Last weekend was filled with things to do, important people to see and a childhood fantasy to realize. First off- my girl and I ate some amazing food at The Ravenous Pig in Winter Park on Friday night. Then, on Saturday, we were some of the first people in Central Florida to discover the amazingness that is Aquatica, Sea World’s new water park. Great food, short lines and fun rides. Following a cool day at the park, we were invited to Knockout Image’s premiere event at The Plaza’s Global Gallery. People much more important than me were gathered to share business cards, booze and possibly a few STD’s. I stayed as long as the drinks were free and then went to IHOP. 

This was all great, but the pinnacle of the weekend came on Sunday when my friend Reagan and I attempted to realize a shared childhood fantasy- to meet Hulk Hogan. Hulkamania was alive and well at Osceola Heritage Park where Hogan was signing autographs to help promote some Fantasy Fishing Web site. Yeah, I don’t get it either. The flyers had him scheduled to be there between 1-3 p.m.  Reagan just wanted him to say “Brother” and I just wanted a hug.We arrived at noon, thinking we were early, but the line that stretched out the door told me we were wrong. Too many people with too much time on their hands -- just like me. The exhibition hall was a redneck’s wet dream- apparently Wal-Mart and the FLW were putting this show on in conjunction with the Fantasy Fishing website. By 12:30, Reagan and I were still in the slowly moving line but we found a new best friend, Lucky. Lucky ran with some pro-wrestling circuits for some time in the ‘80s and is full of stories about Hulk Hogan, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Andre the Giant and Shaquille O’Neal (I’m not sure how Shaq got involved but Lucky had a picture of him to prove the story.) I walked through the queue-line and found two of my old coworkers from Disney, they didn’t invite me to join them near the front of the line, though they did impart their way-too-much-knowledge about Hulk Hogan and his impact on the WWF, WCW, NWO and assorted other abbreviations. By 1 p.m. I had torn off the sleeves of my t-shirt, met some other Hulksters in line and ate some free Land O’Lakes cheese samples. The National Guard Fishing Team was at the show signing autographs,  I didn’t realize the National Guard had time to fish with you know, the war in Iraq, the hunger in Africa and the redevelopment of the Parramore district. Also in attendance at this Hulk showcase were the Kellogg’s Fishing Team and the red and yellow M&M’s with security details.  Basically, this was the most random convention I have ever seen- and I was just at the FX Show last month so that is saying something. By 1:20 p.m., we made it to the front of the line and I was so excited I almost wet myself- this is THE Hulk Hogan! Disenchantment came quickly when I saw the tired old man in a ridiculous outfit signing postcard after postcard without looking up. Bored and oblivious to the fans that had waited two hours or more to meet him, he continued to mechanically sign the postcards. His wranglers all around him making sure he kept on schedule and didn’t waste time talking to anybody. Those same wranglers were putting a sleep-hold on hospitality and would not allow me to videotape my meet and greet and then, by the time I convinced them to let me, the battery on my camera was dead. Luckily, my new best friend Lucky was there to snap a quick photo of me and Hogan. I held out my hand and was rewarded a reluctant hand shake. There was an awkward moment when we locked eyes and his eyes darted down to the hand shake that lasted too long- I wasn’t going to let go first, this was as close to a hug as I was getting! When Reagan got his chance to meet the body-slamming legend- Hogan held out his hand, let him hold it for a moment before a second awkward shake could take place and said two words: “Thanks, Brother.” Mission accomplished. Now for the cold, hard numbers:Hours spent in line: 2

Hulk Hogan impressions done by me: 35

Hulk Hogan impressions done by Reagan: 2

Times somebody said “jabroni”: 5

Hulk Hogan impersonators: 3

Pepsis drank: 2

Ex-coworkers seen: 2

Free samples eaten: 4 (a cheese packet, 2 Snickers bars and a fun size bag of M&Ms)

Celebrities met: 1

Celebrities creeped out: 1 (I will not even count the professional fishing teams here because I lost count of how many of them I creeped out with my sleeveless t-shirt)

If you know of a celebrity in town, a great party or off-beat event- send the information my way, I’m in search of them all!Joshua Woodman can be reached at JWoodman@metromix.com