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When You Wish Upon A Boyd… The Old Blue Barn Signing With THB
Back to the Signing
Page Fess up, every Boyd collector out there! If you could wish upon a Boyds plush, what would be your wish? Could a signing with The Head Bean Hisself (THB) be on the top of your list? I must confess that when I received a notice from Fran, owner of the Old Blue Barn (OBB), saying that I had the opportunity to attend her signing on October 23rd, 1999, I was more than ecstatic. How many of us Boyd collectors could say that they met Gary Lowenthal, THB and creative genius behind The Boyds Collection, LTD and that they were able to have the opportunity to have a piece signed from their personal collection? Due to The Old Blue Barn winning the Northeast FoB contest for 1998, over 300 devoted Boyds collectors were able to spend an incredible day with Gary, his son Matthew and other well-known Boyds-related guests. The day before the signing, I popped in on Fran and her dedicated staff and volunteers, to see if there was anything I could do. Though she would never agree that she had everything down to a science, everything was going great. The tents were beautifully decorated in a Halloween theme, with jack-o-lanterns, witches, corn husks and chrysanthemums adorning the outside. Inside, tables and chairs were set up to accommodate the OBB scheduled guest and collectors. Along with Gary and his son Matthew, Fran had invited Harry and Mille Croft, editors of Bear Tales and Trails, Laurie Ann Greez, publisher of Lions, Tigers and Boyds, OH, My!, and her husband, Richard and Bob and Linda Derr. Bob Derr is the father of Burke Derr, who died in 1997 from Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Bob travels around the world and with Burke P. Bear, a special bear created by Boyds for his son. Bob, with the help of others, continues his son’s legacy, through the sale of Burke P. Bear and their "Million Dollar Bear" campaign. They hope to raise $1 million for CF research by the end of the year 2000. Collectors were able to purchase Burke and have it signed by Bob. The bear was a big hit and the quantity sold fast. Bob was generous to offer to sign Fran’s next order of Burke P. Bear for those who missed out on purchasing him that day. Knowing that Fran had much more than the signing to offer Boyd collectors, I arrived a few hours earlier than my assigned time. As a 1998 FoB club member I was given a specific time for my signing. Collectors, who were not members, were given a number in hope that Gary would have time to sign their pieces. There were over 130 fortunate people. Gary announced towards the end that he would stay later and get to as many of the collectors as he could. Gary and Matthew signed for over 5 hours, smiling for pictures for all those who asked. I was amazed at their stamina and their attitude. I don’t remember them taking time to rest. I would estimate that they signed over 600 piece. Some of the favorites were the 20th Anniversary Matthew bear, Gary M. Bearenthal plush, Omega, from the Millennium set, The Millennium resin and The Family resin. There was much for the collectors to do while waiting for their signing. Collectors were able to purchase a Boyds piece as their second piece to be signed. The Old Blue Barn was filled with both Boyds and other collectibles. The Boyds forest was stocked with a variety of Boyds plush and "Bear Necessities". I had visited the store earlier in the week to check out what my family members and I would purchase. I decided on Gary M. Lowenthal plush bear. My daughter and my son’s fiancee’ checked out the many resins that decorated the display curios. My daughter chose "The Millennium" resin and my future daughter–in–law chose "The Family". How appropriate! Other activities at the Old Blue Barn included raffle drawings and contests. Fran had a variety of Boyds pieces and accessories to raffle. Guests were able to have two free chances to win a prize. There were also a Gary Look-Alike-Contest, Oldest Boyds’ Bear Contest, and music to entertain the guests. Harry Croft answered questions for the crowd and Fran had a contest for the person who could stump him with a Boyds’ related question. There was actually a winner. A collector stumped him about the identity of one of her bears. Guests were also able to sit and relax while either listening to Gary or the music that filled the air. There were free refreshments in the morning and hot dogs and hamburgers with fixings, potato and macaroni salad, and beverages for lunch. Guests were asked to donate $1.00 for the food and the $1.00 went to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. In another tent, Fran displayed pictures of upcoming Boyds attractions. Staff helped Boyds collectors pre order any of the plush or resins. Any guest who was not a 1999 FoB member was encouraged to join. Along with their kits, new members were given 10 chances for the raffles. All in all, it was a fun filled day. I felt honored to met Gary and talk with him about my collection. He and Matthew appear to enjoy the collectors as much as we did them. Fran, her husband, staff and volunteers outdid themselves. Even though Fran had a lot on her mind, she took the time to talk to customers and guests. For those of us who patronize the Old Blue Barn on a regular basis, we have gotten to know it as a quaint New England Boyds collector’s paradise. On October 23rd, 1999, it was a hubbub of Boyds’ activity, one that I and I am sure others will never forget.
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