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Fools Fest 2008
April 5th and 6th
Spokane Polo Fields
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About Fools
Fest
Early each April for the past 16 years, rugby players from all over the United States and Canada congregate in Spokane like animals around a savanna watering hole to enjoy a camaraderie born in beating the holy tar out of each other. It is a thing called “Fools’ Fest,” named not only for the holiday it falls near but also how the non-rugby playing world must regard the men and women who grin as they limp their bruised bodies around town.
Technically, it is a two-day social tournament. To the participants, it is an opportunity to work out off-season cobwebs against teams they don’t have to face in league play in multiple shortened games. We also suspect that some show up for the extra-curricular activities, but they claim to be there just to play.
To the community, it represents an opportunity to invest in one of our nation’s fastest growing team sports. The Fools’ Fest International Rugby Tournament routinely brings in 15-25 teams with a minimum of 15 players plus the odd assortment of unattached players who look to pick up games. Additionally, family, friends and spectators swell the attendance to an average of 600 to 800 people for the weekend. Because many come from considerable distances, they need places to sleep and eat. Many of the supporters who come to cheer on spouses, friends or family look for other diversions when their chosen player isn’t on the field.
