For Fun and Friendship - Hoopfest 2017

The first year they played they were in the fourth grade, they were smart, energetic girls who enjoyed sports, one of them is my daughter.  That summer and for the next few years, We took those young ladies to many 3on3 tournaments, Hoopfest was always the favorite.

Spokane Hoopfest is the largest 3on3 outdoor basketball tournament on Earth. That means over 6,000 teams, 3,000 volunteers, 225,000 fans and 450 courts spanning 45 city blocks! Beyond basketball, it is an outdoor festival with shopping, food and interactive entertainment.Thanks to everyone who registered for Hoopfest 2017! We’re excited to host another great tournament weekend in Basketball City, USA. Keep checking back for more information on exciting events. 

                                                                   

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We have been attending Hoopfest in one form or another since the early 90s.  It started with my husband who also played for years.  Through-out the years those girls have moved from 4th grade through high-school, college, marriage, children and jobs.  They are 30ish now and most years, they pause for a weekend to reunite at Hoopfest and this year we reunited again.  The girls don't take it as seriously any more, the wins and losses just aren't that important.  (final tally, they won 1 and lost 2) They now drag along, husbands and kids, us parents show up, we laugh about the previous years and catch up with each other on where life has taken us.  

The sights and sounds can be over-whelming for those who do not enjoy hearing dribbling balls, whistles, excited communication, smells of vendor food and music pumping on each street.  For us it feels like a familiar place, one doesn't want to live there, but it is nice to visit. 

At one time it was a sporting event a chance to work on their skills, and for many it still is, this year for us it was for fun and enduring friendship.