By Joan Morris
CONTRA COSTA TIMES
The crowd isn't big, but it's star-struck. And after Myrna Weber, head of the Longs cosmetic department, spritzes everyone with Pageantry Perfume, it's nice-smelling, too.
At the center of this aromatic group is Miss America Jennifer Berry, who earlier this week found herself seated at a table, situated between a display for Jessica Simpson's Hula Girl body lotion and Tom's of Maine tooth-cleaning products, signing perfume bottles and smiling for dozens of camera phones.
Berry, who hails from Tulsa, Okla., was on a 22-day, multi-state mission promoting Pageantry Perfume, which supports the Miss America Scholarship Fund. Berry was in the Bay Area for a few days, and between perfume bottle signings, she managed to see the Golden Gate Bridge for the first time, but didn't see the house from "Full House," which she found a little disappointing.
But here she is in San Ramon -- she apologizes for not remembering the name of the city -- at the Longs, sweetly answering questions, posing for pictures and signing bottles.
Before she arrived, a small group gathers to welcome her, which attracts the attention of two construction workers installing a parking sign. Minutes before Berry arrives, the men finish their work, but they find reasons to linger, sweeping Cheetos and crumbs out of the cab of the truck and keeping an eye on the parking lot, grinning at each other.
Gene Keller of Danville also is waiting for Berry's arrival. He watches the Miss America pageant on television every year and -- don't tell Berry -- he also watches the Miss USA contest. He thinks he likes Miss America best, though, because it has a talent competition.
Keller went to Longs to pick up a few things, and he saw a sign advertising Berry's visit.
"I knew I wasn't going anywhere after that," Keller says, a sheepish grin on his face. "This has never happened to me before. I'm going to be first in line."
Berry arrives at the store a bit late. Bay Area traffic has no respect for royalty. Keller seems dumbstruck as he watches her approach. Two teenagers stop dead in their tracks.
"She's coming," the young woman whispers to her boyfriend.
"Oh, this is why we cut school," he says.
Berry, wearing a denim-inspired skirt and jacket, strides through the parking lot and front door, beaming at everyone.
"Did you see how her hair was blowing?" the young man asks. "Where did that wind come from?"
People who'd been giggling and quietly humming "There she is, Miss America" before Berry's appearance, now seem overcome with shyness. They hover in the card aisle, sneaking peeks and working up their courage. Meanwhile, Weber is spritzing and Berry is smiling.
LeeAnn Schierburg of San Ramon is the first to buy a bottle of the perfume. She asks Berry to sign it for her daughter, as a graduation present. Schierburg had dropped into Longs to pick up something and saw all the commotion. She couldn't resist.
Berry smiles and uses a silver ink pen to inscribe a message on the bottle.
Proceeds from perfume sales support the Miss America Scholarship Fund. Last year, the fund awarded $45 million in scholarships and cash to help young women better themselves. The perfume was created by Bob Aliano, who also designed Giorgio of Beverly Hills, Red and Hugo perfumes.
One by one, they come. Some bring autograph books and small notepads hastily purchased off Longs' shelves. Employees join in the picture-taking and perfume buying. Many watch from the background. But Katrina Johnson, 8, boldly walks up to Berry and asks for an autographed bottle.
With her mother, Melody Johnson, ready with her camera, Katrina steps behind the table, poses with Berry and flashes a smile to rival Miss America's own.
Katrina was worried she wouldn't make it to the store in time to meet her idol, but she managed with time with to spare. Johnson says her husband dropped off a prescription at Longs and saw the sign, and Katrina was determined to come.
Does Katrina plan on being Miss America someday?
"I'm planning to," Katrina says, "but I don't know if I will make it."
And then she smiles, and a wind seems to come from out of nowhere, lifting her hair.
Joan Morris is a feature writer. Reach her at 925-977-8479 or jmorris@cctimes.com.
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