By: Darcie Paterson

It was a sleepy Sunday afternoon on February 23 in the little town of Napanee. Driving through then, youd never anticipate the magnitude of the event that would be happening later on that evening.

The buzz in town was intense as their hometown star, Avril Lavigne, was about to make her mark. The 18-year-old singer/songwriter was nominated for an astonishing five Grammy Awards. Napanee was out to celebrate in a big way with local bands playing, and a live broadcast of the Grammy's on two 20-foot screens in the auditorium.

At 5pm the media trucks and vans began to flood the parking lot of Napanee District Secondary School (N.D.S.S.). Reporters from the Toronto Star, National Post, Ottawa Sun, CTV, CBC and Much Music were all setting up laptops, cameras, and any other piece of equipment imaginable.

At 6:30 the doors opened to the 650 people that attended. Six bands and four single performers took to the stage and were given ten minutes each to showcase their talent. All music was stopped when Kerry Stewart, principal of N.D.S.S. received a pre-arranged call from Lavigne, set up by a television crew. Stewart let the crowd give Lavigne their best wishes with a cheer that lasted seven minutes.

The audience enjoyed their time at the Grammy party hosted by Bradford How of Much Music. How spent his time introducing a couple of bands, announcing door prize winners, signing autographs, and taking pictures with plenty of young girls.

After a long pause to choose his words accordingly, How had this to say about Lavigne: "I think her songs are catchy and memorable. She deserves [the nominations] as much as any artist."

Although the people of Napanee had high hopes, their star didn't take home any trophies. However, they were not disappointed with Lavigne's performance and the party.

"The party was a huge success," said Dave Remington, town mayor. "She did a great job performing, she's definitely the people's choice."

Some observers had a different opinion on Lavigne being shut out.

"I thought it was a good choice on the Academy's part," said Kiela Arnold, a 22-year-old local. "She's made her way in the music business but for the Grammy's, shes not high caliber enough."

But opinions differ.

"I was surprised. I figured she'd win at least one, if not a couple, because of her popularity," said Brad Phillips, another local of Napanee.

Despite everyone's disappointment over Lavigne not taking home any Grammy's, they're pretty unanimous in the fact that she'll take home some Junos.

"Yeah, I think she will, she can sing; but shes not punk," Phillips said.

Ironically, Lavigne will be going head-to-head in two categories with Shania Twain who she got her start with four years ago. Be sure to watch the Juno Awards on April 6th on CTV.