For several years, the most enjoyable moment of my Heritage Days celebration was when I hosted The Gong Show. The whole thing, I believe, was concocted by Dave Pearse..and executed by Historic Main Street Alliance with help from some phenomenal sponsors.
![](http://www.wentyworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/gong1-2011.jpg)
I have done a lot of hosting in my day…Sunday In The Park, Alliance Idol, KCOW’s Game Show Nights…and a whole mess of others. But what made the Gong Show especially fun (and freeing) was that I hosted in character as Chuck Barris. This made it easier for me to tell jokes and do things I would never do in a million years as myself. Something about a pair of thick-rimmed nerd glasses, a loud shirt, and hats…soooo many hats…
![](http://www.wentyworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/gong1-2012.jpg)
The acts were the star, of course…you never knew what kind of madness was going to take that stage. But there were certain consistencies…Chuck always needed a good line when an act was gonged.
![](http://www.wentyworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/gong2015.png)
“I don’t know why they gonged you! I loved that act…but then again I love root canal surgery (paper cuts, head trauma, etc.)”
And most of our Gong Shows featured Gene Gene The Dancing Machine and The Unknown Comic. Did I mention that you never knew what the acts were going to do? Because that’s absolutely true. For example, I did not know what Elaine and Angie from our Main Street Players group had in store for me in 2012:
![](http://www.wentyworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/gong2-2012.jpg)
![](http://www.wentyworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/gong3-2012.jpg)
I am very nostalgic for the Gong Show, but I do believe events like this have a lifespan…and I feel like we drew the curtain down at the right time. There are lots of memories…and lots of pictures of me in goofy hats.
![](http://www.wentyworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/gong1-2016.jpg)
![](http://www.wentyworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/gongcat.jpg)
You were the heart of The Gong Show and it was so much fun!!! Great memories and so many pics!!!