Geneva featured on 'Ellen' segment

First it was the Food Network, now "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" is turning Geneva into a national star.

Geneva resident Cathie Fischer entered the town in the show's "Wish You Were Here" contest, detailing why she thought the television show host should visit.

Geneva didn't win, but was runner-up to Flagstaff, Ariz.

"Is this really Ellen? Is this really Ellen?" asked a skeptical Fischer, who was surprised by a phone call from DeGeneres on Tuesday afternoon. The call was broadcast during Wednesday's show on Channel 5.

DeGeneres, pretending to want to know about the snowstorm here, got Fischer to open her front door, where a camera crew captured Fischer's shock.

The show's DJ, Stryker, will tape segments here today and Friday. Fischer and her husband, Dusty, will fly to California for a Monday taping.

Fischer's entry mentioned how nice Geneva's Christmas Walk celebration is. She described how Santa Lucia arrives to light the big Christmas tree at the old courthouse. She also related how everyone gets a Swedish cookie, and when you tap it, if it breaks into the right number of pieces, your wishes come true.

In October, DeGeneres announced she was looking for a town to visit and asked viewers to submit photos, videos and stories about the entertaining people, places and events that make their hometown special. Throughout the season, towns have been showcased on her show.

Fischer received an e-mail Nov. 28 from co-sponsor AOL touting the contest and decided to enter.

Fischer, a regular viewer, almost didn't enter when she realized a short essay was required. But she plunged ahead. "I don't know what got into me," she said.

Fischer, who has lived in Geneva nine years, has been a fan of DeGeneres for years. "I just think she is so funny."

The winner was announced on Monday's show, so Fischer was perplexed when a producer told her to be available by phone from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday for something else. Fischer said she had no idea the host, herself, would be calling.

Geneva was featured in November on "Throwdown! With Bobby Flay" on the Food Network. The show featured resident Renee Ferguson, author of "Talk Turkey to Me." Parts were taped at the Geneva French Market and the Past Basket store and design center.

"It's a wonderful town. I do not think people living here know what a gold mine they have here," Fischer said.