There is one TV show I faithfully watch each and every week.
That’s “The Amazing Race”, which just so happens to have its season finale Wednesday night right here on WZMQ.
If you don’t know about the show, it’s where teams race around the world taking part in challenges that deal with local customs and traditions. They’ve done the show in exotic locations all around the planet except, perhaps, for one– the UP.
So, CBS and producers of “The Amazing Race”, may I suggest a race around our fair peninsula that might go a little something like this–
It starts at the Mackinac Bridge, when contestants have to cross through the MacPass lane, but aren’t given Mac Passes.
They then make their way to Luce County, where almost half the teams have to take a delay due to an inability to correctly spell Tahquamenon.
Next, teams head to Marqette where they have to locate and drive on all ten roundabouts, while making suggestions about the perfect locale for an eleventh.
And, by the way, there’s only one correct answer to that question–the corner of Presque Isle and Wright.
The teams then have to race to Hancock by a certain time for their next clue, only to find the Portage Lake Lift Bridge raised and blocking their way.
Undaunted, the racers next visit Ontonagon and are given the task of driving down US-45 to the Wisconsin border, causing most area residents to go, “Wait. There’s a US-45 in the UP?”
Finally, the Yooper version of “The Amazing Race” ends in Escanaba, where the remaining teams are given a choice between two impossible tasks— either eat four corn dogs and then take a ride on the UP State Fair Tilt-a-Whirl, or try to find the one spot on US-2 where there’s not a strip mall.
Those are just suggestions. I’m sure “The Amazing Race” could find any number of locales for a fun & challenging show, and I hope we someday get our chance.
And CBS, if you like those ideas, give me a call and we can talk about another project– “Survivor: Seney Stretch.”
I’m Jim Koski, and that’s another slice of “Life in the 906.”
