Before the event starts, the players play pool (and might bowl, I'm not sure) with the Dana Farber patients and their families. That happens before the fans are let in.

When the event officially starts, the players are seated (some at a long table, some in half-circle booths) and fans line up to walk through. Casual talk, definitely. Photos with the guys in the booths, yes (it's a little trickier for the guys at the table) (and sometimes they claim you can't do photos, but it's never enforced). You're not rushed, but once you're through the line you're pretty much through. (There's also the buffet lunch, auctions, raffles etc.) More low-key with more interaction than at a typical autograph event.

Last year the guys in the Rookie Development Program who weren't part of New Stars were hanging out bowling (the booths and table are in front of the lane area) and were generally receptive to some mingling and chatting. That said, I think everyone respected that they weren't really official participants and weren't there to be pestered too much! When the event is over, some of the guys disperse immediately--some of them do hang around and bowl. (I admit that at that point I think folks should leave them alone and treat them as private citizens!)

I've been told that Schilling will have his own line, and that fans will go from there to the regular line--and I was very glad to hear that, because I was hoping not to be rushed through seeing the pups because people wanted to get to Schilling. The year he participated a few years back things were different, of course--they had him blocked in by handlers, no photos, limited time to say anything.

Looks like I didn't put last year's photos here (whoops) but you can see Mike's and my shots from 2008 and 2007 in the Pics subforum, to get an idea of things.