‘Daytripper’ wins Emmy

Having won its second consecutive Emmy for Outstanding Texas Heritage Program/Special at the 9th Annual Lone Star Emmy Awards Nov. 5 at Warehouse Live in Houston, "The Daytripper" continues to deliver Texas-sized adventure during its third season on PBS.

"It's truly an honor to be awarded a Lone Star Emmy two years in a row," creator, executive producer and host Chet Garner said via press release. "Even though I'm the guy in front of the camera, this award is a testament to the hard work of our amazing crew and the continued support of our PBS partners, sponsors and, of course, our fans."

Garner said he was inspired to create the show when he realized how little Texans actually knew about their state. Each episode entertains viewers with Garner's humorous historical re-enactments and provides travel ideas by documenting his visits to various Texas towns and cities.

"The Daytripper," which airs on 12 PBS stations including Austin's KLRU, is able to showcase local destinations through the sponsorship of Austin Community College and other local businesses. Many of the show's crew members are also ACC staff or students.

"I love taking interns from the [Radio TV Film (RTF)] department to show them they shouldn't be intimidated by the TV industry," Garner said. "It's all about trying your best. It's about doing the best that you can no matter what your resources are and telling a good story."

Also contributing to "The Daytripper's" Emmy Award winning stories, were former

producer Nathan Locklear and current producer Richie Lozano, who both hail from ACC's RTF department. Locklear teaches editing and is an equipment manager, and Lozano is a teaching assistant.

"I was very pleased because weputinalotofhardwork and effort," Locklear said. "It was an honor and it also reflected well on the college and the [RTF] department."

Lozano, who has been with the show since its inception, enjoys the opportunity to travel and explore his home state.

"I like road trips, I like food, and then I get to do the other thing I like which is make videos and TV," Lozano said. "So put it all together and the Emmy thing is just pure bonus and enriches all of it."

Like most of the crew, Lozano is a lifelong Texan and stands behind the work done by "The Daytripper" to raise awareness of local travel destinations.

"The reason to watch the show is to find something that you really didn't know existed," Lozano said. "Some of the most exciting people and great food are right under your nose and we can show that to you."

In addition to showcasing local communities, the program gives back through its "Cans For Q" event held at Rudy's Country Store and Bar- B-Q, which is also one of the show's sponsors.

The event provides an opportunity for fans to meet the crew and eat free barbecue in exchange for can food donations to the Central Texas Food Bank.

"I know the Capital of Texas Food Bank feels a lot of stress this time of year so if I have a platform to help out I'll absolutely do that," Garner said.

"The Daytripper" airs Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. on KLRU. For more information visit thedaytripper.com.