Hulk descends on Foy's Halloween store

FAIRBORN, Ohio (WDTN) - A crowd of people gathered outside Foy's Halloween Store in Fairborn Saturday afternoon to meet Lou Ferrigno, known for his role as the Incredible Hulk.

"Too bad I'm not painted green," joked actor and retired bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno.

Sans green makeup, the original Incredible Hulk didn't disappoint.

"Got a lot of people in line," said Michael Foy, Sr., owner of Foy's Halloween store. "A lot of people want to see Lou Ferrigno."

Folks lined Main Street just to get a glimpse of the superhero sensation.

"I've been watching Lou Ferrigno and the Incredible Hulk since I was five-years-old," said Jim Branam, who showed up with his two daughters to meet Ferrigno.

Young and old, Hulk fanatics alike hoped to shake hands or get an autograph from the celebrity.

"A lot of people came from everywhere to see him today," stated Foy. "When I see someone, ten or twelve years old, I think, do they even know him? But their parents talked about him, they read comic books, they watch the avengers and they hear, that's the real Hulk. And it is."

It was apparent the Hulk's 40-year legacy lives on, even with youngsters like Alex Matthews.

"Alex has a hearing impairment and so does Lou Ferrigno, so it was pretty cool to show him he's got hearing aids in his ears just like you do, and he's a super hero," said Michelle Matthews, Alex's mother. "It's pretty inspirational for him to be able to see somebody strong, a leader, who also has a hearing impairment."

"When I was their age, when I was young, I didn't have anyone," stated Ferrigno, "so I know it means a lot because it gives them a chance to see me in person."

Ferrigno's visit comes just as ghosts, ghouls, and goblins loom over downtown Fairborn.

Even without his Hulk attire, the actor got into the Halloween spirit.

"I think I'm going to play like a 1970's character. As a matter of fact, my wife asked me for a costume. I think she wants to be the bride of Chuckie or a police woman," laughed Ferrigno.

As for all of the trick-or-treaters that decide to unleash their inner Hulk this Halloween, Ferrigno had some advice: "Just make sure you have a person to help you take the makeup off. Don't smear the makeup because when you get painted green, the pancake makeup smears."

Foy's has six Halloween stores located on Main Street in Fairborn. Foy's is open in October Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri-Sat. 10 a.m.-midnight, and Sun. noon-10 p.m.