September 19, 2006 will go down as one of the biggest days in ClayNation history, as that is the day Clay Aiken’s new CD, , will be dropping into stores all over the nation. And all over the nation, there will be much hooping, hollering, clapping and partying as Clay fans from everywhere emerge from hiatus to rejoice their beloved’s own return to the spotlight.

And I will be joining them in their revelry, for I am one of those earnest and members of ClayNation who has helped catapult Clay to the top of the charts. I am proud of being a Clay fan and proud of what the fandom has done for its hero.

On September 19, I will be somewhere in a California Virgin MegaStore, joining the excited crowd of mostly middle-aged women and teen girls in toasting the magnificence of Clay, his new look and his new sound. There will be dinner, haiku writing contests, trivia contests and raffles. And lots and lots of “Clack” (read: anything Clay you can get your hands on). And probably a life-size figure of Clay on cardboard. And store speakers dedicated to playing Clay Aiken music non-stop. And a television showing Clay’s performances….on replay.

Yes, I’ve done it all once before (try October 13, 2003 at a Great Mall from 7:00 till midnight, all for Measure of A Man). And I’m sure I’ll keep on doing this whenever and wherever ClayNation chooses to celebrate.

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