Game show ‘Price is Right’ to spice up April evening

LIVERMORE FALLS – Middle School students here are psyched to host a version of the popular game show “The Price is Right” to raise money for field trips and other school-related activities.

“Oh yeah,” said eighth-grader Holden Parker, who will be the announcer for the evening.

He’s excited just like the rest of the students who have been involved with parents and school staff to plan the 6 p.m. Saturday, April 7, event at the school gymnasium. There are a limited number of seats – 600 – and tickets go on sale for $5 on Monday, March 12, at the school.

“This is our first time,” Parker said. “I think it’s going to be a good experience and the show will really help our school.”

It’s exciting that the money gained from the fundraisers will go to field trips and other activities, student Matt Estes said.

“It’s a really good way to promote our school,” student Kassandra Shackley said.

Principal Ted Finn is just as excited as they are.

The show will be hosted by Jeff Parsons of radio station Q97.9.

“He’s a Price is Right fanatic,” Finn said.

Parsons “sent us a 10-page packet to make sure we’re going by the book,” he said as he laughed.

Twenty-three members of the planning committee, including students, went down to the Elm Street School in Mechanic Falls recently to watch them do “The Price is Right” to get pointers.

Not only will people be able to win prizes during the eight games and the showcase, there will also be a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction.

They have more than $8,000 in prizes and donations, parent Tara Chabot said.

Parent Scott Bilodeau is building all the games with donations from Ware-Butler Inc. in Livermore Falls.

Chabot said they’re recruiting nine Barker Beauties, both girls and boys from the sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students.

“It’s not just a local thing; the entire state has been very generous,” Finn said. Donations are coming in from around Maine and beyond.

A couple of prizes for the silent auction are a signed baseball by Red Sox pitcher Manny Delcarmen and a three-night, four-day stay at a Chebeague Island home donated by a staff member.

Concessions will also be available to enhance the night.

Even though people have to be 18 and older to play the games, there will be a way for those who are 5 to 17 years old to win a prize in separate drawings.

Second-chance tickets will also be available to increase the chances of being called to “Come on down,” Finn said.

They have a consistent group of 18 parents helping out and are still looking for volunteers to help set up that night and donations are still being accepted.

“I can’t wait until the community sees this,” he said.

It’s unlike other types of fundraisers they’ve held before.

“We’re hoping to make this the middle school fundraiser each year,” Finn said. “Our goal is to raise $8,000 to $10,000.”