Frates clan's stay on Family Fued lasted four episodes and was 'so much fun'

LACONIA — The Frates family hoped to have fun and represent well their home communities when they traveled to Atlanta in May to tape an appearance on the television game show Family Feud. Not only did they accomplish their goals, they also won more than $20,000.

Amelia Hamilton-Miller, who served as captain of the Frates family team, said the road to television began with a letter her older sister, Tekla Frates, sent to producers of the game show in response to an invitation for contestants. That led to an audittion at Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, Conn. A few days later, the family received a phone call inviting them to fly to Georgia.

Competing for the Frates family were Larry and Joan, who together operate Frates Create Arts Center in Laconia, their son Oliver, an investment banker, daughter Amelia, who helps instruct dance classes and is also an on-air talent at 105.5 WJYY radio, and her husband Lyall Hamilton-Miller, a South Africa native who works at the Laconia Athletic & Swim Club. Ali Frates, Oliver's wife, traveled with the family for the filming, as did Tekla.

The filming took place over the course of one Saturday in May. However, the family was forbidden to discuss the details or outcome of their experience until their appearance had been aired. The family ended up playing the games four times, with their final half-hour appearance airing on Tuesday.

"It was so fun, so positive," said Amelia of their experience. "It was just fun. They treated you well, encouraged us, made us feel special."

Family Feud has been televised since 1976. The game pits two families against each other, each trying to guess common responses to survey questions; often the queries are designed to provoke eyebrow-raising responses. The Frates family won its first game, which aired on Thursday, earning them a chance to return again. They won a second time but lost their third game. However, they were spared on a technicality. Guessing an answer to the question: "Where could you see a member of the opposite sex naked for the first time," Amelia guessed "gymnasium," which was initially declared incorrect. When the opposing family, though, guessed "locker room," the answer was declared correct. In review, producers decided the responses were similar enough to both be declared correct, and the Frates family was called back for a fourth game, which they lost.

The day of filming was a long one. It started with a wake-up call at 5:30 a.m., they were picked up from their hotel at 7, and filming took place from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. By the end of the day, they were exhausted from all the fun. Amelia said, "We felt like we were playing games with friends, there was just an audience there."

The biggest challenge for the characteristically outgoing Frateses was following the strict instruction to keep silent about their experience until their final appearance was aired. "We kept our mouths shut, which is pretty impressive," said Amelia.

Over the past several days, as their appearances were aired, the Frates enjoyed their moment of celebrity. Local viewing parties were organized, and old acquaintances from afar contacted them to congratulate their successes. "I've heard from people in Tennessee, in Oregon, that I haven't heard form in years," said Amelia.

Now that they can speak freely about the experience, Amelia said her family's time on Family Feud was one they'll treasure far more than the prize money would indicate. "It ended up being a fun experience we'll remember forever," she said, offering special thanks to Tekla, who instigated the adventure, as well as to their friends and neighbors for the vigorous support and enthusiasm they've shown. "That's been great."