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Region residents take Wheel for a spin

By Carrie Rodovich Times Correspondent nwi.com | Posted: Thursday, September 30, 2010 12:00 am | 1 Comment

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'Wheel of Fortune' fun facts

* The crew travels with a 39-foot Winnebego known as the Wheelmobile, which is used to hold the set and equipment, as well as "Wheel of Fortune" prizes.

* The Wheelmobile last visited the Chicago area in 2007 looking for contestants. The Wheelmobile visits 20 cities each year, and about 75,000 to 100,000 hopefuls apply.

* The show tapes 39 weeks of new episodes each year, which totals 195 episodes. Fewer than 600 contestants appear during a season.

* The show began its 28th season in September. Contestants selected during this round of auditions will appear during the end of Season 28 or during Season 29.
Related Links

* Related: Wheel of Fortune FAQs

HAMMOND | Thousands of people poured into The Venue at Horseshoe Casino with dreams of winning big money, exotic vacations or other fabulous prizes during the "Wheel of Fortune" contestant search Wednesday night. Others just wanted a chance to appear on the long-running game show.

Barb O'Keefe, of Paw Paw, Mich., was in the region visiting family when she heard about the auditions. She dragged her sister, Donna Haynes, of Gary, along with her.

"I've been a gamer forever," O'Keefe said. But Haynes sheepishly confessed she didn't watch the show much, and joked she'd have to call for help from O'Keefe in the audience if she got selected to audition.

"I almost need lessons on how to play," Haynes said.

Sue Flores, of Chesterton, said she has been dying to get a shot at appearing on the game show, which began its 28th season this month.

"I've been a faithful 'Wheel' watcher. It's my dream to get on," she said. "I thought, 'Someone has to make it. I might be the lucky one.'"

Nancy Foy, of Dyer, said she's been a lifelong 'Wheel' fan. She came to the auditions after leaving work.

"My husband thinks I'm good at it when we play along at home," Foy said. "It would be so cool to be selected. I'd be screaming."

About 10,000 people were expected to attend during the two nights of tryouts, said David Strathearn, director of marketing and promotions for "Wheel of Fortune." Tryouts will run from 6 to 10 p.m. today at The Venue.

When the first of three hourlong tryout sessions began, the show's traveling host, Marty Lublin, came out to warm up the crowd and explain the rules. Contestants were randomly selected to come on stage to be interviewed and play the game on the mock set.

"Show me your personality, and I'll show you the money," Lublin told the screaming crowd.

Calumet City resident Wayne Presco solved the puzzle "Scented Candle" and won the first round of the tryouts.

"I was nervous," he said. "I am here with a friend and we're longtime 'Wheel' watchers. I hope I get called to the next round."

Strathearn said about 50 potential contestants would appear onstage in each of three hourlong rounds each night. The number of people who go on to participate in the next round of tryouts varies based on how they perform, Strathearn said. Contestants are selected not only for their puzzle-solving abilities but also their enthusiasm for the show and their personalities.

"We're not looking for quantity, we're looking for quality," he said. "We're looking for people to have fun. We're looking for natural energy and enthusiasm."

For those who don't appear on stage, Strathearn said small group of other applicants will be chosen at random to come back for a second round of auditions.

"We want everyone to walk away with a fun 'Wheel of Fortune' experience," he said.

Contestants won't find out for a while whether they make it to the next round of auditions, which will take place in a few months.

Gina Gelon will be waiting to see whether she gets a letter or e-mail. She appeared in the first round with Presco but didn't win.

She doesn't like to perform in public, but wanted to try out for the show.

"I still have chill bumps from being out on stage," she said. "I would have a ball. I'd be so enthusiastic if I made it."

There's a lot she could do if she was ultimately selected as a contestant and won lots of money on the show.

"I could pay off my house, donate money to charity," she said. "Everything is for a reason. It could happen."