Marty Pearl

Special to The CJ

When the Coen brothers released their classic comedy "The Big Lebowski" in 1998, it was met with critical acclaim and quickly built a cult following.

When Will Russell co-founded Lebowski Fest in 2002, he admittedly did it "as a joke," but like the movie that inspired the festival it too quickly built a cult following.

Now in its 15th year, Lebowski Fest opened on Friday night at Executive Strike with a traditional lawn screening of "The Big Lebowski" along with live music by Black Bear Combo for a crowd numbered in the hundreds.

Russell said the first year saw a crowd of roughly 150 people, but by the second year the crowd had ballooned to around 1,200 thanks in part to a plug by Spin Magazine naming the festival as a must-see summer event. The festival's popularity grew into a traveling version and is now also held annually in cities such as Los Angeles.

"Louisville is the home of Lebowski Fest and this is really the big pilgrimage fest," Russell said. "At the other traveling fests, it's mostly locals, but this one, people travel from all over the country to be here."

Lebowski Fest gains deeper meaning for Russell

Russell's opening statements on Friday included a heart-felt thanks to the dedicated fans (called "Achievers") for the support he received during a year that included personal and professional missteps that at times placed the festival at risk. Donning his bowling pin costume, dancing with the band and posing for photos with fans, Russell's upbeat return as the heart and soul of the event was a happy underscore to the milestone of turning 15.

Lebowski Fest continued on Saturday featuring a costume contest, trivia, unlimited bowling and an appearance by Big Lebowski actor James Hoosier.