Tales of Extravagent Summers

[Mr. Fusion]

Not many stories up my repertoire, I must admit, but I do have one tale that involves the weirdest request I've ever heard a CM ask, to this very day.

It was a dark and stormy night sunny day at DCA when I decided to bring my full-size Kermit the Frog puppet into MuppetVision 3D (back before the Disney-Henson merger.) The CM in front of the marquee got a kick out of it when I showed her how real he looked to the actual puppet and did my best Kermit voice, which probably needed a little work.

Sitting in the holding queue, I got this grand idea to have Kermit pop up from behind one of those side crates. I wedged myself next to one of the left crates so as to appear sitting down yet also fully obscure Kermit from plain sight. Was sooooo much fun, the kids LOVED it!

After about two show loads, I got adventurous and made Kermit talk to some of the guests. At first, I'd make Kermit do his infamous laugh, but then I started having him ask what this one kid's name was, if she was having a good day, etc.

The holding queue emptied for the next show, and it was me sitting there all alone with Kermit, waiting for a fourth load of guests. Suddenly, the crimson walls opened up from a far corner, revealing a previously hidden door, and out stepped a man and a woman in business suits. Oh crap.

Considering I was scared ****less at that moment, I barely remember the dialogue I had with one of them, save for him asking me very politely for my name. The one line I do remember cracks me up every time I recollect it:

"Sir, we'd like to ask you to please refrain from puppeteering on the premises or else you will be escorted from the park."

Yes, stupid in hindsight and I should have known better, especially when you think from their POV that I could have been some weird perv. However, I'd never have such a weird and wacky tale to tell.

Oh, and my Kermit doll? He resides at my mom's house in New Orleans to avoid any temptation of trying my luck again.