Thousands gather for Lebowski Fest at Cathedral Park Square
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Annie Scholz reports Video by tmj4.com
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MILWAUKEE- There's a festival of a different kind bringing in big crowds. And it's all thanks to a cult-classic movie.
The Coen Brothers hit "The Big Lebowski" is why thousands of people have descended on Cathedral Square Park.
The film has a huge following, and for the first time, the celebration of it has come here to Milwaukee.
Lebowski Fest celebrates the 1998 cult classic and everything it's followers, aka "achievers."
"The more you watch it, the funnier it gets," said Chris Pfister.
The festival includes music, and folks dressed up like their favorites from the film -- like "The Dude" himself.
"I am 'The Dude,' I am 'The Dude' today," said Mark Hammes.
And his bowling buddy Walter.
"It's just a good time to get together and follow the plight of the dude, and figure things out," said Todd Jensen, dressed as the character "Walter."
And with plenty of "The Dude'"s favorite drink on hand -- a white Russian.
"A white Russian is Kahlua, vodka, and cream," described bartender Kyle Bergsbaken.
The only thing left is to recite your favorite quotes and cozy up in front of the big screen.
"It's long overdue," said Hammes. "This is made for Milwaukee, this festival."
Mayor Barrett was at the event Friday night in his bowling shirt, and proclaimed this weekend "Lebowski Fest weekend."
There's also a bowling party on Saturday, "The Dude's" favorite past time -- but it's been sold out for months.
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