At first glance, SPAM seems very unremarkable.

It's a pink square of pork in a blue and yellow tin that you find in the canned foods aisle of nearly every grocery store, selling for about $2.

Hard to believe a chunk of luncheon meat has its own festival which attracts thousands of people each year, elevating SPAM to celebrity status.

At this year's SPAM Museum Jam, it even made it to the same ranks as celebrity moms Barbara Billingsley (June Cleaver from "Leave It to Beaver"), Marion Ross (Mrs. Cunningham from "Happy Days") and Debra Jo Rupp (Kitty Forman from "That 70's Show"), who presented their favorite SPAM recipes and signed autographs Saturday.

While throngs of people flocked to see Billingsley, Ross and Rupp, the three "moms" themselves were in awe of the festival and admitted it wasn't what they expected.

"I came because I thought it was such a funny idea, I thought it was such a scream and I thought it would be kind of funky, but then I get here and it's a really big deal … it's all far grander than I had any idea it would be," Ross said.

"I was so flattered to be invited along with Barbara and Marion that I said 'Of course I'll be there!'" Rupp said. "I never knew there was so much to do with SPAM. I've already spent $200 at the gift shop."

Though the three said they had assistance in choosing their favorite SPAM recipe, Billingsley, Ross and Rupp say they've tried them and were impressed with the results.

Billingsley explained her recipe for Overnight SPAM and Broccoli Cheese Strata should be prepared the day before serving and then allowed to sit overnight before it was baked, freeing up some of the cook's time. "Everyone likes not having a lot to do," she pointed out.

Ross, a native of Albert Lea, said her Cheesy Macaroni Bake is "so easy, an idiot can make it. It's a great hotdish and we know how popular those are here."

Rupp also agreed her recipe for SPAM Stroganoff was very easy and could be made by anyone.

While the celebrity moms were impressed with the SPAM Museum Jam, the feeling was mutual with many of the festival's visitors.

"I saw a little story about it in the paper and I thought it was an odd thing that I would have to come and see," said Michelle Reichert, of Richfield, Minn. "Just the fact there is a SPAM museum is a reason to be here."

Cindy Fennig, of Richfield, had come to the SPAM Museum Jam with Reichert and said "I'll agree with that. I never thought there'd be a SPAM museum and it sounded like a fun thing to do."

"It's been fun and wonderful. There's a lot more here than I expected. You've got the TV moms, games for the kids and a good day to do it," Fennig added.

"I'm amused by all the enthusiasm over a piece of meat. When you see it on a hamburger, it's just a little square of meat and then you get here and all of this is for that," Reichert said, laughing. She added that being able to see the celebrity moms was one of the reasons she decided to come and that she thinks "it's funny that there are celebrities representing SPAM. I get a kick out of it."

Doris Johnson, of New Brighton, Minn., her son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Paulette Johnson, of Blaine, Minn. and grandchildren, Amanda Johnson, 8 and Matthew Johnson, 4, were at the SPAM celebration for the first time and were excited about seeing the SPAM Museum and the celebrity mothers.

"The celebrity moms were an excellent idea, especially with SPAM being so representative of the '50s," Paulette said.

"I think it's great they have them here. I used to watch "Leave It to Beaver" and "Happy Days" all the time," Tom added.

Doris said she was very interested in finally being able to see the museum because "SPAM has been in the grocery stores for so long. You see so many products come and go, but it came and stayed. I can remember friends, when I was younger, who had SPAM for dinner and that was their meat."

Gary and Linnelle Stoeckmann, of Winsted, Minn. also shared their memories of SPAM. "I can remember from when I was little and my mom used to fry SPAM for us. I grew up on it."

"I remember my buddy's girlfriend made SPAM burgers in the oven back in the '60s when I was in high school. I've had a lot of SPAM meals, but that was probably my best," Gary remembered.

The Stoeckmann's agreed the SPAM Museum Jam was a lot of fun and the celebrity moms were excellent guests to have because, Linnelle said, "they relate back to the '50s and '60s, back then when mom was frying SPAM. It all goes hand in hand."

Amanda L. Rohde can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at :amanda.rohde@austindailyherald.com