‘Early Show’ brings national spotlight to region

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, July 26, 2007

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

From the July 21 Sentinel
by Joshua Maloni

CBS “Early Show” weatherman Dave Price is bringing his “Great American Vacation” series to Terrapin Point in Niagara Reservation State Park (Goat Island) on Thursday, July 26. The popular morning show host will broadcast live from 7 to 9 a.m., as well as show pre-taped clips of the Niagara Region.

“What we’re looking to do is create a huge street party,” Price said Thursday after visiting Savannah, Ga.

The community is invited to attend the taping. Participants should arrive by 6:30 a.m. Parking will be available in Lot 2.

As part of the show, one deserving person will win a trip to the Caribbean. Rules are available online at www.cbsnews.com.

Price said those in attendance on Thursday can expect a big breakfast – “and we’ve invited the entire country.”

Those planning on stopping by are asked to e-mail cohens@cbsnews.com.

Niagara Falls and eight additional cities were selected, Price said, based on his preference and the predilection of his producers.

“We came up with a list of cities we’d like to vacation in,” he said.

In regard to Goat Island, Price said he’s visited Niagara Falls since he was a child. A Cornell University graduate – whose best friend is from Tonawanda – Price is looking forward to his trip next week.

“I love it up there!” he said.

“Its raw beauty is incredible,” he added. “It’s a part of the country where there’s a great sense of community, and pride in Western New York.”

Price has noticed the recent, increased tourism push, and said, “The region is starting to capitalize on its most important asset – it’s natural beauty.”

He modified that statement by adding, “The greatest resource is probably the people up there; they’re salt-of-the-earth … they’re great.”

“The Great American Vacation” began on July 5, with Price visiting the Palm Island Resort in Key West, Fla. On July 12, he was in Outer Banks, N.C.

“It’s been great; we’ve had a ball,” Price said of the vacation. “Each of these places is a gem – they’re beautiful cities.

“We can’t believe we’re getting paid to stop here!”

The series continues each Thursday through Aug. 30. CBS is Ch. 4 on Time Warner Cable.