Launch party introduces new talent to radio listeners

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A party to officially introduce CFWE, the Native Perspective to Bonnyville and area communities, and to launch the radio station's new 100,000 watt signal that serves the region, was held on Sept. 30 at the Bonnyville Agriplex.

Bingo, door prizes, balloons, and a talent show were part of the evening's events.

CFWE staff Christine Ashley, Tina Wood, Al Standerwick, Norm Quinney, and Curtis Clark were on location to make sure things ran smoothly and to hand out the bingo, door and talent show prizes.

Ashley, who is the bingo clerk for CFWE's radio bingo, said the evening was fun because it was nice to see a community come together, and it was nice to watch the people enjoy themselves playing radio bingo.

The radio station, owned and operated by the Aboriginal Multi-Media Society, broadcasts bingo to the province every Monday and Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m.

More than 50 people attended the launch party, with Alberta Sweetgrass on hand to get some photos, comments and views on the evening.

"It's my first time playing radio bingo. It's great. Now I'm hooked," said Melissa John of Bonnyville. "I will now be the ultimate radio bingo player because I would like to win," she said.

Two people at the bash won in two separate bingo games during the evening. Tina Wood, radio bingo co-ordinator/promotions, said that it was great they had two winners at the community hall.

"It is good to see the action and to see the expression on the people's faces," she said.

The crowd enjoyed the karaoke and talent show. Clayton Proulx from Slave Lake entertained the crowd with his rendition of Bingo Problem that was set to the tune of Thinkin' Problem by country singer David Ball. Tanya Watchmaker, Wil Houle and Brett Kissel each placed in one of the categories and took home prizes as well.

"We'd like to hold the parties in every area that we broadcast the bingo in," said Wood. "For the talent shows we want to have an overall talent show with a grand prize for the previous winners of the karaoke and acoustic singers. Sort of like the American Idol show but we would call it the Aboriginal Idol show, that is what we would like to do," said Wood.