Brighton — Thousands of “Gilmore Girls” fans from more than 36 states gathered bright and early Saturday for the second annual Destination Stars Hollow event.
Downtown Brighton transformed into a living Hallmark movie, complete with costumed fans and yellowing fall leaves lining the streets. Attendees clutched cider and coffee while browsing a farmers market filled with “Gilmore Girls” merchandise and local products, capturing the show’s nostalgic autumn aesthetic with pumpkin photo ops and festive banners.
The weekend kicked off Friday, with VIP access to Gilmore Girls-themed local businesses like “Lorelai and Rory’s Movie Nights” at Spun Sugar Shop or “Stars Hollow Gazette” at Art Ventures. The package also includes a “special” VIP tote bag, an umbrella, self-care items and a passport to mark with stickers at participating businesses.
The real fun began Saturday morning with a “Town Hall” meeting at 9 a.m. sharp, where founders of the festival, Kathleen London and Laura Boote, first welcomed attendees with security information, logistics and a special surprise.
London welcomed Rose Abdoo, better known as “Gypsy” in the show, with Carole King’s “Where You Lead I Will Follow” playing in the background.
“First of all, that song always makes me tear up a little bit and then to see all your faces and the fact that we did this show 25 years ago, and that you still appreciate and love it means the world to all of us,” said Abdoo to the crowd, who met with fans to greet and take photos later, and spoke on a live panel. “Just know all of Stars Hollow loves you back.”
When Abdoo initially read about the first Destination Stars Hollow in the paper, she said she had to come visit because “Michigan fans are the best fans,” in addition to her Metro Detroit roots.
“Clearly you didn’t need anyone from the show just to come and hang out with each other and trade stories about what you love about the show,” said Abdoo. “But I said, ‘I wanna be there. I wanna say hi to the people. I’m from Michigan, I was born and raised here … and basically as Gypsy would say, I miss my home.'”
Abdoo credited London and Boote for their idea, which not only celebrates the timeless love for a show, but also supports businesses in downtown Brighton. There are close to 40 local businesses participating in the event this year.
“Buy something you don’t need,” said Abdoo.
Shortly after, she introduced her old castmate, Scott Patterson, as his character “Luke Danes.”
“Boy, there’s a lot of you out here early in the morning,” said Patterson after thanking the crowd. “This is no football game. There’s no hockey game. What’s going on? How’s everybody doing?”
Patterson hyped up the crowd for the lookalike contest later in the day, noting that he’s a “tough judge,” as “there’s lots of Luke costumes,” but that he always “knows.” He already pointed at a few “Luke’s” in anticipation of the event later and also highlighted the support of local businesses fostered by Destination Stars Hollow.
Throughout the day, fans enjoyed various activities including character lookalike contests, a dance marathon, themed photo opportunities and visits to dozens of local businesses offering Gilmore Girls-themed experiences.
Sarah Newman, 50, and Lauren Zamora, 25, of Holland, weren’t able to attend last year’s event, but they “made a point” to go this year, after watching the show for close to 10 years together.
“We’re a mother-daughter team that watches a lot of Gilmore Girls,” said Newman.
“An unhealthy amount of Gilmore Girls,” Zamora replied.
When “Luke” first walked on stage, Zamora said she “got a little teary-eyed” because “it’s just cool to see.”
Lynn Foss, 50, of Clarkston was also in attendance with her two daughters, Meredith, 18, and Heidi, 12. Lynn said that, in addition to the fact that she watches the show with her daughters, it felt like a fun fall festivity.
“I feel like this is kind of like cider and doughnuts in the fall,” said Foss. “I’m hoping that they’ll be able to watch it and remember something we did in person, as well as different times of watching the season.”
For her daughter Meredith, she said Destination Stars Hollow feels “pure.”
“I feel like it’s kind of aesthetic and cute because it’s like fall time,” said Meredith. “A lot of people connect ‘Gilmore Girls’ to the fall, and it’s a comforting show to watch with your mom.”
Carol Boivin, 89, of Lake Orion, was on a bench watching people walk down Main Street at the festival, as her two daughters browsed the designated shopping.
“This is so built up from when I was here before,” said Boivin. “It’s been 12 years, maybe since I was out here before and they didn’t have all of these buildings. … This has gone from a sleepy little town with older people, mostly retirees and now it’s young people moving here like crazy.”
While Boivin said she will continue to watch the show with her daughters and is happy to have attended the festival, she hopes to come back when there are fewer crowds.
Sunday will offer fans continued themed activities, including a Chilton Fashion Show, Knit-a-thon, Dance Marathon and a concluding Town Hall meeting from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit destinationstarshollow.com for more information.
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