TIPTON, Iowa?Mark it, Dude ... "The Big Lebowski" is coming to Tipton.
The Hardacre Theater Preservation Association will present the first-ever Hardacre "Big Lebowski" Festival on Saturday, Aug. 8. The event will include a screening of the comic cult classic film at 6:30 p.m. at the Tipton High School auditorium. Cedar Lanes in Tipton will host the after-party, which will include bowling, costume contests and live music from the Tipton-based rock band Home Brew Heroes.
Tickets are $20 per person, which includes admission to the film, the after-party and a free drink at the party (White Russians and "oat sodas" included). All proceeds from the event?one of several fundraisers planned this summer?will benefit the Hardacre Theater Preservation Association.
"Hardacre fundraising events double as a look into the kinds of events we want to bring to Tipton on a regular basis when the Hardacre Theater is fully renovated," said Greg Brown, HTPA president. "We think the Hardacre 'Big Lebowski' Festival will not only be fun for Tipton residents but will attract movie lovers from all over the region, just like the renovated Hardacre will attract them to Tipton."
Since its theatrical release in 1998, "The Big Lebowski" has picked up a huge and growing cult of fans who love its wacked-out characters and slacker point of view. The film revolves around Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski (unforgettably played by Jeff Bridges), a bowling-obsessed layabout who gets involved with a possible kidnapping case. The film was directed by Academy Award winners Ethan and Joel Coen. The film is rated R and contains adult themes.
"I've always wanted to bring a 'Lebowski' event to Tipton, especially since we have a big screen and a terrific bowling alley," said Will Valet, HTPA vice president. "The best way to see it is in a group, whether you're new to the film or you have it memorized. It's the kind of movie you can watch over and over."
In addition the screening, bowling and live music, other contest events are being planned for the festival.
For more information about the event and the "Save the Hardacre" campaign, go to thehardacre.org.
