WS Chronicle

By Judie Holcomb-Pack

For Harold Holmes, the number 13 was his lucky number during a recent visit to California where he was invited to “Come on down” to compete in The Price Is Right.

The Price is Right is a game show that has been running, both daytime and nighttime versions, since 1972. Audience members are chosen for their “energy, charisma, and stage presence,” according to the Internet. Contestants selected try to guess the retail price of items without going over the actual price for a chance to win a variety of prizes, from small items up to trips and even a car. Disclaimer: winners must report the value of their prizes to the IRS.

It all began when his girlfriend, Rose Hinson, and he visited Rose’s son, Bradford Hinson, and his new bride Akilah, in August in San Juan Capistrano, California. For Rose’s birthday. they gave Rose and Harold tickets to The Price Is Right, a show that both Rose and Harold enjoyed watching on TV. 

Rose said, “We were there on Friday, but ran out of time, so they scheduled us for the following Monday morning priority … we booked an extra day out there. We were early and we’re numbers 12 and 13 out of a sea of high numbers! Harold was one of the first four people called up to play the game and he got to be on stage with Drew Carey!”

Rose described the suspense of watching as Harold competed among the other contestants. “On the Big Wheel, he spun 85, but the woman next to him spun one dollar to win $1000 and go to the showcase.” According to the show’s rules, she couldn’t reveal what happened next, but said simply, “We are very pleased with our prizes.”

Did Harold walk away with some good bling? Like most game shows, the contestants can’t reveal what happened until the episode airs on TV, which will be Oct. 30 for Harold’s episode.

Both Harold and Rose are in their 70s, but are not the type to be still for long. Harold is the former dean and associate vice president of Wake Forest University and has continued to work there since his retirement. He is active in Leadership Winston-Salem and is a past Seven Over Seventy award recipient. Both Rose and Harold attend St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church where Harold serves as Parish Council president and an usher, and Rose sings in the choir and is past president of the St. Monica’s (women’s) Guild. 

The show will be aired on Monday, Oct. 30, at 11 a.m. on CBS affiliates. Wake Forest is hosting a Watch Party at the Wellbeing Center, 1834 Wake Forest Road, located in the Reynolds gymnasium on the campus of Wake Forest University.

Come out and cheer on Harold and Rose for the big reveal!