Newton Citizen

Alana Thompson, star of TLC's reality TV show "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo," gets some assistance on the ice from dad Mike "Sugar Bear" Thompson and Rebecca Hydock, an employee with Have An Ice Day Productions. Alana and her family were in Conyers Thursday afternoon to film an ice skating segment of the popular show at the skating rink in Olde Town. Staff Photo: Sue Ann Kuhn-Smith

CONYERS -- Reality TV star Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson and her family were in Conyers Thursday afternoon to enjoy some ice skating and film an upcoming episode at Have An Ice Day skating rink at the Olde Town pavilion.

As word spread through social media about Honey Boo Boo's appearance, hundreds of fans gathered at the skating rink to get a glimpse of her, mom June Shannon, dad Mike "Sugar Bear" Thompson and sisters Lauryn Shannon, Anna Shannon and Jessica Shannon. Even baby Kaitlyn Shannon, Anna's daughter, was part of the entourage.

Prior to the family's arrival, staff at Have An Ice Day advised skaters that filming would be taking place at the rink. Skaters were asked to not look directly at the camera and try to act as naturally as possible.

Honey Boo Boo, wearing a fuzzy hat and jeans, took a few minutes to get up the courage to step out on the ice. But finally, with the help of Sugar Bear and rink employee Rebecca Hydock, from Conyers, she was soon sliding around the rink.

The pint-sized reality TV star, who was named one of Barbara Walters' "10 Most Fascinating People of 2012," attracted fans young and old.

Ten-year-old Brianna Ambler of DeKalb County said she's a fan "because she's so funny and so little."

Fay Garner, a grandmother from Lithonia who brought her four grandchildren to skate Thursday, said she appreciates the genuine quality of the show. She's also a fan of Sugar Bear.

"I wanted to hug Sugar Bear, but they won't let me close to him!" she said.

"Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" is one of TLC's highest-rated reality shows and has been called a pop culture phenomenon.