For devoted Lebowski fans (commonly known as Achievers) the movie is not just an eclectic Coen brothers comedy, it is a way of life. Full of witty, highly quotable dialogue the film has very quickly taken a life of its own. Although the film was a sleeper when it was first released in 1998 it quickly blossomed into the cult movie it is today.

The story of Lebowski Fest started in 2002 during a rather dull tattoo expo in Louisville, KY. The “founding dudes”, as they are now known, were so bored by the lack of activity that they took to quoting The Big Lebowski for amusement. No matter how many times a line was said, it was undeniably funny. As the other vendors joined in they very quickly realized they had tapped into a pop culture phenomenon.

The “founding dudes” discovered that Lebowski fans were everywhere and took the movie very seriously. Thus, the First Annual Lebowski Fest was born. Crowds poured in from all over the country to celebrate the movie and bask in its eclectic goodness. Sensing the universal potential of the venture they decided to continue the festival touring America each year.

The only way to fully appreciate Lebowski Fest was to embrace the philosophy of The Dude. This meant not shaving for over a week, living in my pajamas and drinking only White Russians. It was a rough job but someone had to do it.

	Lebowski Fest Entertainment Art Portage Theater & Diversey Bowl Chicago, IL September 13-15, 2009

That is how I found myself at the Diversey Bowl sipping on a beverage watching the Achievers do what they do best: bowl. Lane after lane was filled with Walters, Dudes, Maudes and Jesus’ quoting the film as if it were the bible.

Not all were there simply for fun. Many had taken the ethos of The Big Lebowski and turned it into a lifestyle. This became apparent as cries of joy greeted many of the attendees walking into the bowling alley. This was clearly not their first fest; in fact most had been with it since the beginning.

Of course for every casual fan there is also those that take the event far too seriously. There are a variety of Achievers present at the festival and everyone comes for different reasons. A group of middle-aged women across from me at the bar were obviously all about movie trivia. Here is just a snippet of the conversation I overheard:

Woman 1:

Are you sure you’re ready for tonight?

Woman 2:

Of course I’m ready, what do you got?

Woman 1:

Here’s an easy one. In Donny’s final living scene, how much money does he have on him?

Woman 2:

Eighteen dollars, make them tougher.

Woman 1:

What kind of beer is The Dude drinking when he gets into an accident?

Woman 2:

You want to know the name of the beer?

Woman 1:

Spell the name of the beer.

They continued on like that for the next hour or so completely oblivious to the surreal chaos going on around them. Although the festival went on both Monday and Tuesday the hardcore Achievers were out in full force more so on the first day. By the second day the mood was much more mellow as fans young and old said their goodbyes and promised to see each other next year.

The sense of camaraderie among the Achievers is extremely touching. I have a soft spot for sub-cultures, from comic conventions to midnight previews of Star Wars I have seen a lot of fanatics in my day. But none have brought me the sense of joy that I received from being around Lebowski Achievers. Where else can bowling and drinking be seen as not only an accepted practice but also a rite of passage? These are the Little Lebowski Urban Achievers and proud we are of all them.

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