#52 Ancestors 2021 Week 38 Fun and Games: Dave's Emmy Award Ceremony

 

MotorWeek, Maryland Public Television's long-running auto show, debuted in 1981.  My brother Dave has been there almost from the beginning.  He started working for  MotorWeek in 1987 as an intern at Towson State University, and he never looked back.  He was hired full-time in March 1988, two months before graduation.  Dave is now the Senior Executive Producer and Head Writer for the show.  Over the years, Dave has had many exciting adventures visiting all 50 states and 38 foreign countries.  He estimates that he has driven over 5000 different cars over the course of his career.  But, of all his significant accomplishments, there is one that stands out for the family.

In 1998, Dave received an Emmy Award for his production of the Chicago Auto Show.  

Naturally, we were all thrilled.  The bummer was that the Emmy was in an obscure category that did not merit an appearance on the televised award ceremonies.  (Their Loss!) Of course, we couldn't let that stand, so the family designed a personalized--and highly memorable--award ceremony for Dave.  Everyone had a role to play. 

My sisters Louise and Maripat and I were the celebrity hosts, complete with very sophisticated feather boas.  And note, that while we did not require tuxes, all of the guys did have very fancy bow ties! And do please note the star-studded background.  

In addition to providing the introductions and commentary, we also provided the entertainment with a selection of car-related songs including "Little GTO," "She'll Have Fun, Fun, Fun Til her Daddy Takes her T-Bird Away," and "Workin at the Car Wash Blues."  And you better believe we could belt out that "Wah-Wah, Yeah-Yeah" chorus.

The Three Sisters version of Workin at the Car Wash Blues

In our scenario, the competition was Chitty-Chitty Bang Bang and Herbie, the Love Bug.  What can I say?  This was a family-friendly show and there aren't that many car movies.  

Of course, Dave's superior technical skills won out over these mere childish fantasies!  

Our brothers Rob and Phil took on the role of the disappointed runners-up for the Emmy.

The losers did not take the loss gracefully and registered their unhappiness at the ceremony, but in the end, they conceded to Dave's talent.

Of course, Dave gave a gracious acceptance speech and thanked his mother.

And, there were plenty of adoring fans, especially Dave's kids.  

Since 1998, Dave has produced the Chicago Auto Show many times, sometimes with assistance from one of his children.  

And Dave has had many professional achievements since that Emmy. 

But, hey, you never forget your first, especially when your siblings engrave it in your memory.