Would you enjoy giving away fabulous prizes? How about being hugged and kissed by out-of-control contestants? Do you feel the need to send people away with parting gifts? If your answer to these questions is yes, now is your chance to put your game show knowledge to use. New York area residents are invited to take their best shot at becoming a game show host in Game Show Network's Coast-to-Coast Search for a Host open auditions.

Last year, during the 1997 Coast-to-Coast Search for Host more than 800 people competed. Detroit resident Mattie Majors was selected and went on to host Game Show Network's popular interactive show, Trivia Track, and won a valuable prize package.

The search is back in 1998 and Game Show Network is hoping to discover a new potential host. This national contest offers participants the chance to win a $13,000 prize package, plus a game show hosting stint on Game Show Network. Open to anyone over the age of 18, this year's competition takes place Friday, July 31, when open auditions will be held at the Sunrise Mall (1 Sunrise Mall, Massapaqua) from 2 to 7 p.m. Auditions will be held at the Water Garden in the Sears Wing of the mall. For more information about the contest, please call the toll-free number, 877-GSN-HOST.