My Day in the Sun with The Head Bean Hisself
Alvina's Signing Story   Back to the Signing Page Page of Photos

By Elle Kimberley
Note: Please click on each photo below to see a larger view

Last spring I learned that Fran Krysiak, the owner of The Old Blue Barn, had won a signing by Gary, The Head Bean Hisself. I thought she might have a lot to do to handle such an event, so I offered to help out. Little did I know that offer would send me soaring to the pinnacle of my Boyds collecting experiences! I could not believe my ears when I learned that Fran had assigned me the ultimate task of the event: picking Gary up at the airport, and assisting him throughout the day. I was so excited as I waited for the date to arrive.


The event was planned for October 23rd. We awoke that morning to the sound of pouring rain. Oh no! Because the Old Blue Barn is small, most of the activities for the day were set up outside, in several tents. Each one was beautifully decorated with New England fall accents; bales of hay, corn stalks, pumpkins, and festive Halloween accessories. Fran had arranged for food, music, games, raffles, and all sorts of things to make this extraordinary day the most memorable possible for everyone. Not only was Gary Lowenthal coming in person, she had also invited Harry & Millie Croft, of Bear Tales & Trails, Laurie Anne Greez, of Lions, Tigers & Bears, Oh My!!!, and Bob Derr, with the Burke Bear Campaign. This was slated to be a giant Boyds Festival! Weeks and weeks of hard work had gone into this day, and it was not going to be spoiled by cold and rain! Prayers went up!


Just after 8AM, Fran’s husband Al, my husband Rich, and I headed to the airport to pick up our guest of honor. On our way, the sun began to emerge from the clouds! The day was about to begin!! Gary was due to land at 9:30. It was quite an experience. He arrived in a Leer Jet and we were able to drive right out onto the tarmac to meet his plane. We were parked on the opposite side of the jet from where the people disembarked, and as we watched we saw an extra pair of feet come off the plane…what to our great excitement, Gary surprised us and brought Matthew along for the day! We were thrilled. The ride back to The Old Blue Barn was one I will never forget. I sat in the backseat with Gary and Matt and they were both so friendly and easy to talk with. Our conversation covered a very broad array of topics, from Gary’s recent health problems, to Internet bulletin boards. We talked of upcoming plans the Boyds Collection has, the naming process, and other Boyds topics. It was Matthew’s first trip to Connecticut, so we pointed out a few landmarks as we passed through Hartford our capital. We learned about the new bike Matt bought after working hard all summer in the warehouse in Gettysburg. He is a remarkable young man, and Gary and Justina must be very proud of him. The ride was not quite an hour long, and so much fun, I could not believe we were already there when we reached The Old Blue Barn.

What an exciting moment it was accompanying Gary in his entrance through the crowd waiting at The Barn! People were so thrilled as he walked in, and the atmosphere was charged with their happiness and enthusiasm. Smiling faces and plush bears were everywhere! We went right to the signing tables, where Gary spoke for a few minutes to the crowd, and then he started right in on signing their pieces. Everyone was allowed two. I was seated next to Matt and Gary, and my job was to take the pieces from the people, remove resin if they were in boxes, and pass them to be signed. Most people wanted both Gary and Matthew to sign their things. Those who had brought their special anniversary Matthew bears were just thrilled to see Matthew signing them! Gary and Matt signed for five hours, a full hour longer than scheduled. I have heard that over 130 people were able to get signed, in addition to the 300 who were given times. Gary wanted to be sure and accommodate all who came if possible, and I believe he achieved that goal. He and Matthew were just wonderful to watch. They were so attentive to each person, taking care to sign where the people requested, and posing for picture after picture, always smiling and making each person feel special. I was also very interested in the wide range of items people chose to have signed. Everything from cherished older bearstones in 1E to the mattress from the bunkbed set! One woman asked to have her dog’s leash signed! The five hours flew by, and when I realized we had reached the end of the line, I was actually shocked to learn how much time we had been there..

When Gary headed back to the airport, this time accompanied by Fran herself, he left behind a large group of very happy and very impressed admirers. It was a day that will not soon be forgotten by anyone. And certainly not by me! I don’t know how I came to be given such an enviable place that day, but I can certainly say it will be a tough act to follow in my lifetime!

Note: This article and photographs will appear in the next issue of "Lions, Tigers, and Boyds, Oh My!!!

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