Fergus twins promote state

By Trisha Marczak (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Video

Video put out by MN Historical Society featuring FF natives Bill and Andy Eerdmans. Watch »

Andy and Billy Eerdmans didn’t set out to be television stars — it just happened that way. The 14-year-old Fergus Falls twins attended a competition last April in Minneapolis for Minnesota State History Day. After taking second place for their history project on the Battle of Trifulgar, and qualifying for the national championship in Washington D.C., the two were thrilled enough. Then the big news came — out of 51 students who had attended the event, they were chosen to star in a webisode and television commercial for the Minnesota Historical Society, a partner of Explore Minnesota.

“We were ecstatic! I had no idea that there was going to be any webisode at all. It was a crazy, awesome moment when we found out,” said Andy.

His brother, Billy, was just as shocked.

“I was surprised. Also, I was like, that sounds fun. I didn’t know my agenda, but we ended up having a great time.”

Three months later, they packed their bags, once again, and headed to Minneapolis for filming. They were on set for three days in various locations surrounding the Twin Cities area. Their trip to the North West Company Fur Post in Pine City was the most exciting for the twins.

“It was just an amazing experience because the actors were actually there, re—enacting,” said Andy.

Photo by Photo Provided

Billy and Andy Eerdmans Click here to view the twins' video.

The webisode is loosely based on, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventures, a movie which features two high school kids’ journeys back in time. Andy is even referred to as “Ted” on the screen. The webisode features Andy and Billy’s time travels to various historical hot—spots throughout Minnesota. Although they had a script to follow, Billy and Andy had the freedom to add their own personal flare and personality to the performance, which worked out well for the dynamic duo.

The webisode was launched on August 22. Rather than making a big fuss about the event, the boys humbly celebrated with their family in front of their computer screen.

“It was buffering quite a bit, but it was fun. It was worth it,” said Andy.

The television commercial has been on air since December, but the twins have yet to spot themselves on the screen.

“We’ve been taping different shows to try and find the commercial and we haven’t even seen it,” said Billy.

Although they are the only kids in their class who can be seen between solo acts on American Idol, they’re managing to keep their feet on the ground.

“I feel more like a regular kid than before. It was fun,” said Billy.

Right now, the commercial is airing throughout the state. Eventually, it will broadcast in neighboring states and even parts of Canada.

Billy and Andy are heading down to Minneapolis at the end of April for this year’s State History Day competition. This time, the boys are taking part in a junior group exhibit. They don’t expect to be asked to star in any major productions while they’re down there, but Andy said they’re not ruling it out.

“That would be another crazy experience. Not planning on it...unless it pops up.”