Fireworks ‘Jeopardy’ returns

Donations will be sought Tuesday, June 6
Fri, 06/02/2017 - 12:00pm

    Welcome to Fireworks Jeopardy. I’m you’re host, Alex Trebek. And now, let’s get to the categories –  Windjammer Days, the Fourth of July and fireworks.

    Contestant: I’ll start at the top with Windjammer Days for 100, Alex.

    Alex: And the answer is June 25 though July 1.

    Contestant: What are the dates of this year’s Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days Festival!

    ALEX: Correct – and a very complete answer! Next category.

    Contestant: Let’s go with Fireworks for $100, Alex.

    Alex: The answer is …. donations.

    Contestant: Mmmm … Where does the money for fireworks come from?

    ALEX: Are you asking or telling?

    Contestant: Telling. Wait. Is this the show where I can call a friend?

    Alex: Noooo. That would be “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.”

    Contestant: (disappointed) Oh, … yeah, I’m telling then.

    Alex: And you are correct! Next category.

    Contestant: OK, let’s stay with Fireworks for $200.

    ALEX: The towns, residents, business owners and visitors of the Boothbay peninsula.

    Contestant: Hmph. (Pause) I don’t suppose this is the show where I could ask to poll the audience?

    Alex: No. You’re thinking of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.” Again.

    Contestant: (sigh) Right. Hmmm...  Where do the donations come from?

    Alex: Correct again. Category?

    Contestant: OK, but first, you know before when you wanted to know if I was asking or telling you? Well, I do have to ask it like a question, I mean you do the answer part.

    Alex: Yes, I know how this show works. Thank you. Next category?

    Contestant: Right. OK! Let’s try Windjammer Days events for $200 Alex!

    ALEX: And the answer is – Wednesday, June 28 at 9:15 p.m.

    Contestant: Huh. Windjammer Days ... Can I ask to do the 50/50?

    Alex: (a tad irritated) NO. That is “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” ... AND on this show there is only one answer ... (voice trails off with an eye roll)

    Contestant: OK. Hey! I’ve got it! What is the date and time of this year’s Windjammer Days fireworks display!

    Alex: (with relief in his voice) CORRECT!! Where to now?

    Contestant: You know, I think this is getting easier now  .... Let’s try Fourth of July for $100, Alex.

    Alex: (Looks at contestant, then question on the card in his hand quizzically) It certainly is getting easier. Answer: The Fourth of July

    Contestant: Huh. When is the Independence Day fireworks display?

    Alex: YES! YES! I mean, correct! Next category!

    Contestant: Fireworks for, oh, I’m on a roll now ... $400! Fireworks for $400.

    ALEX: Whistling Dragons, Dragon Eggs, Serpent and Stars with Report.

    Contestant: (excitedly) Name three types of fireworks.

    Alex: Yes! Yes!

    Contestant: Alex, I think I’m on fire! Fireworks for $500!

    Alex: (Laughing as the $500 card flips over to reveal)  … It’s the Daily Double! You have $1,100 - how on fire are you feeling now?

    Contestant: (laughing too) Oh … let’s go with ... hmmmm ...better to just go with $500, Alex (pause) … My fire is dwindling ….

    Alex: The answer is: Directly to a fireworks brigade volunteer or by mail.

    Contestant: (quietly repeating the question aloud to himself). Ummm…. How do you make a donation?

    Alex: You are correct! That brings your total to $1,600!

    Contestant: That sounds like a brilliant  – get it? ... brilliant – fireworks ... A brilliant  donation to me!

    Commercial break: Against a backdrop of exploding fireworks and the oohs and aaahs of unseen spectators the voice-over begins: Fireworks are exciting! Fireworks dazzle the eyes – and ears! Volunteers known as the Fireworks Brigade will be popping in and out of businesses in Boothbay Harbor, Boothbay and on Southport Island Tuesday, June 6 seeking donations for this year’s displays.

    Community members are encouraged to mail a donation, made payable to Community Fireworks Fund, Community Fireworks Fund, c/o Boothbay Harbor Town Office, 11 Howard Street, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538 – or drop off your donation.

    End commercial break. Yet, faintly in the background you can hear the contestant saying ... “So – what happened to the other two contestants?” Alex: Answer: Plotting their donation routes ...”

    Please note: Going forward, if the dates scheduled for fireworks are rain and/or fog-filled, the display will be held the next best day. For example: if it is foggy on Wednesday, June 28, the night of the Windjammer Days fireworks, but the weather is good on Thursday, that will be the night of the display. And if Fourth of July night is a night of rain and/or fog, the display will be July 5.