If Zac Efron had a cold on Monday, as opposed to allergies, he probably passed it along to some fans at Bloomington’s Mall of America. The way that mostly female crowd, estimated at 7,000, screamed, they’d gladly share germs from Efron, who was here to promote his movie “Charlie St. Cloud.” Only 100 to 200 fans actually got to meet Efron at the event sponsored by KDWB-FM. The chosen few got autographs plus a handshake or a hug, depending on their druthers.

Fans of the “High School Musical” heartthrob, who kept wiping his nose and eyes with his hand, were on all levels, down main corridors (roped off in places where they could not possibly have gotten a glimpse of Efron) and in new areas where there is usually no need to pool crowds.

Efron seemed awed by the scene. And he should have been. MOA spokeswoman Erica Dao checked the records and reported that Efron’s “High School Musical” co-star and girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens attracted an estimated 4,000 while former Gov. Sarah Palin’s crowd was estimated at 3,000.

Efron was late to the signing. According to a KDWB staffer, who may have been joking, Efron stopped at a convenience store to eat a hot dog.

Click here to watch a video from this event.

Source: Star Tribune