There's palpable buzz around the community and surrounding area for the June 11 concert featuring Lauren Alaina on the downtown Mr. Lincoln Square.

The dream started back in the late 80s of what the downtown Clinton Square looks like today and the announcement of the concert American Idol Season 10 runner-up Lauren Alaina is the culmination that dream.

Tim Followell, Administrator for the City of Clinton says when the plans for the downtown square first were introduced in the late 80s, this is what they had envisioned, a big name coming to Clinton to provide good entertainment for the people of central Illinois.

For Followell, the vision of what the renovations to the Mr. Lincoln could do for the community were first presented at the Easton Corbin and Brushville concerts. While the Corbin concert was for a select audience and came together on short notice, he felt it was a glimpse of what could be.

While it is not cheap to book a performer of the caliber of Alaina, the City has "reshuffled" their budget to make room in the budget for their two concerts this summer and fall. He notes not all of that is in an effort to afford these concerts.

While the City of Clinton will be hosting another concert later in the summer, Followell recognizes this is a trial and error for them. He hopes everything goes smoothly but he fully anticipates this being a learning experience for everyone.

Followell indicates the City is planning for around 800 to be in Clinton for the activities.