Everyone in Haverhill seems to have a Tom Bergeron story.
A relative married his relative. He shared a class with you. You love watching his shows on tv. You grew up down the street from him. Your cousin's neighbor's uncle's best friend once sold him a car.
However many degrees separate people from the host of Dancing with the Stars and America's Funniest Home Videos, that got narrowed down to one Thursday morning when fans got to meet the Haverhill native in person at a book signing at his alma mater, Northern Essex Community College. It was the last stop on a tour to promote his new book, "I'm Hosting as Fast as I Can."
When the book signing began at 11 a.m., a line had formed through the Technology Center hallway nearly from end to end. There was a steady stream of visitors until 2 p.m., when the signing came to a close.
Organizers estimated that 150 people came to see Bergeron. About 155 books were sold.
Bergeron greeted every face, some familiar, some not, with a gracious smile and a handshake. A few lucky women got hugs. Even fewer got kisses on the cheek.
Every fan left elated, with a personalized signed book, and eager to sing the praises of Haverhill's hometown hero.
"He was very easy-going," said Katrina Marino of Bradford. "With all the books he's been singing, I didn't feel like I was one in a number."
Asked how he kept such a positive attitude for three hours, Bergeron found the question easy to answer.
"It's natural, basic gratitude," Bergeron said. "It's very flattering to have people turning out to support you. It's what I do every day, but this is wonderful. I'm seeing so many people I haven't seen in years."
For more on Bergeron's visit to Haverhill and the people he encountered while here, see the print edition of The Haverhill Gazette published Thursday, June 18.
