I’m searching for past contestants of the “Kids’ Bids” TV shows that were sponsored by Old Dutch Foods, to interview for my snack foods history research project.
Old Dutch Foods logo (http://www.olddutchfoods.ca/eng/products.php).
The show was developed by Robert Watson of Watson Advertising in the 1960s.
Nancy-Ellen McLennan, Linda Koesveld, Susanne, and Danny Hooper were participants. In blogs, facebook posts, and a newspaper article, they describe the show as an auction for prizes, where bids were made by children using empty Old Dutch packaging as “Old Dutch points” instead of money.
While a photo collection has been archived, there are no archived interviews of these children’s experiences.
If you (or anyone you know) were a contestant on “Kids’ Bids” and are willing to be interviewed, please email me: ja.thiessen@uwinnipeg.ca
I can tell you a little about the Saskatoon edition of the show, hosted by Yorkton native Gary Gibney. One summer they held the auction outdoors in the parking lot next to the Bapco Paints store and warehouse, which was beside TV station CFQC. I was there. I met Gibney who knew my dad. Gibney went on to fame in Toronto as the anchor of CFTO News.
Thanks for your comment! Sounds like the show attracted quite an audience. My research assistants and I hope to find ourselves in Saskatchewan in the coming months, and may contact you then. Best wishes.
Well, I’m living in Andalusia, Spain now. But grew up on the prairies (Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Calgary). Kids’ Bids was a big deal in the ’60s for us kids growing up in Saskatoon. I remember the blue and pink knobs on the turning board for boys and girls respectively. Strange times in a flat place.
Ah, my mistake. I wish I could say I was planning to go to Spain, but… no such luck.
Blue and pink knobs? Bizarre!
Different times. They’d lynch you for that today.
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Let me know when you find some of those contestants. I’d be interested in your findings. I have fond memories of this show from my childhood.
Thanks for your comment! Have found a couple of people, but no one in the country who’s willing to be interviewed yet. Will keep looking!
I was only on the show once, but I know Lethbridge, Alberta had it, and Medicine Hat had it too. The fattest kid always won, surprisingly!
Thanks for sharing that memory. Would love to interview you sometime about your experience, if you’re willing!