The XI Fest Interviews

[WldPenguin]

We're going to be interviewing various XI Fest attendees to get their perspective of XI Fest.  It is our hope that more of you will consider joining us this year after hearing about their experiences 

Let's start off with asking a few questions of XI's founder, Rugger:

So, Rugger, how did the idea for XI Fest come about? After 6 years of the clan running, we thought it was time to have a meet up and see how it went. It was a huge success and we've been doing it ever since (except Covid years)

How many Fests have there been? 11, this year will be #12

What has been the biggest turnout?  57 Nashville, 53 Niagara Falls - a close 2nd

Does everyone stay the entire time?  Some come for a day and just visit and leave, others stay the whole time. 

What sparked the switch from getting a block of hotel rooms to renting a house?  Once the Fests started getting bigger, we couldn't hang in hotel rooms anymore without security coming up all the time. That's when we knew it was time to switch and look for larger houses and man it was the best thing we did. These houses we get are massive! 

Who's traveled the furthest to attend?  Bosun (AU), Olive (FR), Duc (UK)

Have you ever missed a Fest? I missed one in Canada

What's your favorite or funniest Fest memory? There are so many, Side Bets come to mind first. Syckle tripping down the stairs, Johnny Nashville have a little too much to drink, hanging with Johnny Dos and hearing his vast knowledge of weed. Trying to find Bob Barker in the camp ground and using his game name and not his real name. Seeing the stars and planets with ghostfacejims telescope, seeing Angus and Syckle leg wrestle. I could go on and on. 

Do you think it's worth spending the money for 5 days/4 nights?  I would do it without hesitation if you can, or just come make a visit for the day it's so worth it. The house actually works out being cheaper than a hotel room in most cases. 

What would you say to someone who's never attended before? There are so many people that were nervous to come, like I'm sure everyone is that is thinking about coming the first time, but within 5 mins you will understand why 90% of those same people come back year after year. The comradery you get at these Fests is what it's all about,  you just hang with these people and have great conversations, you get to know the personally, you get to know their spouses or friends who ever they bring if they bring someone. You don't have to drink, we have plenty of people who don't drink and have a great time and keep coming back year after year. We plan some activities but you don't have to do them, you can just chill at the house or go off on your own. I can't be more clear on this, if you like this clan and the people you will LOVE these Fests, we have the greatest times, we laugh our asses off, we play yard games, we play cards, we watch sports, we jam out to music, we have camp fires. If you're on the fence about coming to one, just do it, you will not regret it

 

 

 

Edited July 17, 2024 by WldPenguin
typo

[Bing]

At some point, I'll make it to one, especially if booze and shenanigans are involved. 

Edited July 17, 2024 by Bing
😉

[WldPenguin]

@Bing , I think you should make it to this year's 

[GhostfaceJim]

So far always a good time!