In the on-again, off-again reality TV show “Fear Factor,” contestants are challenged to face and overcome disgusting and fearful stunts.
Rats, leeches and sheep eyes all made appearances over the years. The show breathed new life into the idea that people will do anything for money. Saturday, April 13, a Fear Factor-style event in Lewiston will raise money for charity, specifically a Tenant Relief Fund to assist people who cannot pay their rent due to circumstances beyond their control.
The inaugural event is being planned by the Valley Rental Association. It features 11 pre-selected local contestants who have no idea what fears they will face Saturday night, said organizer Crystal Hudson, owner of Pro Property Management in Lewiston.
The only hint as to what awaits them are photos on the event flyer which includes snakes, worms, a grasshopper entering a mouth and a tarantula. Other details are secret. Volunteers helping plan the fundraiser had to sign a nondisclosure agreement, Hudson said.
More than 350 tickets were sold as of Tuesday, she said. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. at Lewiston High School, and the show will start at 6. Donated silent auction items will be available for bidding before the show and during a 20-minute intermission. Snacks will be available for purchase. Tickets are available at the door or in advance by calling the Valley Rental Association at (208) 717-8880. Hudson advises people to buy tickets in advance to avoid standing in line.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Fear Factor Style Event
WHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday, April 13, doors open at 5:30
WHERE: Lewiston High School, 1114 Ninth Ave., Lewiston
COST: $25, at the door or in advance through Friday by calling (208) 717-8880. Tickets are $15 for children age 12 and under and free for children under age five.
Name Your Fear
Many people suffer from arachnophobia (fear of spiders) or musophobia (fear of mice), but if those don’t strike a note of irrational terror in your heart, there’s likely a fancy name for whatever does. For instance, doesn’t everyone have a case of thanatophobia (fear of dying)?
The word phobia comes from the Greek word phobos, which means fear or horror. Phobias range from dislike to extreme terror and are often irrational or groundless. Here are a few common and lesser known phobias.
Ailurophobia – Fear of cats
Astraphobia – Fear of thunder and lightning
Coulrophobia – Fear of clowns
Gerontophobia – Fear of growing old and the elderly
Globophobia – Fear of balloons
Heliophobia – Fear of the sun or sunlight
Homophobia – Fear of homosexuality
Ophidiophobia – Fear of snakes
Pedophobia – Fear of babies or children
Triskaidekaphobia – Fear of the number 13
Xanthophobia – Fear of the color yellow
Xenophobia – Fear or dislike of foreigners
