We explained what the afternoon would entail, and headed into the expo.

Like last year’s assignment with Sylvester Stallone, Wesley Snipes is the consummate professional. He never hesitated to stop for pictures, autographs or to chat with fans. At one point during the martial arts phase, a young handicapped boy was brought on stage to perform a martial arts warm-up. You must note the little boy does not have any lower legs and was steadied by his father.

The audience gave him a thunderous applause as he left the stage area after getting a chance to chat with Wesley.

We then took Wesley through the expo, giving him a chance to see the different vendors and explore America’s largest fitness expo. A side trip to Lou Ferrigno’s both was arranged at the request of Lou’s daughter. It appears she and Wesley are graduates of the same acting school

After alumni notes were exchanged, Lou and Wesley chatted before we moved to our next destination.

Wesley was presented an Arnold’s Classic leather jacket from Tony Nowak.

Tony’s company specially makes all jackets for the Arnold’s classic. The one given to Wesley was an entire leather, limited edition jacket. I’ve got several jackets and consider it an honor to wear them.

We stopped by several other events, before calling it an afternoon.

Wesley expressed thanks for getting him through the venue and posed for one last photo before heading back to his hotel.

Saturday evening’s performance was a star studded occasion. Receiving this year’s appreciation award was fitness guru, Jack LaLane. The energy you see in his TV adds is no fluke. The man has more energy than ten people half his age. The picture taken backstage was with Bill Grant, former Mr. America, Mr. World and NPC Night of the Champions. Bill had interviewed Jack for his New York based radio show and both took the time to renew an old friendship.

Another back stage visitor and friend is one of Flex magazines newest editors, Shawn Perrine.

I’ve known Shawn since his days at Iron Age Magazine and we’ve continued a correspondence and friendship over the years.

Arnold’s long-time friend and former training partner, Franco Columbo was back stage as well.

It was interesting to watch and listen to Franco discuss the days at Gold’s Gym and Venice Beach with Bill Grant. The stories those two exchanged could fill volumes and I felt privileged to be a part of their dialogue.

Once the competition was over, it was my job to move several VIPs to the after show dinner. It was both a privilege and honor to escort Reg Park and his lovely wife Marie along with Mr & Mrs Jack LaLane and Jim Lorimer’s wife, Jean. By luck of the draw, my dinner seat was at the bodybuilding legends table. I was given the opportunity to chat with Pumping Iron star and good friend Mike Katz, Reg and Marie Park and bodybuilding legend, Larry Scott. I wasn’t able to get dinner pictures as my digital camera’s battery decided now was the time to cease operations.

Up next, Sunday, the Arnold Training Seminar!

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TheARNOLDFANS.com Staff