Curtis Earth will bring Trivia Night back to General Sutter Inn

Jan., 2001 article from the Lititz Record Express
by Richard Reitz, Record Express Editor

Lititz -- True or False: Curtis Earth is bringing his trivia show back to the General Sutter Inn.

For fans of the Lititz quizmaster's popular team-oriented game, the answer is an enthusiastic "true."

"We had a really successful summer here," Curtis said during an interview last week, while lounging comfortably in the Victorian surroundings of the downtown hotel's lobby, with the esteemed general's portrait looming above.

When he was unable to commit to an evening that would extend the outdoor patio show into the fall, Curtis was hopeful that he and hotel owner Ed Brophy would be able to work out a deal that he could return next summer.

But when his show in Elizabethtown ended, he was able to find a way to bring the show back to Lititz even sooner. The Curtis Earth Trivia Show returns for a regular engagement on Wednesday evenings on Jan. 10.

"The summer on the patio made Tuesday night a very successful night for us, at a time when business is usually slower," Brophy said. "Wednesday night is a good night for us... and we thought this would be a fun thing to do -- something a little bit different for Lititz."
Indeed, there are a few things that will be different for Curtis at this venue. For one thing, it will begin an hour earlier than his shows at other Lancaster County eateries and gathering places, with a start time of 7 P.M. This will also be his first non-smoking venue.

"This will be designed as a family-oriented event," Curtis said.
Brophy said the show will be held in the 60-seat coffee shop, which is typically unused at that time of the evening. "It is conducive to that type of use," he said. "This is a really nice show for people of all ages."
Curtis has developed quite a following at his trivia shows over the past eight years. Several regular teams with clever and creative names can be found at one or more of his shows every week. Teams can range in size from 1-99 players.

The game is divided into three rounds: In each round, Curtis asks 10 questions from a multitude of subjects, and they get progressively more difficult...though the point value increases with each round.
There is no charge for playing, and the top three teams each week will win gift certificates to the General Sutter Inn. No reservations will be taken, so considering the popularity of the game, early arrival is suggested.

Earth said that the menu for Trivia Night will include a variety of trivia-themed items, such as Einstein's Nachos, plus a few "unusual" items.
"The atmosphere for the evening will be funny and silly," he said.
That aspect of the show is embodied in his "Wacky Raffle," which has included prizes like a Beatles wig, and a Minneapolis phone book.
"These are gifts that you probably don't own at home," Curtis said. "But you will if you win one."

He also has a website, designed and maintained by Mike Horn, which is updated daily to include the winning teams from recent shows. It also features information about Trivia Night, and can be accessed at www.curtisearthtrivia.com.

Both Curtis and Ed are hoping that the show's success continues into another summer patio gig. They also hope that some new Lititz teams are formed to challenge some of the regular stalwarts.

"Every show is special," Curtis said. "You don't know what you are going to get."

Article © 2001 Lititz Record Express