Program: Where’s Floppy? Celebrating an Iowa Television Icon

For thirty years, Central Iowa children delighted at the exploits of Floppy, a dog puppet brought to life on television and in personal appearances by the multi-talented Duane Ellett.

“Where’s Floppy? Celebrating an Iowa Television Icon” is the title of a presentation by Iowa broadcaster and historian Jeff Stein to be held Sunday, July 26 at the Blakesburg Christian Church. The event begins at 1:30 p.m. and is sponsored by the Blakesburg Historical Preservation Society. It is free and open to the public.

In the early days of television, local stations offered afternoon programs for children, usually featuring cartoons. But none had the lasting audience connection Duane & Floppy did through their various programs on WHO-TV13 and yearly stage shows at the Iowa State Fair.

Children in the audience would call out “Where’s Floppy?”—and ventriloquist Ellett would bring his alter ego to life. “For three decades, ‘The Floppy Show’ was must-watch television, and wearing a Floppy t-shirt was the height of fashion for all ages,” Stein said.

The presentation will feature video segments from the television shows, as well as vintage interviews with Ellett telling the story of Iowa’s favorite dog. Stein is the author of a book, “The Floppy Show,” and producer of four DVDs containing highlights from the television program. The book and DVDs will be available for purchase following the presentation.

Light refreshments will be served after the program.