Seattle's Hempfest 2010

It is finally that time of summer again. A time when the Emerald City really becomes green. I am, of course, talking about Seattle's annual Hempfest, one of the largest pro-marijuana rallies in the United States. Hempfest has been entertaining and educating the Pacific Northwest for almost twenty years, and this year aims to please.

Hempfest 2010 is taking place August 21-22 and covers three Seattle waterfront public parks: Elliot Bay Park, Myrtle Edwards Park, and Olympic Sculpture Park. As always, admission to Seattle's Hempfest 2010 is free and includes varies speakers and performers. The theme this year is Responsible Use and Harm Reduction, with most speakers presenting similar themes. You can visit Hempfest's Responsible Use and Harm Reduction page for more on this year's theme.

Musical guests at Hempfest this year include: the talented Seattle native Angela Hamontree Band, Super Geek League, Thin C + Weed Are the World (which features Layzie Bone and Flesh N Bone from Bone Thugs N Harmony), Grimmride, Shotgun Social, Big High, Buxter Hoot'n, Reason to Rebel, and The Herbivores - among many others.

Alongside these amazing musical acts, Hempfest 2010 also features great speakers: Richard Cusick - High Times Associate Publisher, Dr. Gregory T. Carter - Co Director of the MDA/ALS Center at the University of Washington, Angela Johnson - WA NORML co-director, as well as many other high profile lawyers, doctors, activists, and business professionals.

As if great music and informative speakers were not enough, Seattle's Hempfest 2010 features some interesting symposiums; such as Ask You Doctor if Marijuana is Right for You, Using Cannabis Responsibly: Mindfulness and Harm Reduction, Know Your Rights: Legal Advice, and Truth in Media: The Responsibility of Journalism, just to name a few.

The thing that really makes Seattle's Hempfest something extra special is the fact that it is, and has been, run by volunteers. From the beginning way back in 1991, Hempfest has always been funded by the love for a plant and dedication to a cause. That is not without its pitfalls though. Hempfest requested a third day (Friday, August 20) be added to this year's festivities, but were turned down by the City of Seattle. If Hempfest were run by a major conglomerate, they may have had the power to get that extra day.

If you support the cause, or if you just want to jam with some free music and good food, Seattle's Hempfest 2010 has something for everyone, no matter the budget.

Seattle's Hempfest 2010
August 21-22, 2010
10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Both Days
Elliot Bay Park, Myrtle Edwards Park, and Olympic Sculpture Park
Seattle, Washington
Admission: FREE