Members of the Kesler family pose with Family Feud host Steve Harvey. COURTESY PHOTO.
By Kendra Evensen
kevensen@journalnet.com
BLACKFOOT — It appears that the first Idaho family to ever participate on the Family Feud TV game show came from Blackfoot.
Five members of the Kesler family, which owns Kesler’s market in town, recently travelled to Atlanta, Ga., after their audition tape earned them a spot on the show: adult siblings Cameron, Landon and Brett Kesler, Katie Ulrich and Kelsi Fullmer.
“They said they’ve never had a family from Idaho on the show — ever. We were the first one,” Cameron said. “We got to show who we are and where we come from.”
Although they taped the show several months ago, it didn’t air until Monday, and the whole family — including mom, Marva Lu, dad, Kelly, and two additional siblings — gathered in Blackfoot to watch the show together.
They didn’t win; they lost to the Ianitello family from Georgia. But Cameron said they had a blast playing the game.
They dominated the board in all four rounds they played, working together to name the most popular answers to survey questions about the birds people look most like when they’re dancing, sexy things that some men do, things that people like to lie on when they’re nude and occupational hazards for mailmen. And some of their comments drew good-natured jests about Blackfoot and their family from host Steve Harvey.
“He was great. He’s a funny, charismatic guy,” Cameron said.
The siblings guessed enough of the right answers to win two rounds and earn 110 points, but they ultimately lost to the Ianitello family.
“I think we were a little disappointed. We controlled the board the whole game,” Cameron said.
Still, he said they had a great time playing and they felt right at home on TV.
“We have done family videos every summer,” Cameron said, adding that they are used to doing crazy things on film.
“We do so many funny things at this house.”
Marva Lu said numerous people called their grocery store this week to find out what time the show would air.
“The community has been really excited about it,” she said. “Everywhere we go people ask what time the show will be on.”
Although her children lost the game, Marva Lu said she is still proud of their effort.
“I just thought it was amazing they even went for it,” she said. “I’m really proud of them. There is a lot of personality and talent between all of them.”