Soap stars look forward to a weekend on Marco Island

Soap stars are bubbly over Marco Island.

"I have absolutely no problem in getting them to come to Marco Island for SoapFest," said Pat Barry, event director. The Southwest Florida SoapFest is Saturday and Sunday, June 16 and 17.

"They love it, they call us to make sure they can come," Barry said.

Michael O'Leary of Guiding Light, one of 19 stars lined up for the event, agrees.

"I've been going to things like this for the last 25 years and this by far is the most enjoyable," O'Leary said. O'Leary, who plays Dr. Rick Bauer, expects to be part of almost every fundraising event this weekend to benefit Hospice of Marco, The Ricky King Children's Foundation and Eden-Florida. He will definitely take part in the Celebrity Bartenders Bash that begins at 10 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at Cocomo's Grill on the island.

"With a name like O'Leary what would you expect?" he said. "O'Learys are priests, firemen, cops, or bartenders."

Nicole Forester, who plays Cassie Winslow in Guiding Light, is coming to Marco for her first time. She joined Guiding Light nine months ago. Fans will remember her as Jill in her role in the Beverly Hills, 90210 television series.

"Oh man, everyone told me that they have a wonderful time when they come to Marco, that it is a beautiful place," she said. "This is a really special weekend."

She will be part of "A Night of Stars" at The Players Club & Spa at Lely Resort at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 17, and then at Cocomo's Grill for the Bartender Bash.

"I'm not sure I will be much help in making drinks though, I don't know the difference between vodka, and what is the other clear one?" she said.

When told the stars can win prizes by being the best bartender, or by making the most tips (donations), she said she would be better off serving the drinks.

"I might get tipped well, but I don't even know what goes in a margarita," she said. "Is it made with orange juice? Is whiskey clear?"

Dan Gauthier, who plays Kevin Buchanan in One Life to Live, is more than ready for Marco.

"I love Marco Island, I love coming back," he said. "It is a beautiful place and everyone has a great time. Pat is a wonderful host and everything runs smoothly."

Gauthier also has some attractions he can't miss.

"Your beaches speak for themselves, they are absolutely gorgeous," he said. "I really enjoy the movie theater (Marco Movies). It is like being at home, having wine, food and watching a movie. I also love the (Tara) steak house, it is like a Pete Luger Restaurant (in New York). They cook the steak with butter."

Caitlin Van Zandt, who joined Guiding Light in March, portraying Ashlee Wolf, gets her first look at Marco.

"I am so excited to come to Marco Island, I have only heard good things," she said. She plans on taking part in as many events as possible, looking forward to "A Night of Stars," "Celebrity Bartender Bash" and the Cruisin', Boozin' & Schmoozin' Cruise.

Van Zandt will be 21 in July, but says she will be able to serve drinks at the bartender party.

"I've actually researched this and I can help serve drinks, but I can't drink them," she said.