What was originally intended to be a post-military deployment vacation to Fiji turned into a dream of a lifetime for Kyle resident Veronica Grimes, who earlier this year competed on the Price is Right.
Grimes, an active duty Navy sailor and Kyle native, planned a trip with her husband to Fiji but stumbled upon the opportunity to be on hit TV show, which has captivated audiences for decades.
Grimes, who is currently stationed in San Diego, California, decided to take a pit stop in Los Angeles before flying to Fiji. She stood in line with two vouchers and eventually was selected to be on the show.
“After the showcase, your family runs on stage and my husband spun me around and I told him I was pregnant with our first child. It was the perfect ending to such a great experience on stage.”
–Veronica Grimes, Kyle native and Price is Right contestant
“We were flying out of LA and we decided to just try and go for it,” Grimes said. “It turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. The cast and crew are amazing. I felt like part of a family.”
During her military training at Supply School, “The Price is Right” was on during Grimes’ lunch breaks. Grimes also watched the show religiously in college, which sparked her interest in wanting to be on the show.
The game has been part of her life since she was a little girl, adding to the emotion and happiness she felt during the episode.
“Even if you don’t get called on stage, it’s still such a fun time,” Grimes said. “It’s mind-blowing to participate on a show you’ve been watching since you were young.”
Grimes said “The Price is Right” always attracted her because of the variety of games. It’s also one of the only game shows where you actually win, which adds to the very interactive atmosphere whether you’re on your couch or in the studio, she said.
Grimes participated in “Danger Price,” a game where four prizes are on stage including one called the danger price. The contestant selects the prizes one at a time, depending on which they believe have priced other than the danger price. Choosing the danger price results in a loss.
During the game, Grimes won a laptop and printer, grill, foosball table and five Burberry purses.
Grimes’ good fortune continued when she spun the highest dollar amount during the Showcase Showdown, which involves spinning a big wheel. She then advanced to the final showcase, where Grimes won an Mitsubishi Outlander SUV and a trip for six on a houseboat on Lake Mead. Her total prize winnings amounted to around $50,000 worth of goods.
“After the showcase, your family runs on stage and my husband spun me around and I told him I was pregnant with our first child,” Grimes said. “It was the perfect ending to such a great experience on stage.”
Grimes said she plans to attend the show again when she is eligible. She plans on taking her family or friends in the future to share the experience.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to go on,” she said. “If you want to be on the show, the best advice I can give you is to just go for it. Take some friends and enjoy it.”
After the show, the Grimes family took their vacation to Fiji, the icing on the cake for one of the most memorable vacations they’ll ever have.
