Staff Writer

Town of Schoharie residents are mystified as to why David Letterman has chosen the town to fill the audience at an upcoming taping of "The Late Show."

"I think it's very interesting that we have been chosen," said Dan Weideman, town superintendent of highways. "But I also have no idea why we have been chosen."

Letterman has invited about 475 people who live in the small rural town — about 35 miles east of Oneonta — to a taping of his show. Residents of the town of 3,300 say they don't know why they've been chosen, but they're excited anyway.

"Everybody was just tickled," said June Keyser, the town's clerk. "A lot of people are planning to make the bus trip."

The show advertised in the weekly Cobleskill Times Journal newspaper, saying in the ad, 'If you live or work in Schoharie, N.Y., you're eligible to receive a free trip to and from New York City ... This show will feature people and locations that are near and dear to all Schoharians. And best of all, the entire audience will be made up of Schoharie residents."

Schoharie residents will attend the taping Monday, Nov. 18, at 5:30 p.m., said Kimberly Izzo-Emmet, the show's publicist. The show will air that night. Izzo-Emmet said she was not sure why Schoharie was selected.

Camera crews have already been filming in the town for the show that will air at 11:30 p.m. on CBS.

Earlier this month, members of Fort Drum's 10th Mountain Division, also in upstate New York, were guests on The Late Show. They recited the Top Ten fun things the Army yells while rappelling, which included "rope burns are cool" and "I love cookies!"

Weideman said his father has already signed up for tickets for the Schoharie show, and he might do the same.

"I have to talk it over with my wife first, but I'd like to go," he said.

Meanwhile, Gayle Borst, wife of Schoharie Mayor John Borst, told the Daily Gazette of Schenectady she was apprehensive about the show at first.

"At first I was kind of skeptical, but I think that it has been and it will be done in good taste," Borst said. "I also think that it shows Schoharie people can go out there and have fun."

Wayne Schell, who owns a hardware store on Main Street, said he already has his ticket.

"I think it's pretty cool, to tell you the truth," Schell said.

Meanwhile, Schoharie resident Diana Bell said although she doesn't plan to attend the taping, she has heard talk about it.

"I've heard rumors about it," she said. "I have no idea why they chose us."

Weideman said he thinks the show could help change the image people have of Schoharie.

"They make fun of us because we're rural — we're all people with only one tooth, you know?" he said. "I think it's a good thing. It's good for the town."

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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Carolyn Norton can be reached at cnorton@thedailystar.com or (607) 441-7218.