 Marty's booth at the fairgrounds consisted of a backdrop of one huge center panel picture of Marty and two smaller ones (same picture) on each side. The photo was gorgeous. Marty has one of the very few booths where you are allowed inside to pose along side Marty. Display cases showcasing the merchandise form two sides of the booth. Some of the new merchandise: ballpoint pens (who can't use those), a new photo pin, a new photo T-shirt, a group photo of Marty and the Rock & Roll Cowboys. Those cool dudes even have their own T-shirt now. (Here's Marty at the booth with fan club co-president Judy Allston)
Marty was only going to be signing on Wednesday, June 18. Mary Runyan and I rushed to Marty's line which extended halfway down the building by the time we got there. We'd heard Marty was to be there at 10 a.m. Then someone else said 10:30 a.m. Well, he didn't arrive until after 11:00 a.m. and, by the time he was finished with interviews, he didn't start signing autographs until about 11:30 a.m. Marty looked wonderful (as usual). I had him autograph the new T-shirt and a couple of CD covers. I insisted that Mary get in the picture of me and Marty (see the Marty and Friends page). We've been trying to snag Marty backstage at the Opry without much success and this was our only chance. We came back by the booth about 1:30 p.m. and the Rock & Roll Cowboys were there to sign autographs and pose for pictures. Brad, Gary, Gregg and Steve are so nice. I know they enjoyed the attention from the fans. Marty was scheduled to sign until 6 p.m. since it was the only day he was signing at Fan Fair, but he began to feel a little under the weather (probably from everything he'd been doing that week) and left. He canceled his appearance on the Superstar Spectacular. His tour schedule was full for the next week and I'm sure he wanted to be feeling his best to do those shows. Mary and I enjoyed talking with Jodee Stocki (Gregg's wife) who helped out in the booth. She was so nice and friendly to the fans and Mary and I appreciate the time she gave us. Jodee, I know you came away with some wonderful memories of this Fan Fair. Thanks for doing a wonderful job of helping out. Review and photo by Sherry Mattioli, Nashville, TN |