Almost Missed Sven Milestone- and Sven at the Rodeo Saturday!

I've been juggling a lot of different things for a while now- just like a lot of you- and, in the midst of trying to keep track of everything- something fell through the cracks!

That something is: this past Saturday, June 14th, was indeed the anniversary date of me first appearing on Chicago television as the Sven character! At the time, I premiered as the Son of Svengoolie on WFLD- as the hand-picked successor to the legendary original Sven, Jerry G. Bishop, who kindly performed the opening voice-over announcement telling the story of how there had always been rumors that the original Sven might have a son. The coffin I came out of was the same one Jerry had been using when he was foolishly cancelled by  new management. For you trivia collectors out there, the first line I said on TV was "Hey, Dad- can I borrow the keys to the hearse?"

From that date back in 1979, we've made the journey that has now put us into 90% of the country, in 150 markets, and a few parts of Mexico and Canada, thanks to the huge success of the Me-TV network. I have been especially grateful to viewers who grew up as fans of their own honored regional horror hosts. To have those fans be generous enough to take us to heart as well is a great compliment- I fully realize that I cannot replace their horror heroes in their hearts, but am happy to keep the tradition of this kind of entertainment alive for them, and to be accepted by them.

As always- I thank YOU- the Sven fan- for your continuing support- whether you're a longtime fan who can remember Tombstone's old green moustache, Goolia Child, and my bad original crepe mustache that would loosen under the hot studio lights,or if you're one of our new fans who has just discovered the show. It always makes me happy and proud to get an e-mail saying "I stumbled onto your show a couple weeks ago- and now it's a regular stop on my weekend viewing schedule"!

I'm happy to be a survivor- of the changes in the television landscape, and of some physical ailments- and hope to be around to celebrate a few more anniversaries with you!

Something else we can celebrate this weekend is my return to an annual fun family event- the Little Boots Rodeo in Elk Grove Village, Illinois! On this Saturday, the 22nd, I'll be there to meet and greet rodeo-goers from 1 to 3 pm- yes, even if it is hot and humid, though I'll probably have to take some precautions to avoid any ill effects on my crazy cardiac system. As always- I'll be signing autographs and taking photos with you for free! Yes, we'll have Sven t-shirts and button sets on sale, so, instead of ordering online- you can get immediate service right there! We just ask that you bring at least one item of canned food to donate to the Elk Grove Township Food Pantry.Please know that we will need to be out of there on time, so plan to come early and get in line so we don't miss the chance to see you! Also, in the past, we've done two days at the rodeo- but, this year, we'll only be there on Saturday- just the one day- so you'll need to come out then to see me, although the Rodeo continues on Sunday as well.

There is so much fun stuff going on at the Little Boots Rodeo- rides, games, rodeo contests for kids, lots of craft vendors, all sorts of entertainment- the phrase "fun for the whole family" definitely rings true for this annual event.  Come on out! You'll find the rodeo at Arlington Heights Road and Devon Avenue in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. I hope to see you there for our first event of the summer! (Yes- there WILL be more to come!)