The Fremont neighborhood has done it again, first Zombies attack the neighborhood for a world record, now their teaming up with the gang at Lebowski Fest and the “Dude” himself is heading north for the return of Lebowski Fest in Seattle for their movie party.

The Fremont Chamber  is helping honor a fellow Achiever, with the “Keys to the Universe” before the Movie Screening at 5pm at the Fremont Troll. So why the keys to the Universe, you ask? Well this small artistic neighborhood has always touted itself as the “Center of the Universe” over the years, so it seemed fitting that we finally award the keys to a former Seattlite.

Jeff Dowd, aka the real life Jeff Lebowski, which the film is based loosely on is also a former Seattlite, part of the Seattle Seven, but his biggest claim ot fame is a cult movie icon among many movie fans for being the real life inspiration of the The Big Lebowski and we are honored that he will be joining us in Seattle for the return of Lebowski Fest.

The ceremony will take place prior to the show at 5pm at the Fremont Troll just below the Aurora bridge before the show kicks off. The keys will be presented by Jon Hegeman the Fremont Outdoor Cinema’s founder and Fremont’s Urban Mythologist,  with Marko Tubic the President of the Fremont  Chamber, along with Clover the Troll from the Fremont Arts Council officiating.

This will be the first time  the keys ever have been awarded. It marks the beginning of a new tradition in recognition of  Jeff Dowd’s outstanding example in the creation of a sustainable and compelling urban mythology and enduring character that’s epitomizes Fremont’s larger than life spirit and it’s motto: “Delibertus Quirkus: Freedom to be Peculiar.”

“People who are living large and making things happen, and capturing the imagination and whimsey of the world, need to be recognized and celebrated” says Hegeman.  Quoting someone famous,  ”If you’re not having fun you’re not playing the game right.” Seattle’ s Fremont, the Outdoor Cinema, the Arts Council and all Fremont’s quirky world famous icons from the Troll under the Aurora bridge to Lenin statues are all about Fun. That’s why Jeff’ big Lebwoski character is a perfect recipient to commence this tradition. He belongs here. The public is invited to attend at 5 at the foot of the troll the Troll under the Aurora bridge.

Jeff Dowd will be attending the Movie party after the ceremony at the Outdoor Cinema which begins at 6 pm with live music from Har Mar SuperStar, and features refeshments ( over 21). Movie will be hosted at Fremont Studios, the adjoining building where the screen is painted on, movie starts at 9pm.

Lebowski Fest is an annual festival begun in 2002 in Louisville, Kentucky celebrating Joel and Ethan Coen’s 1998 cult film The Big Lebowski, whose fans’ line memorization and creative attire rival those of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The Festival’s main event each year is a night of unlimited bowling with various contests including Costume, Trivia, Hardest and Farthest Travelled contests. Held over a weekend, events typically include a pre-fest party with bands the night before the bowling event as well as a “garden party” event (a day long outdoor party with bands, vendor booths, games) at the Louisville fest. Various celebrities from the film have attended some of the events, including Jeff Bridges, who attended the Los Angeles event. An account of the first ever Lebowski fest is included in Mike Walsh’s novel Bowling Across America.For more information and tickets for their Official Movie Party on Monday, July 20th or Bowling Party on Tuesday, July 21st, go to their official website www.lebowskifest.com