Homebuilder's 'Fear Factor' oozes with potential

The Mat-Su Homebuilders Association February General Membership Meeting ended with a different flair than past meetings: five participants took part in the association's own version of "Fear Factor," complete with gagging difficulty one would expect from the TV version.

"Sometimes business meetings can be a little formal. After the business was over we wanted to have a little fun," said Emma Markley, the office and marketing manager for the association.

Members choked down jalapenos and mineral oil, stood on one foot holding a spooned egg in their mouth, and fished white asparagus out of mayonnaise using only their mouths. Clint Wizenberg of Arctic Builders Source won this month's contest, and Markley said the fun was such a success that it will become a monthly part of the meetings. In the future the association will raise money for local charities through the event.

"It was a lot of fun, everybody had a good time," Markley said.

The Feb. 19 meeting did include a good amount of business as well, the association is preparing for the 2004 Homeshow and Showcase of Homes, slated for April 3 and 4. The Homeshow will be located at Raven Hall in the Palmer State Fairgrounds, and tours of the Showcase of Homes will be available. Markley said she is excited about this year's event; last year more than 3,000 people showed up for the festivities.

"It's going to be a great homeshow. We've got a packed show, great food vendors, great seminars," Markley said.

The public is invited to the Homebuilders' meetings, so anyone who'd like to participate in or watch next month's Mat-Su Homebuilders Fear Factor may do so, Markley said. The next meeting is scheduled for March 18 at 6 p.m. at Settlers Bay Lodge. Along with the sometimes-nauseating activities, the meeting will feature an informative talk on the ability of the state homebuilders associations to provide general liability insurance for builders, an issue that has been of great concern in the building world in the past year. Those who are interested in attending must RSVP at 376-2666.