Disney fans all ears -- and smiles
Annual Mouse Meet draws a crowd to Lynnwood Convention Center
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Sarah Weiser / The Herald
Brian Behrle, of Everett, colors in a picture of the Fab Five -- Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and Pluto -- at the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet at the Lynnwood Convention Center on Saturday. Brian's wife is a huge Disney fan, and Brian, who is dressed as Pirate Goofy, says he is "guilty by association."
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Sarah Weiser / The Herald
Disney fans came together Saturday for the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet at the Lynnwood Convention Center. The love for Disney of one fan shows on his or her car, with a license plate dedicated to Minnie Mouse and a Disney windshield sun shade. PHOTO SHOT 08142010
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Sarah Weiser / The Herald
Noah Veneman, 3, of Vancouver, checks out the "Toy Story" Lego display at the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet at the Lynnwood Convention Center Saturday. Noah and his brother Nathan, 8, are big Disney fans, and "Toy Story" is one of their favorite movies.
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Sarah Weiser / The Herald
Brenna Fullner, 23, left, and Shannon Murray, 23, right, both from Bellingham, have their books signed by author Jeff Kurtti at the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet at the Lynnwood Convention Center Saturday. Brenna and Shannon are big Disney fans, and were excited about the chance to meet Kurtti, whose books on animation are widely known. PHOTO SHOT 08142010
He well remembers growing up in Lynnwood and hopping in the family's travel-trailer with his mom, dad and brother for the big adventure to Disneyland.
Back then, his family could park in a campground outside the celebrated theme park.
If Whetzel could pump his legs hard enough on the campground swings, he could get high enough to look inside Disneyland.
When Whetzel and his wife, Sarah, married, they honeymooned at Disney World.
On Saturday, Trevor Whetzel had a homecoming of sorts. He was back in Lynnwood at the city's convention center where his family, including two of his young daughters, attended the second annual Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, a kind of Mickey Mouse mecca for Walt Disney fans.
"It's so nice to have this so close to home," Whetzel said.
Whetzel had plenty of company. Roughly 300 Walt Disney fans, many wearing Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears, shared their passion for everything Disney. They listened to guest speakers, traded pins of their favorite characters and shopped for collectibles.
Shirley Wilkins, of Everett, toured the convention center with her growniup daughter, April.
Both marvel at the creativity of Walt Disney, who created what is now a multibillion dollar a year enterprise of movies, theme parks and memorable characters.
"I taught her early," Shirley said with a smile and nod at her daughter.
They continue to make it a point to watch Disney movies together. When they visit Disneyland, they go together and leave the husband and boyfriend at home so they can share their special bond.
"I love Walt Disney," April said. "I am fascinated with what he created, with what one man could do. It's extraordinary."
Part of the joy, April said, is the little things, such as seeing the happiness on a little girl's face when she traded her a Tinkerbell pin for a Thumper pin on Saturday.
The second annual Mouse Meet drew Paul and Betsy Giever and their 11-year-old son, Trent, across the mountains from Kennewick.
Trent said he traded lots of pins and was on the lookout for his favorite character, Goofy.
In a gathering of colorful Disney-attired fans, Greg Heberlein of Seattle stood out.
He wore a matching Mickey Mouse hat, shirt and shorts. Mickey Mouse was on his socks and dotted his tennis shoes.
Truth be told, the outfit was a tiny glimpse of his Disney wardrobe that includes 170 neckties and 25 tie tacks.
And his clothing is a fraction of his collection that started 42 years ago and includes stamps and first day covers from many countries as well as drawings and antiques from the early days of Disney.
"Mickey Mouse is one of the most lovable characters ever devised," he said. "You can go to any country in the world and they know Mickey Mouse. Walt Disney was a genius in creating his characters and in his ability to provide happy memories."
Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446; stevick@heraldnet.com.
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