Seattle Hempfest Prepares for the Largest Victory Celebration in the History of Cannabis
By Scott Gacek | The Daily Chronic July 21, 2013
Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page Send by Email
Seattle Hempfest, August 16-18, 2013
“We love cannabis and we’d love nothing more than to see a huge bud market with the dankest of the dank every where, but alas, we can’t,” the Hempfest website proclaims.
The 2013 rendition of Seattle Hempfest, which spans August 16-18, will not only be a victory celebration, but it will also be the most expensive Hempfest in history, costing about $800,000 to produce.
Despite the rising costs, which just a few years ago were estimated at $250,000, Hempfest remains a free event for attendees of all ages, and remains without corporate sponsorship. Those who wish to attend the event will be asked for a kind donation as they enter the park.
“We are asking for $10 per attendee for the three days of more freedom than you will get in Amsterdam or anywhere else in the would we know of,” says Hempfest Exeuctive Director Vivian McPeak. In previous years, a $4.20 donation was suggested.
McPeak also points out a few important changes to this year’s event.
Most notably, handheld canister propellant torches and butane torches are no longer allowed in the park under a new city law aimed at preventing wildfires. While this may put a damper on dabbing, ”we need to warn the community that those devices will be absolutely restricted by Seattle law,” McPeak says.
With the completion of the Stephen Colbert Bridge to Somewhere, accessible at 3rd Ave West and West Harrison Streets, a third entrance to Hempfest will now be open, which organizers hope will reduce some of the crowding and long lines that can sometimes form at the North and South entrances.
Because Hempfest is a free speech event in a public park, the passage of Initiative 502 will not change the event’s entrance policy to be 21+. Hempfest remains open to all ages, but organizers remind minors wishing to attend the event to discuss the matter with a parent or guardian.
Hempfest features many giveaways, too, like this signed guitar from the 2010 Hempfet. (Photos/Vivian McPeak)
In addition, Hempfest organizers would like to remind the cannabis community of the following:
Hempfest is produced by a large team of over 1,000 volunteers, and it doesn’t take over Myrtle Edwards Park overnight. With four days of set-up prior to the event, and three days of tear-down and park restoration after the event, volunteers are always welcome — and needed. Prospective volunteers can visit Hempfest.org to find out more information and register online for over 80 volunteer crews that make the event a reality.
For those who can not attend Hempfest, all six stages will be streamed live online. For more information, visit hempfest.org.
for all the seattle heads
By Scott Gacek | The Daily Chronic July 21, 2013
Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page Send by Email
Seattle Hempfest, August 16-18, 2013
“We love cannabis and we’d love nothing more than to see a huge bud market with the dankest of the dank every where, but alas, we can’t,” the Hempfest website proclaims.
The 2013 rendition of Seattle Hempfest, which spans August 16-18, will not only be a victory celebration, but it will also be the most expensive Hempfest in history, costing about $800,000 to produce.
Despite the rising costs, which just a few years ago were estimated at $250,000, Hempfest remains a free event for attendees of all ages, and remains without corporate sponsorship. Those who wish to attend the event will be asked for a kind donation as they enter the park.
“We are asking for $10 per attendee for the three days of more freedom than you will get in Amsterdam or anywhere else in the would we know of,” says Hempfest Exeuctive Director Vivian McPeak. In previous years, a $4.20 donation was suggested.
McPeak also points out a few important changes to this year’s event.
Most notably, handheld canister propellant torches and butane torches are no longer allowed in the park under a new city law aimed at preventing wildfires. While this may put a damper on dabbing, ”we need to warn the community that those devices will be absolutely restricted by Seattle law,” McPeak says.
With the completion of the Stephen Colbert Bridge to Somewhere, accessible at 3rd Ave West and West Harrison Streets, a third entrance to Hempfest will now be open, which organizers hope will reduce some of the crowding and long lines that can sometimes form at the North and South entrances.
Because Hempfest is a free speech event in a public park, the passage of Initiative 502 will not change the event’s entrance policy to be 21+. Hempfest remains open to all ages, but organizers remind minors wishing to attend the event to discuss the matter with a parent or guardian.
Hempfest features many giveaways, too, like this signed guitar from the 2010 Hempfet. (Photos/Vivian McPeak)
In addition, Hempfest organizers would like to remind the cannabis community of the following:
- Alcohol, narcotics and weapons are strictly prohibited
- Dogs, with the exception of working service animals, are not allowed
- Unauthorized vending is prohibited
- Cannabis sales of any kind, including edible treats or medical marijuana sales, are not only prohibited at the event, but they also remain an enhanced felony in the park
- No fireworks, spray paint, or handheld torches are allowed in the park
- Genital nudity is prohibited at Hempfest
- Overnight camping is prohibited at Hempfest, but there are several campgrounds within a short drive of Downtown Seattle
- Bicycle riders must dismount and walk their bikes at all times for public safety
- Please help keep the parks clean
Hempfest is produced by a large team of over 1,000 volunteers, and it doesn’t take over Myrtle Edwards Park overnight. With four days of set-up prior to the event, and three days of tear-down and park restoration after the event, volunteers are always welcome — and needed. Prospective volunteers can visit Hempfest.org to find out more information and register online for over 80 volunteer crews that make the event a reality.
For those who can not attend Hempfest, all six stages will be streamed live online. For more information, visit hempfest.org.
for all the seattle heads
i wanna go
didn't mean to rain on your hemp parade, breh
