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A Quick Trip to the Windy City

I love Chicago. I love to visit. (I love to leave again, and come home. But that's another story.)



When the Holland Convention and Visitors Bureau started talking about advertising Holland as a Christmas holiday destination to the people of Chicago, someone somewhere along the line brought up The Farmer's name.

I can imagine the discussion. "How about that crazy farmer guy out at the Kerstmarkt who makes socks on that old crank machine? That's weird enough to get their attention."

Fast forward a few weeks and we found ourselves in the fortress-like studios of WGN-TV, just north of Chicago.


Fortunately enough, the Holland CVB was wise enough to send along a "handler" for us country bumpkins. Kirsten (pictured above) made appointments and reservations, briefed us on what we could expect, and did everything in her power to make sure we were where we needed to be at the right time. So appreciated!

Once we were ushered into the correct studio, we quickly set up for the 3-minute spot. I realized that we'd left something fairly important out in the car. I was assured that once they let me out of the fortress, they would also let me back in.


I spent a long ten minutes waiting at this door, alternately pushing the buzzer and texting The Farmer to "please have someone let me back in." Eventually I tried calling. Nada--straight to voice mail. It really WAS a fortress. No reception. By this time I was checking my watch, sure I would miss the filming. Hmmmm... How about email? Maybe that will go. Sure enough. I finally heard a slight click and a faint buzz. I grabbed the handle and yanked. Yes! Back in, with minutes to spare.

The cameraman made sure everything was just right.


Dina Bair, one of the anchors for WGN-TV midday, came in and spent a few minutes asking questions of The Farmer.


The 30-second warning came, and the 10-second warning. The cameras were on! And then it was over. So many things he wanted to say, but I think he did well with the time allotted.


If you'd like to watch the spot, you can find it for a limited time here.

Comments

  1. very nice, Lona! Really enjoyed the video, your husband did a great job. So natural in front of the camera. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. No mention of your beans but I saw them on the table. He did a great job. Farmer, fireman, construction guy, sock knitter, and now TV star.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yay! I love Chicago...like you, I also love coming home. Great Job!!!

    ReplyDelete

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