By Tammy Malgesini
Staff Writer
Published on November 15, 2016 11:23AM
I can name that tune in three notes. Before you get too impressed, I must qualify the statement with music from game shows.
Such was the case when the familiar opening theme music from “Match Game” and “The Newlywed Game” boomed through the sound system Oct. 29 at Wildhorse Resort & Casino. And then there was wild cheering and screaming — mostly coming from the mouths of female baby boomers, like myself — when announcer Jimmy Richards introduced Erik Estrada as the live host during “America’s Greatest Games Shows.”
Known as Ponch from the 1977-83 TV Series “CHiPS,” I had a poster of Estrada back in my college days. Yep, the man who once graced the cover of People magazine — who was designated as one of sexiest bachelors in the world in 1979 — still has it going on.
When Tiah DeGrofft of Wildhorse community relations asked if I was interested in attending the event, I was all in. I’m a game show junkie. My husband, John, is amused that I actually record some of my favorite ones to watch later.
My game show addiction started when I was a kid and continued when I was in college. Kari Knutson, one of my old roomies, and I were parked in front of a black-and-white TV each day to watch as Richard Dawson introduced families as they battled it out on “Family Feud.”
When Tiah asked if I would be interested in a telephone interview with Erik Estrada, what do you think I said?
After getting the official business out of the way, Erik and I spent a few minutes shooting the breeze. In regards to aging, we agree that our bodies feel older than our minds. An avid golfer, I told Erik to prepare to spend some time “at the beach” when swinging the clubs at Wildhorse.
“I’ll bring my suntan lotion,” he said with a laugh.
Also, a bit of a foodie, Erik said many of the casinos that host “America’s Greatest Game Shows” have excellent chefs.
Initially, John said he’d attend with me. However, as the date got closer, I thought I should paint a picture of what the event would be like — a lot of screaming people. For a man who lives for concerts, he doesn’t like big crowds of rowdy people.
I invited my bestie, Carol Greene, to go with me. To give you an idea of how crazy we can be together, my husband has referred to Carol as Lucy — as in Lucy and Ethel.
While we weren’t chosen as contestants, Carol and I had a great time. And in keeping true to our “I Love Lucy” monikers, there were some shenanigans. However, what happens at Wildhorse stays at Wildhorse.
———
Tammy Malgesini is the community editor. Her column, Inside my Shoes, includes general musings about life. Contact her at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539.
