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Annual Gabefest honors boy who died of eplilepsy complications

Vern Hare, who started a 2-on-2 basketball tournament called Gabefest in honor of his nephew who passed away about 10 years ago at age 11, is seen at his home Tuesday, July 18, 2017, in Spokane, Wash. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Vern Hare, who started a 2-on-2 basketball tournament called Gabefest in honor of his nephew who passed away about 10 years ago at age 11, is seen at his home Tuesday, July 18, 2017, in Spokane, Wash. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)Buy a print of this photo
By Ryan Collingwood ryanc@spokesman.com(509) 459-5473

A basketball hoop set at a dunkable 8 1/2 feet.

A 270-pound roasted pig and an ample supply of adult beverages.

The annual Gabefest 2-on-2 tournament, played in Vern Hare’s backyard along the Spokane River near Seven Mile, is an atypical outdoor hoops gathering.

Its prize? Eating the pig’s eyes, a tradition since the event’s inception in 2009.

On Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., around 40 teams and 200 spectators are expected for the ninth edition of Gabefest, an all-ages tournament commemorating Hare’s late nephew, Gabe Doran.

Gabe, 11, died in 2008 due to complications from epilepsy.

“Gabe loved basketball,” said Hare, who started the event. “He’d always be at our house shooting. I thought this would be a great way for us all to remember him.”

Gabe’s brother, Riley Doran, looks forward to this event more than the ever-popular Hoopfest.

“People from all walks of life are playing,” said Riley, a 26-year-old who played his high school ball at Lewis and Clark. “It’s fun with all the dunking, but it’s also competitive. And if Vern is involved, you know it’s going to be a great barbecue. Not many people get to see a pig roast.”

The tournament’s $40 entry comes with a T-shirt, including all you can eat and drink. Dry Fly Distillery is one of the event’s sponsors.

Of the teams competing this weekend, a sizable portion are adult-aged former high school players. Some current small-college hoopers will also be in the mix, Hare said.

Former Gonzaga sharpshooter Richie Frahm has played in past Gabefests, which also features a dunk contest.

“We have people coming from as far as London, England,” said Hare, who recently installed a new sport court.

Gabefest has been about the same participation-wise, since its first year, but growth isn’t the objective for Hare.

“It’s like a family reunion,” he said. “It’s great having everyone together to have fun and remember Gabe.”

Riley Doran echoed his uncle.

“This is not only an event that honors my brother, but one that brings us all together,” Riley said. “I know Gabe is really enjoying this from up above.”