On Saturday, February 18th, the Degrassi Experience had the extreme pleasure of attending the final Party with Degrassi event in Montclair NJ. We were also incredibly honored to be attending the event as press, which gave us the opportunity to interview the cast. Pulling up to the Wellmont Theater and seeing all the fans in line was a pretty amazing picture. Alex and I were eager to start interviewing the crowd and meet up with all of our twitter and tumblr buddies. Camera in hand, we began learning more about all the super-fans that had lined up to party with Degrassi. Some of these fangirls and boys had camped out since the night before, others got there in the early morning. Up and down the line we went talking to some hilarious and friendly folks. We got to meet people from all across the U.S. and a few that lived right in Montclair. Some fans came bearing gifts: cards, flowers, and even a toy pig. Others made signs or shirts adorned with characters and quotes. Alex and I got to belt out the theme song with fans, take pictures with so many awesome people we met and even saw a pizza get ordered to the line! Here are some super cute pics we got with some fans:
At 1:00, Alex and I entered the Wellmont for the press session to begin. After some waiting, and a minute or two to prep our camera and questions, we started interviews. The cast came over in groups of one or two and gave us some thrilling hints to what is in store in the new episodes. We also asked a few fan submitted questions to the cast and got back some interesting answers. Each week the Degrassi Experience will be uploading a new cast interview for you guys to enjoy, so keep an eye out for some new content. We already knew the members of the Degrassi cast were bound to be great people since everyone at Epitome is, but we never expected them to be so kind and friendly to all of the fans and press at the event. They were honestly some of the sweetest people we have ever met…and everyone was even cuter in person! Who knew that was even possible!? After a truly rewarding interview session, the Degrassi Experience got to explore the fun and games set up at the event. We made Degrassi shirts, won some prizes, and indulged in some Degrassi-themed drinks. The “Eclare on the Rocks” was our particular favorite.
Once all the fans were let in, we took our seats, met up with some of our new friends and waited eagerly for the cast to take the stage. Explosive applause filled the room at the sight of the cast. They answered some questions and then introduced the premiere episode. I won’t give away any spoilers for those who haven’t seen it yet, but I will say you are in for a treat! Stay tuned for an episode review from these two crazy gals! After the episode ended, the cast reunited onstage for some final questions and a special happy birthday for Melinda Shankar who turned twenty. The cast said their goodbyes, as did we, to the friends and fans we had met there. The day was a so rewarding and full of some of the most exhilarating moments of our lives. We are so grateful to the cast, the event staff, Epitome, and all the remarkable people we met while at the Degrassi party event. Keep checking for new Degrassi Experience vlogs and material, as we have some great stuff on the way. Also, get ready for the return of Degrassi, because you know New Beginnings is going to get real.
