When Mrs. Astronaut, Dave, and I first decided on attending a Rat City Rollergirls derby, I was looking forward a fun evening with a generous dose of kitsch. After all, this is roller-derby we’re talking about. We got both, but what I didn’t expect, and what you should know about the Rollergirls, is that there are real athletes involved and an affirming sense of community that was a pleasure to be a part of.

Yes, there are fights, wipeouts, and equal parts carny spectacle, rockabilly hokum, and 70’s Runaways-style rock attitude, but by the end of the first match we were officially hooked.

My loyalties are divided between the Hattie’s Hat sponsored Derby Liberation Front, or the other Ballard-based team the Sockit Wenches, featuring the amazing Jammer Miss Fortune.

Flickr Photo Set - Rat City Rollergirls
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