Upcoming Specials Coming to WNIN

WNIN-TV produced over 278 hours of local programming this past year including local speakers, governmental meetings, a reading series, forums on the economy and Alzheimer's disease, election programming, four informational series, and a holiday special featuring local school choirs.

Look for these upcoming local productions in the next few months:

The Frog Follies - Ladies and gentlemen start your engines!

Produced locally by WNIN, FROG FOLLIES documents the 2009 Frog Follies car show. This half-hour program is full of interviews with car enthusiasts describing their classic hot rod and why they come to the Frog Follies every year.

The Frog Follies was created by the E’ville Iron Street Rod Club. The E’ville Iron Street Rod Club was formed over 35 years ago, by hot rod car enthusiasts in Evansville. The first year of the Frog Follies between 50 and 75 cars were featured, and now there are over 4000 cars!

Proceeds from the Frog Follies go to 12 different charities with most going to Easter Seals. The community atmosphere and generosity of the event make it one of Evansville’s most cherished events. Producer Wayne Aldridge explains “The Tri-State is such an interesting place to live because there is always something informative and fun to do like the Frog Follies”

Explore one of Evansville’s biggest events and many personalities and hot rods that make up the Frog Follies, February 25, 2010, 7:00pm, on 9.1 WNIN PBS. One look at these classic cars and you will fall in love with the Frog Follies.

Return of the Lawmen - Produced locally by WNIN, RETURN OF THE LAWMEN documents the yearly national shoot of NCOWS, or National Congress of Old West Shootists. NCOWS most recent national shoot was held at Evansville’s West Side Sportsman’s Club.

Characters such as, Dr. Bob, Dynamite Bill, Grizzly Bear, and Ima Sureshot, offer interviews that explain what makes NCOWS so special. It’s not just about shooting, it’s about camaraderie. Members of NCOWS also show an interest in the history of the old west.

People from all over the country come to attend the national shoot. It is not uncommon that the whole family will camp out for the weekend event. This particular shoot features the Working Cowboy Class. This class only requires one revolver and one rifle, with one small stipulation; the guns must be pre 20th century style.

NCOWS’ national shoot is not just about fun and shooting; education is also a major part of the event. This event offers a great opportunity to educate kids about the history of the old west, and most importantly gun safety. The NCOWS are very focused on creating a safe and fun environment for their national shoot. Videographer/Producer Wayne Aldridge comments “It’s an honor that a national organization would come to Evansville”.

RETURN OF THE LAWMEN highlights just one of the many events here in Evansville. After watching this program you may find yourself saddling up and heading to an NCOWS event, so tune in February 18th, 7:30pm, unless your yella. WNIN is proud to present this local production, and continue to show why the tri-state area is such a great place to live.

Mesker Park Zoo and Botanical Gardens: From Forest to Jungle - Produced locally by WNIN, MESKER PARK ZOO AND BOTANICAL GARDENS: FROM FOREST TO JUNGLE, gives viewers the chance to take a tour of Mesker Park Zoo and Botanical Gardens right from their living room. This half hour educational and entertaining program covers animals from cheetahs to zebras, from the collection of over 700 animals Mesker has from seven continents. Breathtaking shots make it seem as if you the viewer are right next to the animals.

To guide you through this program is narration by Jessica Naudziunas, WNIN’s Morning Edition radio host, and interviews with Amos Morris the executive director of Mesker Park Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Morris explains, “Mesker Park Zoo and Botanical Gardens has safe family entertainment and recreation and we give the opportunity to enjoy wildlife.”

The Mesker Park Zoo and Botanical Gardens is the second oldest and second largest zoo in Indiana. It was founded in 1928 by Gilmour Haynie and other business men. One unique staple of Mesker Park Zoo is their moat system of animal displays. Mesker was one of the first zoos in the United States to use moat systems, giving zoo goers a more realistic view of the animals. Amazonia “Forest of Riches”, the innovative new exhibit, drops zoo goers in a 10,000 sq ft slice of the South American Rainforest. This attraction alone added over 150 animals to the zoo including, the jaguar, tapir, toucans, and iguanas. Amos Morris comments, “Amazonia is a superb exhibit that takes you on an adventure down to South America and travels through the Amazon.”

Whether you’re an animal lover or someone who is interested in your local community MESKER PARK ZOO AND BOTANICAL GARDENS: FROM FOREST TO JUNGLE is a must see program. This local WNIN production brings the excitement of the tri state right to the viewer. Executive producer Jason Bumm explains, “It’s educational, local content that will peak the interest of viewers and make them want to see more of what our area has to offer.” Tune in February 18th, 7:00pm, and discover the riches of the Mesker Park Zoo and Botanical Gardens.