The lines to get Barry Larkin's photo snaked around three-abreast for a couple of hundred yards.
The seats at the main stage, where you could talk trades with Jim Bowden, were full - with people lined three and four across on both sides of them.
The first RedsFest was a success at the box office - the two-day attendance was 11,200 - and critically.
''It's been great,'' said John Dues, who drove in from Minster, Ohio, with his two sons. ''I think this is something that baseball needs to do to repair its image.
''And it's a lot fun for the kids.''
It was a lot of fun for the players, too.
''We don't get to do this type of thing much during the season,'' first baseman Hal Morris said. ''You're thinking, 'I'm 0-for-10 and I've got to get my work in.' So there are always time restraints.''
Said Larkin: ''It's been very good. I think it's something that should be done year after year. It's a way to bring players closer to the fans.''
RedsFest was conceived by acting Reds CEO John Allen and produced by local promoter Cal Levy. It included collector booths, games and historical displays. The biggest hits were the autograph and photo opportunities.
Fans could have spent the whole afternoon in line waiting for Larkin or Johnny Bench but could get in and out quickly with Jeff Shaw or Curtis Goodwin.
''Things have gone really smoothly,'' Levy said. ''Obviously some people have been disappointed that they didn't get the photo or the autograph they were waiting for. But some of them stayed in line - even after they were told they weren't going to make it - because some of the players stayed after their time was up.''
The only no show was former Red Dave Parker. Tom Browning and Jim Maloney scratched earlier.
But complaints were few.
''We're having a great time,'' said Marty Meyer of Covington who brought his 6-year-old daughter, Jessica Campbell. ''I love it.''
Meyer was hoping to get Larkin's autograph for Jessica. But Jessica was plenty happy. Sports Magic, a two-man roaming pop-a-shot/ring toss act, built her an outfit (a hoop skirt and wild headdress) out of balloons.
Fan fests have been going for some time. The Cubs have held one for 12 years. Levy said the No. 1 thing fans want is the chance to interact with players.
He designed the show around that. He said he couldn't have asked for more from the players.
''Everyone's been great,'' he said. ''Curtis Goodwin showed a little late last night. But then he hung around and signed on his own.''
Eddie Taubensee was doing the same thing.
Allen is already planning for RedsFest II. It will probably be a day longer.
''We've got a suggestion box,'' he said. ''So we'll have some documented feedback to make it bigger and better next year.''
MORRIS HAPPY TO AVOID TRADE
