Feast of Fools 2002 was a rousing success! Thank you all who attended, and especially to those who sent donations but were unable to attend. For those of you who didn't make it to the Feast, and even for those of you who were there but couldn't keep track of everything, here are some of the highlights:

• New coat check service with improved security.
• Special bell to announce royalty's arrival; fawning and singing from all Fools.
• Lounge area with luxurious pillows where guests could relax before dinner.
• Visits to the diviner or the doctor: fortunes told, bubos popped.
• Procession of the Food and Washing of the Hands.
• Breaking and Distribution of the Bread.
• Sacrifice of the Paschal Lamb was halted by popular appeal.
  (The Fools sacrificed one of the Peasants instead.)
• The idiot sack race was won by Mishach, with a close second by a visiting gentry.
• The idiot auction was a trip through history, with many relics being revealed for the first time, and very competitive bidding for some of the choicest items.
• Healings performed after dinner.
• Music and singing performed throughout the festivities.

The response from the guests has been tremendous. Here is a sampling of the comments:

• "Feast of Fools nourished my heart in ways that have made it impossible to focus on any task but love -- all day long....!"

• "It was the best party I've been to in a long time."

• "The food was great and the decorations and setting were wonderful. I don't know if I laughed more over the sacrificial lamb or the auction. All performers were wonderful. Thanks so much for asking us to come!!"

Here is a list of the relics that were auctioned off this year:

• Early Bible drawings of Jesus, signed - Essene School
• First woodworking project of Jesus (a popsicle stick synagogue)
• Lot's Gerbil (in salt)
• Apple of Eden (slightly used)
• Joseph's Slippers of Many Colors
• John the Babtist's bathrobe (monogrammed: J.T.B.)
• Wedding at Cana, Water into Wine
• Gilead Balm (with a "final sale")
• Gift of the 4th Magi (a stuffed camel doll, Baby Jesus' favorite!)
• Baby shower gifts for Mary (T-shirts: "It's a Boy!" and "It's the Messiah!")
• Last Supper Afikomen
• The Holy Grail
• The One and Only Holy Grail
• The Most Holy Grail
• Another Holy Grail

Torbjorn got ahold of a camera and snapped some pictures before dinner. A few of them were almost in focus, and have been uploaded to the website. (Click here to see.)

Thanks so much for your support. We hope you all can return to next year's feast. You already know the date: April 1, 2003! And those who missed it this year, mark the date in your calendar now!