Arviat (Feb 01/06) - Patricia Kablutsiak, 6, of Arviat had the thrill of her young life earlier this month when she met her idol, Disney star Hilary Duff, in person.

Patricia Kablutsiak, 6, of Arviat (centre) got to watch her idol, Hilary Duff, perform from the best spot in the house at a Winnipeg concert earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Daniel Kablutsiak

Patricia's parents, Francine and Daniel Kablutsiak, arranged the trip to Winnipeg for their daughter to see Duff perform at the MTS Centre.

The youngster was also fortunate enough to have her photo taken with the starlet, shake hands with a number of Duff's band members and receive a concert glow stick from one of the dancers.

Daniel says his wife tried to book tickets on the Internet for a Duff show the previous year, but the concert was already sold out.

He says the couple learned their lesson from that experience and booked tickets as soon as the next Winnipeg date was announced.

"It was hard, but we managed to keep it a secret from Patricia until the show and that really added to her excitement," says Daniel.

"We bought one of the special 50 tickets that allowed her to go backstage for a meet and greet with Duff.

"That trip was the best money we've ever spent on anything in our lives."

Patricia didn't realize she was actually going to meet Duff until shortly before the show began.

She thought she was only going to watch her idol on a big screen and when she realized she was at a live show, she was overcome with excitement.

"My chest felt like it was moving really hard and I kind of found it hard to breathe," says Patricia.

"I was so happy, I just wanted to dance."

Patricia was right in front of the stage and spent the first part of the showing staring at Duff and convincing herself that she was really there.

Magic happened when she worked up the courage to hold out her hand towards Duff.

"Hilary was singing as she walked past the front of the stage.

"When I reached my arm out she came over and gave me a high five.

"I couldn't believe it. All I could think was, Wow!"

Being a huge fan, Patricia knows the words to most of Duff's songs.

She says she loves Duff's music and her style.

"This was the highlight of my life.

"I will always remember Hilary coming over and hugging me during the song, Beat of my Heart."