A day of pure imagination with MaeLeigh

Our own golden-ticket kind of day

The Chocolate Expo at the Maryland State Fairgrounds brought together Peter Ostrum, Julie Dawn Cole, Paris Themmen, and Rusty Goffe for a celebration of the 55th anniversary of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. For me, the chance to meet all four in one place felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

I had made a custom collage for each of them before the trip. Each design was my way of celebrating the person and their place in a movie that means so much to so many people. Getting those pieces signed in person, and taking photos to remember the experience, made the day feel complete.

Peter Ostrum — Charlie Bucket

First up was Peter Ostrum, the actor who brought Charlie Bucket to life. Charlie is the heart of the movie: a boy whose kindness and sense of wonder carry us into Wonka’s extraordinary world. Meeting Peter was a wonderful way to connect with that part of the story.

MaeLeigh and I had our picture taken with him, and Peter signed my custom collage. Seeing my design become a personalized keepsake was exactly what I had hoped for when I put it together.

Julie Dawn Cole — Veruca Salt

Julie Dawn Cole gave the movie one of its most unforgettable characters in Veruca Salt. Her determination to have everything she wants makes her a perfect contrast to Charlie, and her scenes remain such a memorable part of the film.

We got a photo together, and Julie signed the collage I had created for her. I also have a picture of her holding the finished piece, which makes a lovely companion to the autograph itself. It captures the person behind the character alongside my tribute to her.

And then something happened that absolutely made my day: Julie loved my collage so much that she asked me to email it to her—and gave me her email address! Veruca Salt gave ME her email address! Unreal!! Knowing that she enjoyed something I created enough to want a copy herself means so much to me. That’s exactly why I love making these collages, and it made this meeting even more unforgettable.

Paris Themmen — Mike Teevee

Next was Paris Themmen, who played the television-obsessed Mike Teevee. His character’s fascination with the screen leads to one of the factory tour’s strangest turns, and he’s another essential part of that unforgettable group of golden-ticket winners.

Paris signed my collage and added his character’s name, “Mike Teevee.” MaeLeigh and I posed with him for a photo as well. Having both the signed design and a picture of us together gives me two different ways to remember the meeting.

Rusty Goffe — an original Oompa Loompa

And then there was Rusty Goffe, who played one of the Oompa Loompas. The factory wouldn’t be the same without those characters, their songs, and the way they turn each mishap into another unforgettable moment.

Rusty signed my colorful custom collage, adding “Oompa Loompa” beside his signature. His bright Wonka sweater and the smile in the photo of him holding the design make these pictures especially joyful to look back on. I’m so glad I have a photo with him as well as the signed piece.

The best part was sharing it with MaeLeigh

The autographs are wonderful. The photos are wonderful. But what really filled my heart was having MaeLeigh there with me. We made the trip together, shared these moments together, and now have a day we can look back on together.

That’s what makes collecting so meaningful to me. A signed collage can bring back the whole experience: being there, meeting the person, and remembering who was beside you. These four pieces will always take me back to this trip with my wife.

Thank you to Peter, Julie, Paris, and Rusty for being part of such a special day, and to The Chocolate Expo for bringing this opportunity to Timonium. Most of all, thank you to MaeLeigh for sharing it with me. This was a day of pure imagination—and very real happiness.