NASON: Hot day and a cool visit from Colts

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June 27, 2009

Fan Fest was a summer treat for Horseshoe fans

By ED NASON Pharos-Tribune Sat Jun 27, 2009, 01:19 AM EDT

Logansport was fortunate to host the opening event of the second season of Colts Fan Fest, You couldn’t ask for a better day it was Hot sunny and a good day to be surrounded by blue!

Indiana recording artists the Jester Kings entertained from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Blue the Colts mascot pumped up the crowd by giving away shirts candy and other free giveaways before the players and cheerleaders arrived.

For me, it was a perfect time to enjoy a beautiful day and be surrounded by Colts players, fans and yes, even cheerleaders! The Colts organization brought inflatables and interactive games as well as the Colts in Motion. If you haven’t seen the Colts in Motion trailer it is a nice mini museum. The museum has everything from draft pick history to what the lockerroom looks like, a helmet cut in half to show the technology and safety of the modern lid, to what the old Astroturf felt like compared to the new turf, just to name a few of the items on display. It kind of reminded me of my basement, only laid out much nicer (I wish).

I got a chance to meet a lot of people that worked with the Fan Fest and I must say, in order to put three hours worth of entertainment together it takes them twice that time to set up and tear down after the event.

Everyone who wanted a poster got one, they had two different types. The first was a 2009 schedule with a head shot of Tony Dungy in the background. I asked the people handing them out how many they brought and they had no idea but did say enough that everyone in the town could probably have one. The other poster had action shots and also was a nice poster. And if you wanted something else signed there was a Colts gift shop area that just about had everything. Every time I looked over at the trailer somebody was buying something.

Joe Fonderoli was in charge of Tuesdays’ event and scored me a couple of interviews. When Joe and I spoke at the Fan Fest the band was playing and the crowd was loud and was hard to record our conversation (I record instead of using short hand), so Joe said he’d get me better interviews with the two Colts players that were signing autographs at the event. Needless to say I kept him to his word and about 8 p.m. I had a 10-minute interview with Nick Graham and Pierre Garcon in the limo that brought them up to Logan.

Nick Graham is a three-year pro from Oklahoma City and signed with the Colts as a free agent in 2008. Nick was an undrafted player out of Tulsa in 2007 and signed by the Eagles. He was later waived Aug. 30, 2008 in the final cuts of the season.

Nick was signed by the Colts a couple months later and played a part of the special teams but on Nov. 19 was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. While sitting in the limo and talking about his future I couldn’t pass up asking how his ankle felt. Nick was very quick to answer “very good, 100 percent.” Nick was also quick to add that he enjoyed giving back and was happy to step up and met the fans and sign autographs.

Pierre Garcon, a 6-foot, 210-pound wide receiver was a little shy both times I have met him, but from what I have seen on the field he runs good routs. Pierre was born in Carmel, N.Y., but resides in West Palm Beach, FL., Pierre was a sixth-round pick in 2008 from Mount Union College where he was a two-time Division III All-American (2006-2007).

I asked Pierre how much more repetitions he has seen due to Marvin Harrison no longer being with the Colts. Pierre stated that he has seen a lot more and would love to have the opportunity to be in the starting lineup. With the Colts adding Austin Collie, a fourth-round receiver in this year’s draft, he defiantly has his work cut out for him, good luck Pierre!

I must say I had a great time at the event. It was hot but I had a great time! Keep in mind that in approximately six more Fridays coach Caldwell will coach his first game as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts! Go Blue!

• Ed Nason can be reached by e-mail at ed@mvpwm.com

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NASON: Hot day and a cool visit from Colts

Fan Fest was a summer treat for Horseshoe fans

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