'I feel very honored': Columbia's Cassandra Coleman to lead Mule Day parade

The Mule Day Parade is arguably the biggest highlight of Columbia's largest event, and this year will feature its own "American Idol" superstar leading the way.

This year's Mule Day parade will make its way down the upgraded West 7th Street, with local singer and "American Idol" Top 10 finalist Cassandra Coleman as its grand marshal.

Previous years have featured grand marshals such as Gov. Bill Lee, former Maury County sheriffs and others of note.

Cassandra Coleman: Life after 'American Idol,' Mulehouse show and firework finale

Related: Coleman enters 'Idol' Top 9 with a trip to Disney World

Despite the stardom she's drawn and the spectacle of a platform like "American Idol," Coleman feels humbled and gracious that she is being given the opportunity to take part in the annual tradition she grew up experiencing as a child.

While her "American Idol" days gave her a leg up when it comes to a career as a singer, Coleman has remained in what she considers "hibernation mode," reconnecting with local friends and continuing her work at Buckhead Coffee, while also taking time to focus on songwriting, collaborating with local artists and creating her own brand of original music.

While viewers witnessed her journey on the small screen, she still feels like the same small-town girl she's always been.

"I feel very honored, and I am humbled even to be considered," Coleman said. "I've been coming to the parade since I was 11 and to be leading it this year is very surreal. I would have never imagined it."

More: Cassandra Coleman exits 'American Idol' with boosted confidence: 'This is only the beginning'

'Magical' Mule Day memories

Coleman also has fond memories of the Mule Days of yesteryear, not just as a spectator, but as a willing participant. To her, the parade has always showcased just how much the downtown Columbia scene has continued to grow over the years.

"My most memorable year was, I think, about six years ago when I was in the parade as Anna from 'Frozen,' and I was waving to all the kids. I remember thinking this is so magical," Coleman said.

"That was so much fun, handing out candy and waving. It's one of my favorite memories, and it's so great to see how much downtown Columbia has grown since then. It's completely different now, and there's so much more life in Columbia now."

Coleman's brother, Danny Coleman, has also made a name for himself as a local city council member, and couldn't be more proud of his sister. Having Mule Day come back after a two-year hiatus is also something he believes will be "exactly what the city needs" at this time.

"I'm definitely happy that Cassandra is getting to do this, and that she is getting the recognition," he said. "I think it will be a good thing for Columbia to do this, given how everything has been crazy these past two years. It's almost a celebration of us all getting back to normal."

As far as future musical prospects, Coleman says she continues to write and collaborate with songwriters on a weekly basis, and hopes to release a single by the end of the year.

"The people of Columbia continue to support me and show me love, and I feel I need to be thanking them for everything they've done for me," Coleman said.

"Being given the opportunity to be part of the parade, the thing that's the biggest event of the year, it's just another form of me being humbled, another reason for me to feel grateful towards my city."

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Columbia's 'American Idol' Cassandra Coleman to lead Mule Day parade