It’s summer time, kids are out of school, staying out late and sleeping in. So what is it that is able to draw them out of bed before the sun rises?

Sam Champion from “Good Morning America,” that’s who. Only this time the excitement is more than ever before. He is more than just the weather guy that is talking on the TV screen in the living room. He is the weather guy from New York right here in Albert Lea.

Before I could even drink the first cup of coffee for the day I found myself at Brookside Education Center among people of all ages waiting to meet the one and only Sam Champion.

The crowd buzzed with laughter and excitement until Champion made his appearance at which they erupted into screaming, whistling and clapping. It was like one of those movies where someone is such a big fan that when they finally meet their idol they nearly pass out.

It was like a baseball game with the fans holding up posters with all sorts of sayings on them. One group of people that showed up to welcome “Good Morning America” brought with them a life size cardboard cut-out that they drew of Champion.

During the actual taping, the crowd seemed to follow directions very well especially given their excitement. But, oh man, once those cameras stopped rolling everyone was so giddy. It almost didn’t seem like Albert Lea anymore with all of the cameras and the people wanting autographs or to shake hands with a star.

Of course, Champion didn’t have time to stop and chat with everyone or give an autograph to everyone in the crowd but by the looks on their faces just being in attendance was an unforgettable experience.

Brandi Hagen, an Albert Lea High School graduate, is a student at Winona State University.