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Updated 9 a.m. Saturday
'Wonderstruck' crowd not disappointed by star
 By JODI RALL
For Brentwood Home Page
Fans who lined up at Belk Cool Springs Friday to catch a glimpse of country music superstar Taylor Swift were not disappointed. For the lucky 150 who got to meet her, the wait was well worth it as many had arrived in the early afternoon to secure a place in line.
The “Wonderstruck” crowd lined both floors of the Cool Springs Galleria store and the lines went out into the lower entrance of the mall. Swift’s appearance was the third of three national appearances to help launch her first fragrance, Wonderstruck by Elizabeth Arden
In addition to the fans, every major news outlet in town was on hand to photograph or video the occasion. All local television stations and CMT were interviewing the crowd and Taylor. Lights flashing everyone wanted the perfect shot of the young singer.
"I think today was one of my favorite days of my life!,” said 10-year-old Lovey Klooster, one of the lucky 150 individuals who actually got to meet the 21-year-old country megastar. “Taylor is my hero. When I first stepped up there I was like, ‘Wow! There's Taylor!’ She is so beautiful!"
Acknowledging Lovey was definitely “star struck,” Lovey’s mom Nicole Klooster shared how kind Taylor was to her daughter. She said it was especially sweet that Taylor commented on how cute Lovey was dressed in her little red coat and red cowboy boots.
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| The McGee family came from Chicago to meet the star. Sean McGee, 9, has autism and responds to Taylor Swift's music. |
A touching story of the evening came from a family who traveled from Chicago to meet Taylor, whose music has a special and unique place in their lives. Nine-year-old Sean McGee has autism and is nonverbal. But he responds to Taylor’s music.
Mom Katie, dad Pat and sisters Emma, Kelly and Molly were all on hand to meet Taylor too; the girls all decked out in silver dresses with matching cowgirl hats.
Anticipating large crowds, a security plan was put in place weeks ago and Franklin police officers were prepared to start monitoring crowds early Friday morning. The force included officers on Segways who patrolled the crowds and lines that formed out into the mall.
Franklin police chief David Rahinsky said the event could not have gone smoother.
“There have been no incidents and this has been a classy crowd. I wouldn't have expected anything less of our citizens,” Rahinsky said.
Among those present were Johnny Belk and his family. Belk remains a family-owned business and Belk was there to welcome Taylor to the store.
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Fans wait in the official 'viewing area' in Belk Cool Springs, which followed Macy's in Manahttan, Sephora in Glendale, Calif. as the third of three stops chosen to help Elizabeth Arden launch Taylor Swift's new fragrance, Wonderstruck.
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| Chris and Hannah Schoener |
Ereann Kilpatrick, Lexie Jankowski and Hannah Wright |
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| Belk store manager and regional vice president Greg Smith, with his daughter Payten. |
Loovey and Nicole Klooster wait in line for the chance to 'meet-and-greet' Taylor Swift.
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At left, Maddie Grace, Kristen and Presten Toth with Harrison, Jennifer and Claire Holden |
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