Preston Coleman, a communications professor at Gainesville State College's Watkinsville campus, presented the Colbert City Council a petition, signed by 499 people, to change the pronunciation of the city from "cull-bert" or "call-bert" to "cole-bear" - as Stephen Colbert pronounces his name.

"His satire is probably something that we didn't feel suited our small-town atmosphere," said Colbert Mayor Chris Peck.

Colbert has hosted Hee Haw star Archie Campbell and fertilizer salesman-turned-comedian Jerry Clower for previous 4th of July events.

"We're not above taking a good joke," Peck said. "I just don't think the Fourth of July was the appropriate venue for that."