I wouldn’t call it must-see TV by any stretch, but I always enjoy bumping into my former WMBD-TV co-worker, the award-winning sports anchor Kurt Pegler. And when we combine our talents and mojo for a good cause, it’s even better.

Join Kurt and me early Saturday evening for the third evening (of four) of the 46th annual WTVP-47 auction, raising cash for the Peoria PBS-TV affiliate. With national funding always in cutback mode, it’s your chance to help the local PBS affiliate strong, delivering interesting, entertaining programming to expand your knowledge.

You can help by bidding on the donated auction items this each night through Sunday. Help keep their great programs on air. I’ll miss a few, but here are some of the ones I’ve enjoyed watching over the years:  Frontline, Independent Lens, American Experience, Rick Steves travel shows, Austin City Limits, This Old House, Nova, etc. And what kid didn’t watch Sesame Street back in the day?

WTVP-47 airs interesting, locally-produced topical shows like H Wayne Wilson’s “At Issue” and Yvonne Greer’s “Consider This.” Their locally produced documentaries are great – the one on prohibition and the  Peoria whiskey industry is stellar (credit Todd Pilon and Brian Ellis, among others) – and “State & Water” is the place for talented local musicians to be exposed to a wider audience.

Kurt will by the emcee Saturday at 6 pm when the third night of the auction goes on the air on WTVP-47. I, along with Assistant States Attorney Dave Kenny, with be guest auctioneers. WTVP marketing exec Julie Sanders will be in the seller role during the first of three Saturday groups, with the auction running ’til midnight. At 8 pm, another of my former WMBD-TV co-workers, Chuck Collins takes over the emcee spot. Watch, bid and buy Saturday night!

Doc Watson