My Experience "On" The Bachelor

When Ben Higgins first appeared on Kaitlyn's season of The Bachelorette I remember being SO excited because his hometown is Warsaw, Indiana (Which is about 30 minutes from where I live). After Kaitlyn's season when it was announced that not only Ben was the next Bachelor, but also they would be filming an episode in Warsaw I began plotting on how I was going to be a part of it. 

Finally it was announced that in October there would be a carnival in Warsaw in honor of Ben and anyone was welcome to come. One of my best friends (and fellow Ben Higgins fanatic) Chelsie and I decided immediately we were going to go. We both had big dreams of being part of "Bachelor Nation". 

We showed up about an hour before the carnival was scheduled to start letting people in. The line was long to get in but we were positive it was going to be worth the wait.

As you can see we were beyond excited!

It was the perfect time of year for filming with the trees changing colors for fall.

It was crazy to see how much equipment there is behind the scenes.

(If you don't take a selfie did it really happen?)

Finally after what felt like forever we made it to the front of the line and where about to get it. Everyone had to sign a waiver saying you were okay with being filmed and they also took your picture to go a long with it. 

My ticket onto The Bachelor

Once we were in the carnival we were immediately plotting where our best placement would be to actually appear on the show. on the far other end of the carnival they had a makeshift "entrance" set up for Ben and his date to walk through when they arrived. That became our home for about the next 2 hours. 

During that time we were able to talk briefly with some members of the crew and see the camera men start positioning themselves for Ben and his mystery dates arrival. At about 10 someone asked when Ben was supposed to arrive where they told us that he was actually running about an hour late, but we were in it for the long haul so we persevered.  

One of the best parts of that waiting period was just talking to so many other (mostly women) who made the trek over to see Ben. Some people from hours away, some fans, and some people who actually knew him personally. Chelsie and I were so amazed how many super sweet people we met that night. 

Finally the wait was over and they told us all to stand back and make sure to give them their space. I remember feeling like a little kid in a candy shop I was so giddy. 

Ben and Amanda walked in and from their it was just pure chaos. People taking pictures, following them closely, and the crew telling people to back up. Chelsie and I tried to follow them as closely as possible (yes it sounds creepy, but be honest you would do the same).

And seriously they were to DIE for cute. The first thing I remember thinking is these 2 are in love. He was so sweet and protective of her in the crowds. You could tell she was slightly overwhelmed, but he gave her 100% of his attention and focus.

At one point Ben and Amanda came to a stop by one of the concession stands and by some luck Chelsie and I got pushed up to the front. It was a few minutes where we were just standing their right next to them and so I got up the courage to ask for a picture with them and they said yes!

Ben, Amanda, THE ROSE, and me. How surreal!!

Sorry Chels I was most focused on getting myself in the picture.

We got another surprise when we realized that Chris Harrison was there too! We didn't get to see him up close but I snapped a picture from a distance.

Overall the night was an absolute blast! Chelsie and I have had February 15th marked on our calendars to watch and see if we actually made it on TV. And guess what?... We did! Although brief we made 2 appearances on camera.

A blurry picture of my arm waving.

Half my face when Ben won the donut.

It was such a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget. Plus I'm basically famous now for making it on national television. Since I met Amanda in October I'm definitely rooting for her and Ben to end up together in the end.

Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed :)