slideshow

The annual “Olywed Game” took place at the Middlesboro Mall Tuesday night following the “Chamber Chocolate Craze.”

The “Olywed Game” mocks the late television hit, the “Newlywed Game,” and has been a successful production at the mall for several years.

This years’ event was also a success, even though it had a rocky start. Four couples had registered with Brian O’Brien at The Big One, WRIL 106.3 F.M., to be contestants at Tuesday nights show.

However, only one of the four couples showed up for the show.

After some persuading, O’Brien was able to get three reluctant couples from the crowd to participate in the event.

After a late start, the show went off without a hitch.

The crowd enjoyed the awkward moments between the four couples and “oohed” and “awed” at the occasional sweet antidote when the spouses tried to cover up their answers.

The reluctant couples seemed to enjoy themselves just as much as the couple who registered for the event.

Members of the crowd registered for door prizes that were donated by local businesses.

Throughout the evening, door prize winners were announced. Lucky members of the crowd won prizes such as Avon gift baskets, gift cards to Cracker Barrel and Pizza Hut, gift certificates to mall stores and tickets to the monster truck nationals.

All of the contestants received a bouquet of flowers, a Belk’s fragrance basket and a cookie cake.

The lucky winning couple, Jeff and Candace Evans, won a “Kiss” from Brooke’s jewelry store and a free weekend stay at Pine Mountain State Resort and Park.

Richard and Windy Smith finished as runners up. They also won a set of tickets to the monster truck nationals.