, radio personality from 105.9 FM (The River) will emcee the concert.

Parking Recommendation - All are in walking distance to the Green and the Parade Route.

No shuttle buses will be provided:

• St. George Church (Whitfield St. – Lot and Lawn Areas) – Handicapped Parking
• Guilford Fairgrounds (Lover’s Lane)
• Thomas Griswold House Museum (Boston St.)
• Knights of Columbus Hall (South Union St.)
• Bethel Church (Boston St.)
• Guilford Community Center (Church St. – Rt.77)
• Guilford Train Station (Old Whitfield Street)
• *No Parking will be available at Town Hall