Ellixson says she was surprised by how many employees worked together on the set for the show, from warming up the audience to preparing the stage and props to lighting, camera work, and managing the celebrities and local chefs who appear as guests. The crew also works with live footage being fed from remote locations during the program.

Ben Thomas says he thoroughly enjoyed seeing the show’s guests, three members of the Harlem Globetrotters. He had attended Globetrotters shows before and found it interesting to see how they have recruited new talent through the years.

“I remember seeing them play years ago,” says Thomas. “What a show! They have some great new team members.”

Maris Grove pride!
The group from Maris Grove got a little attention of their own. Throughout the program, as the cameras panned across the audience, the residents proudly waved burgundy pennants that were printed with the Maris Grove name. The hosts, Wilson and Henley, also made several announcements about their guests from Maris Grove.

Following the show, Wilson and Henley took pictures in the studio with their visitors, and then the group took a trip to Pica’s, a longtime favorite Delaware County restaurant.

Returning home, for now
Upon their return home, the new TV stars were greeted by their friends who had taped the show.

Fralinger says the group is already looking forward to a return trip to the set of “10!” and says that there are already a number of new faces who are interested in going. The transportation department also plans longer, vacation-style trips for Maris Grove residents and members of the community’s Priority List.

In March, a group of travelers went to San Antonio and the local Riverwalk. The group had the whole southwest experience as they saw the sights, took southwest cuisine cooking lessons, drank margaritas, and even visited a real life dude ranch. Later in the year, residents will be taking a cruise down the Blue Danube River, stopping at ports in Budapest, Minsk, and Prague. At the end of the year, another contingent is traveling to Italy and the world-renowned Amalfi Coast.