RESERVE — Years ago in Reserve, Edgar and Janet Barre Vicknair’s five daughters would pull out the sofa sleeper in the living room and turn the TV to Family Feud, all the while talking about how their family would one day be featured on the show.

Edgar Vicknair passed away 30 years ago, but his family name was represented this week as three of his daughters and two of his granddaughters stepped into the spotlight on the beloved television game show and came out (at least) $20,785 richer.

The family will appear again for a chance at more prize money at 6 p.m. Monday on WUPL. Though filming was in April, the Vicknairs must remain tight-lipped on the results until after the episode airs.

Vicknair sisters Angela Melancon Solomon (oldest), Cindy DeLacerda (middle) and Karen Richoux (youngest) had the time of their lives on the show, competing along with Angela’s daughters Anne Stubbs and Abby Link.

“Growing up, we would watch game shows and Saints games every Sunday,” Karen said. “We also played cards as a family. We were always into games. It was part of us growing up. It got kind of emotional for me seeing the Vicknair name behind me because it brought back memories of my dad.”

Karen said it was a no-brainer to include her nieces Anne and Abby on their five-person team because they were raised with the same love for Family Feud.

Anne told host Steve Harvey that she is the Louisiana Catfish Festival Queen XXII and Louisiana Yambilee Festival Queen LIII. Abby added that she is the 2004 Miss St. Charles Parish Festival Queen, which Harvey jokingly related to St. Charles Place in Monopoly.

Getting on the show started with a simple online application, according to Karen. She attached photos of her large family, and she received an email with an audition date and time. The group traveled from the River Parishes to Atmore, Alabama.

After the first round, the Vicknair family received a post card stating they were in the pool for a potential second audition in Los Angeles.

“When I received the phone call to come out to LA for another audition we were ecstatic,” Karen said. “The audition day was a long one, but well worth it with us getting on the show and winning the game plus the $20,785.”

Karen said filming was an intense experience.

“As much as you want the show to be entertaining, you also want to win,” Karen said. “The adrenaline is pumping so on commercial breaks they bring you a little cup of water to help wet your whistle and the producers come and give you a pep talk to try and calm the nerves.”

When the first episode aired on Wednesday night, the entire family had butterflies in their stomachs. Filming was back in April, and they forgot many of the humorous answers they gave on the spot. Part of the fun was seeing how the hour-and-a-half filming was edited into a 30-minute broadcast.

The hardest part was having to keep quiet for six months and having to answer every question about the show with a coy, “Sorry, you have to watch to find out.”
“We have family members and friends that are just as, or more, excited about us being on the show. It’s like they have a part in it,” Karen said.

There wasn’t one negative aspect of the experience, according to Karen. She said the producers, cast and crew were terrific and made them feel like family. Although their time with Steve Harvey was limited to the taping, he was very personable and helped them have a blast.

The Vicknair family encourages others to apply for an audition to the local Family Feud tryouts being held in New Orleans on Nov. 23-24. Tune in to WUPL at 6 p.m. Monday to see the outcome of their dream come true.