HAILEY, Idaho (AP) — The news Saturday of U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl’s release from captivity spread quickly in his hometown in southern Idaho, and residents immediately began making plans for a welcome-home celebration.

An annual event called “Bring Bowe Back” scheduled for June 28 was quickly renamed “Bowe is Back.”

“It is going to be Bowe’s official welcome-home party even if he’s not quite home yet,” organizer Stefanie O’Neill said Saturday.

Bergdahl, 28, had been held prisoner by the Taliban since June 30, 2009. He was handed over to U.S. special forces by the Taliban in exchange for the release of five Afghan detainees.

In Hailey, a town of 7,000 residents just down the road from upscale Sun Valley, residents have hung yellow ribbons from trees and utility poles and planted a tree in a local park each year since he was held.

“When Bowe is home then our ribbons come down,” O’Neill said. “We are thrilled that he is safe. But we’ll keep everything up until he’s back with his mom and dad in his house.”

Bob and Jani Bergdahl live in a modest home off a dirt road about 5 miles outside of Hailey.

Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter issued a statement welcoming the news and expressing gratitude for prayers for Bergdahl’s release being answered.

“Today, Idaho gives thanks,” Otter said. “Soon we all will celebrate Bowe’s freedom and homecoming.”

Idaho Democratic Party Chairman Larry Kenck also issued a statement Saturday.

“We are happy to join the many Idahoans today who are celebrating news that U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl has been released from captivity in Afghanistan and is now in American hands. This has been a terrible ordeal for Sgt. Bergdahl and his family here at home. We thank President Obama for his commitment to recovering Bowe Bergdahl and for following through on that commitment,” Kenck said.