Ages and ages ago I did a bear show in Tampa, Florida. It was one time when we were able to work it out that my husband’s mom, my mom-in-law, would meet me there. It would be her first totally bear show. It was a fun trip. This was my table way back then.
Connection 1 – Me, my mom-in-law & a bear show
In the hotel the night before the show, I recognized someone I had seen on TV. It was the musician Dion. Right there - in the lobby - just hanging out. What did I do? I got up my nerve and asked for an autograph. Then I thought I would rush up to my room to get my camera (the days before digital) and try to get a photo as well. Today when I searched I was unable to locate his autograph, but I did find the photo I took. This is Dion and his “Runaround Sue”, the inspiration for the song as I understand it.
Connection 2 – Bear show & Dion
Years and years ago, Dion performed with other famous musicians on a tour called The Winter Dance Party. At that time, it was Dion and the Belmonts. One of their hits was “Runaround Sue” among others. In February of 1959 after the concert, it has been said he passed up a chartered plane ride with a few other musicians to the next location. On that plane were Richie Valens, Buddy Holly and J.P. "Big Bopper" Richardson. As you may know, the plane crashed killing all aboard.
Connection 3 - Dion & Buddy Holly
Buddy Holly was from Lubbock, Texas. I’ve been to Lubbock twice. The first time I was there, I did what I do in most of the places we visit. I wanted to see what the city was known for. As it turned out, other than Waylon Jennings, Buddy Holly is Lubbock’s most famous son. While there, my children patiently tolerated their mom’s crazy idea that it was most necessary to take a photo of the Buddy Holly statue.
Connection 4 – Buddy Holly & Waylon Jennings
Waylon Jennings was also supposed to be on the chartered plane that night but he gave up his seat to Richardson.. That left Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and J.P. Richardson, The Big Bopper on the ill-fated plane.
Connection 5 – Waylon Jennings & The Big Bopper
One of The Big Bopper’s hits was Chantilly Lace. Chantilly Lace is the song my husband breaks into every time I mention that we only have a few more days until the Chantilly, Virginia show. In fact, I’m so conditioned now that even I start singing Chantilly Lace when talking about the upcoming show.
Connection 6 – The Big Bopper & the Chantilly Fall Bear Show & Sale
There you have it from one bear show in Tampa, Florida ages ago to another bear show in just a few short days in Chantilly, Virginia. Strange, huh? Have you ever seen, met, or run into anyone famous at a teddy bear show? I’d love to hear about it.
I met Marie Osmond at the Expo show in Washington a few years ago when she was promoting her dolls. But, when I first started doing shows I met her brother, not sure which one, when he was trying to make a break into the bear market. He never made it. Also I met Frank from Trading Spaces while at a bear show in Texas. He and his wife are avid collectors. Very nice people, she bought 3 of my bears.
ReplyDeleteHi Judy,
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty cool! We met Frank also but not at a bear show. They were filming a Trading Spaces near here and we went to see if we could spot anyone famous. My daughter was big fan of the show then. We met Frank and a couple of the others on the show. Frank even posed for a photo with our daughter. As you say, very nice people.
Sadly, I haven't been in any bear shows yet, but ever since Michigan became Hollywood friendly, this place is crawling with celebrity. Mr. Hugh Jackman used our town hall here in Mason to film... uhm... something... so everyone gathered around to see him... and you can't really shake a stick in this state without hitting Tim Allen or Jeff Daniels. XD
ReplyDeleteGinger that was a great trip down memory lane !!! Wow a great story~~
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Bonnie
Wow, you're right! Bizarre connections!!! I have never seen anyone famous at a teddy bear show. But we tried to see Bruce Willis some years ago here in Munich.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Alicia