Six Flags offers line-skipping pass to roach-eaters

**Pedro56** · 09-21-06, 09:23 AM

By Leah Hope

September 20, 2006 - Some people will do anything for money. But what would you do for a free pass on a roller coaster ride? If you're willing to eat a giant creepy, crawling cockroach, Six Flags Great America has a deal for you.

The park is getting ready for their annual pre-Halloween Fright Fest. And they have this new attraction they hope will bring more visitors, but the new attraction has also gotten the attention of the local health department.

The rides at Six Flags Great America attract thrill seekers. Soon there will be another park attraction. Madagascar roaches. They are about 3 inches long and look a bit different than the cockroaches we are used to seeing in the United States. But starting October 13, visitors can skip to the front of the line if they eat a live roach.
"What we're asking is that volunteers who want to eat a live Madagascar hissing cockroach will be able to go to the front of the line of their choice," said Jim Taylor, Six Flags Great America.

The park spokesman says this attraction went over so well at one park for Fright Fest last year, this fall, 12 parks will be taking part in the eat your way to the front of the line promotion.

"Our roaches are bred in a sterile environment. These are not considered pests. They are the Madagascar variety, as I mentioned. They are safe to eat," said Taylor.

But Lake County health officials warn that eating roaches may be dangerous to your health.

"The health department is not in the position to sanction this activity because someone thinks they have a good way to maintain the hygiene of the environment where these things are raised," said Bill Mays, Lake County Health Department.

Mays is the community health director in Lake County. He says roaches may carry germs or allergens that could cause fatal complications.

"The potential is there. So, you know, in our opinion -- it should be discouraged, we think, as a practice, and why take the chance?" Mays said.

The park spokesperson equates eating these roaches to eating shrimp or oysters. Health officials counter by saying the federal government regulates shrimp and oysters, and as of yet, there is no federal regulation on eating roaches. So, health officials warn that if you are interested in taking part in this activity that you go in knowing there are risks.

**Buttercup** · 09-21-06, 09:33 AM

One word: ewww.

**ghost98** · 09-21-06, 09:41 AM

I ate frogs legs once...oh and some snails....and a carrot ..

**slamdunc** · 09-21-06, 10:05 AM

Leave it to the Health Department to screw it up for everyone.

**TheOldRhino** · 09-21-06, 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by ghost98

I ate frogs legs once...oh and some snails....and a carrot ..

Ewwww... you ate a carrot?

**conalabu** · 09-21-06, 12:44 PM

I ate one of those bad boys already. The aren't too bad, really, but the freakining shell is like chewing on a piece of unpopped corn kernal. You just can't bite through it. The legs have little prickly things you kind of have to be careful of, too.