2000 NBC FanFest

For two fun-filled days in November of 2000, Kristian's fans had the rare opportunity to meet our favorite girl at the first ever NBC Soap FanFest.   The soon-to-be annual event took place at Universal Studios' Islands of Adventure in sunny Orlando, Florida the weekend of November 11th and 12th.  Kristian appeared alongside 35 fellow NBC daytime stars from both Days and Passions. In between signing autographs, posing for photos with her fans and answering questions in the live talk shows, Kristian managed to squeeze in a few of the park's thrill rides.  A self-avowed rollercoaster junkie, Kristian gave a special two thumbs-up to the hair-raising "Incredible Hulk" ride.

The festivities began on Saturday morning with the unveiling of the world's largest bar of Dove soap.  Kristian was later spotted signing autographs in the midst of a hoard of excited fans that resembled something of a mob scene.  The crowd was easily six deep as Kristian devotees from around the country snapped pictures and jostled one another to get a close-up look of their favorite soap star.  From there, it was on to the first of four live talk shows, which featured a question and answer session with eager fans.

The Toon Amphitheater was packed to the rafters as Kristian took the stage to deafening cheers from the Bo and Hope fans in the audience.  She was accompanied by Joe Mascolo and Peter Reckell.  Also joining the show from Days were James Reynolds, Renee Jones and Melissa Reeves. 

One of the first questions of the afternoon was for Kristian, who was asked whether little JT would bring Bo and Hope closer together, and if there would be any tension between Bo and Hope, and John and Marlena now that the secret about the baby's paternity had come out.  Kristian replied:  "Well, first I want to say 'Hello Florida!' and welcome to Universal Studios.  Thanks for coming out here today and supporting us.  As for the first question, absolutely Bo and Hope get closer.  Will there be a wedding?  Absolutely!  As for the second question, about Bo and Hope's relationship with John and Marlena:  Things are gonna be a little strained.  Actually, Bo doesn't know, I just found out . . . and Hope will do everything in her power to protect Bo so he doesn't find out. . .There is a lot for you to look forward to."

Her answer prompted moderator Nancy O'Dell to muse whether there was anything in particular to look forward to, and then asked Peter if he didn't have a Christmas present to share with the audience.  Kristian, too, eagerly awaited his answer.  "Yeah," Peter answered, "a wedding.  A lot of people have been waiting for Bo and Hope to get married again."  His response elicited raucous applause from the long-suffering Bo and Hope fans in the audience. However, Peter too, warned of nuptual tension, as the secrets and lies surrounding JT's paternity cast a shadow over the otherwise joyous occasion.

Kristian also served as Missy Reeves' biggest cheerleader.  Upon her introduction to the crowd, Kristian shouted, "Aren't we happy to have her back?"  The audience roared in agreement.  Missy shared with the audience that she and Kristian are would-be diet and exercise buddies . . . would-be because they always seem to keep putting it off.  "We're going to start Monday, right?" Kristian piped up.  Joe Mascolo, referring to Kristian as "Miss Marshmallow," had further commentary on Kristian's enviable eating habits:  "Kristian owes me because I break a lot of legs to get her chocolate.  And look at her and look at me, but I give her the chocolate."  Joe then planted a sweet, friendly kiss on top of Kristian's head.

The talk show wrapped up with the crowd -- and Kristian -- being entertained by Peter and a lucky fan who had been randomly chosen to act out a scene from Days with the hunky leading man.  Missy and Kristian in particular found it all great fun.  Then, following some sneak peeks of the coming week's episodes (which Kristian watched with great interest), Kristian and her colleagues waved goodbye to the crowd and shook hands with those fans fortunate enough to have seats in the front row before heading off through the park to the next autograph signing.  Along the way, Kristian graciously stopped to sign autographs and take pictures with her fans.

Kristian was still going strong at her second autograph signing of the day, despite the wilting heat.  In order to ensure that as few people as possible left disappointed, Kristian took matters into her own hands and made her way through the line on her own, greeting her fans with hugs and smiles, posing for pictures and handing out autographed cards bearing her photo.   One young fan, a toddler in a stroller, yanked at Kristian's sweater to get her attention.  Delighted, Kristian reached down and pinched her cheek.  Afterwards, it was off to the final event of the day:  A special party to honor Days'  35th anniversary, featuring the entire cast of the show and lots of great clips from over the years.  If the crowd's enthusiasm was any indication, Bo and Hope were among the favorites.  Kristian seemed to enjoy herself, dancing around to the music with her costars, sharing hugs with Peter and Jason Cook, and holding her hands out to catch the confetti.  An encore performance was held the following morning.

Kristian started the conversation rolling at Sunday's talk show when she asked everyone to report whether they'd gone out on the town the night before (Kristian reported being in bed by 9:15).  Later, Joe Mascolo -- whom Kristian referred to by her nickname for him, "Cupcake" -- teased her again about her chocolate habit, telling the audience that Kristian keeps her svelte physique by lifting chocolate bars instead of doing push-ups.  When asked whether she ever wished the stories played out differently, Kristian replied, "We have no input in our stories.  That's left entirely up to the writers."  Kristian also reassured fans that a wedding would indeed take place at Christmas, with Jennifer as a bridesmaid, and promised that "everything will work out" even after all the secrets have been revealed between Bo and Hope.  Peter then expressed his wish that Bo and Hope would enjoy an adventure together, perhaps to Ireland, which prompted Kristian to chime in, "I would love to do a location shoot!  Let's go to Ireland!"  Was that a hint or just wishful thinking on Kristian's part?  We'll have to wait and see!