Susan Colbow believes the plans for Telemiracle 42 are where they should be for this time of year.
Colbow, who is a member of the Estevan Kinettes Club, will be the chairperson for Telemiracle 42, which takes place on March 3 and 4, 2018, in Regina.
“We are right on schedule, I believe, and some things we’re ahead of schedule,” said Colbow.
She noted the Tim Hortons Brier will be held in Regina at the same time as Telemiracle, so that will force the Telemiracle organizers to get a head start on such preparations as booking hotel rooms.
“That’s something we haven’t had to deal with before, but I think we’re doing okay with it,” said Colbow. “We have rooms for all of our volunteers.”
At the same time, Colbow predicted there could be a benefit of having Telemiracle happening at the same time as the Brier, because people in Regina to watch the Brier might drop by the venue where Telemiracle is taking place to watch the show. After all, Telemiracle is free to attend.
She admits she has a hard time believing it’s now less than five months until the province-wide fundraiser.
“I think I’m doing well, but then all of a sudden I think about the time frame, and I think ‘Oh my gosh, am I really doing this?’” she said.
And she is already feeling nervous about the fundraiser, but she believes that’s a good thing.
Colbow said she has been drawing on the experience of the past chairs, asking them about issues they have encountered.
“It’s always good to have the past chairs on speed dial in case you have any questions, but the office staff is really good in Saskatoon,” she said. “They deal with this year after year, so they’re pretty good contacts if you have questions as well.”
The Telemiracle committee held its first meeting on Sept. 17 in Regina. Committee members started their planning efforts. Every committee member was presented with their handbook for jobs that have to be done.
“We just went through everybody’s position and what their jobs are and what they should be looking forward to doing, whether it be getting the volunteers signed up and ready to go, or … getting ready for auditions right now, because those are in November,” said Colbow.
The next event on the Telemiracle committee’s agenda will be auditions for the Saskatchewan talent, which will happen Nov. 4 in Regina and Nov. 5 in Saskatoon. Anybody who wants to apply to audition can call the Saskatoon office at 306-244-6400. The deadline to apply is Oct. 27.
Colbow hopes to have a healthy contingent of musicians from southeast Saskatchewan at auditions.
“They usually take about 90 people in Regina and 90 people in Saskatoon, and then out of those 180 people that audition, they take 60 (Saskatchewan) acts for the actual show,” said Colbow.
Numerous local performers have been part of Telemiracle in the past.
She noted the facilities, manpower and food services committee chairs have to make sure they have the necessary equipment, people and food in place for the auditions.
The national cast for Telemiracle will be revealed during the Telemiracle kickoff in January.
Colbow said local residents can look forward to seeing the local Kinsmen and Kinettes hosting some fundraisers in the community. There was a Banjo Bowl fundraiser at the Estevan Exhibition building on Sept. 9, in which local residents gathered to watch the annual game between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
“Everybody has lots of ideas,” said Colbow. “It’s just if we get them implemented, that’s the main thing.”
