At Cosmic Caverns, hundreds of “Survivor” super fans braved hours in line for a shot at finding a Hidden Immunity Idol in honor of the show’s 50th season.
BERRYVILLE, Ark. — Hundreds of fans gathered at Cosmic Caverns Monday to take part in Arkansas’ official Survivor 50 Challenge idol hunt.
Fans from across Arkansas, as well as neighboring states waited in line for hours for a chance to see the Hidden Immunity Idol and compete for a spot at the live finale of Survivor’s upcoming 50th season. The show’s producers have hidden the immunity idols in each state across the country.
Participants said the opportunity to take part in a real-life version of the long-running reality competition was something they couldn’t pass up.
“I don’t think you can call yourself a super fan and not be out here,” Lindsay Duede, from Shreveport, Louisiana said.
“It’s a big landmark, 50th season, and when’s the next time you’re going to be able to find a hidden immunity idol,” said Jackson Lease from Bentonville, Arkansas.
Many showed off their fandom through themed outfits, hairstyles and personality-inspired looks based on former contestants.
“It’s the mental game it’s the study of the mind, it’s the social — and Jeff of course,” said Luke Church from Oklahoma.
Northwest Arkansas resident and former Survivor 42 contestant Tori Stanley also attended the event and said she was excited to see so many people experience what it’s like to take part in the adventure firsthand.
“There’s been about 900 people who’ve been on Survivor and there’s millions and millions of fans,” Stanley said. “People can love the show — even if they don’t dream to be on it, but we all love the sense of adventure — and being able to partake in a hidden immunity idol, I think was very smart for Survivor to do, and made it really fun for a lot of fans.”
For the owners of Cosmic Caverns, hosting the idol hunt was an unforgettable experience.
“They approached us they said you can’t tell anybody where it’s going to be! It has to be secretive!,” described Randy Longhover, adding, “you could’ve pushed me over with a feather — I couldn’t have realized that many people would show up.”
Fans from several generations listed several former cast members as their favorites, from Boston Ron to Courtney Yates. Season 50 of Survivor premieres Feb. 25 on CBS.
