‘Early Show’ brings national spotlight to region

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, July 26, 2007

	1 / 12	next >>
Melissa Holmes of WIVB Ch. 4 broadcasts from Terrapin Point.

CBS “Early Show” weatherman Dave Price and his “Great American Vacation” crew visited Terrapin Point on Thursday. Niagara Falls State Park was chosen to host the broadcast based on its tourist appeal, and several local groups and businesses were featured in half-hour increments from 7 to 9 a.m.

Price, who has visited Western New York several times, was pleased to find an enthusiastic, sign-waving crowd of about 300 on hand for the live show. “It was phenomenal,” he said. On cue, a full rainbow also greeted him, hovering over the Horseshoe Falls.

On air, Price wore different ball caps, representing area businesses. He plugged local attractions – like the Whirlpool Jetboat he rode a day earlier – and made chicken wings with Ivano Tuscani of Buffalo’s Anchor Bar. “It was a great day,” Price said. “As much fun as the television audience had, we had even more fun.”

Nine destinations were chosen to host the “Great American Vacation,” series, which began on July 5 and continues each Thursday through Aug. 30. At each site, one person is selected to receive a Caribbean cruise based on their life story and life style. In Niagara Falls, Kris Woltz of Angola was chosen. Her husband had cancer and passed away, leaving her to raise their two children. She won an all-inclusive vacation to the Almond Resorts in St. Lucia. – Joshua Maloni

Dave Price, CBS ‘Early Show’ set to visit locally