Joining the tour on a sunny, hot and humid South Bend day was running back Devin Moore and wide receiver Taj Smith. Also joining Moore and Smith on the stage at the 4H Fairgrounds were Colts cheerleaders Shelby, Megann, Kathleen and Jessica.
"I love coming out to the Make It Personal Tour," Moore, an Indianapolis native who grew up idolizing Marshall Faulk and Barry Sanders, said. "My goal is to come out and capture kids' eyes, even if it's only one or two, and show them it's not just about basketball in Indiana. We, on the football field, can make it too."
Smith also relished the opportunity to meet the scores of fans on hand.
"It's great to come out here because we get to be up close and personal with the fans," Smith said. "Just shaking hands and talking to each fan is great and something we don't get to do enough."
While waiting in line for autographs fans had the opportunity to register to win free preseason tickets and signup their kids for Kids Club. Also on hand to greet fans were sponsors of the tour: the Indiana Blood Center, Indiana Corn and Soybean Alliance, Novartus, College 529, Harrison College and Lucas Oil.
One of the fans waiting in line was Lee Matthews who brought his daughters to take in the Make It Personal Tour. Matthews, who grew up near Lafayette, even fudged his address to ensure he was able to watch all of the Colts' home games. But, he wasn't just at the fairgrounds for himself and his daughters.
"My sister-in-law Nancy lives in Alaska and after the Colts won the Super Bowl I sent a t-shirt up to her, she sleeps in it and wears it on game day so, we're going to add to the collection," he said, holding up a newly signed shirt. "This one will be autographed by Moore, Smith and the cheerleaders. She'll love it."
Matthews' daughters were also able to enjoy all the interactive elements of the Make It Personal Tour including the mountain slide, bounce house and Colts In Motion traveling museum.
Straight from Inflatable Stables Air Blue even made a special appearance.
The next stop on the Make It Personal tour will be a Fan Fest in Terre Haute July 7. On Friday, July 9, the fourth Fan Fest of the summer will be held at American Legion Mall in Indianapolis and will feature a free concert by Sister Hazel. Click on the Fanzone tab above for more information.
You can also follow the tour on mycolts.net by reading my (MIPInternCJ) blog.
