Hempfest 1997

Labour Day in Edmonton

Another smoke-filled afternoon with a bunch of people yelling into microphones, followed by some raunchy thrash metal garage bands.
Not. That's been done!

Hempfest hit Edmonton last year with an unprecedented band, showing Edmonton what the cannabis community is all about. Bands, speakers on the criminal system and industrial hemp, a fashion show, contests and booths entertained and informed at the day long event. An estimated 500 people showed up on the windy Labour Day Holiday to dance, play hack, listen, learn, and have fun.

"By encompassing all areas of the cannabis culture, we get to do something that is important to every community, to celebrate and learn. As we become stronger, and recognized, we can have more force for change." says organizer Amanda Stewart. "Last year was the first Hempfest, this year is bigger and better."

This year, the group plans again to hold the event at Alberta's Legislature Grounds, and is combining last year's favorites with some innovative ideas. The fashion show, contests, bands and vendors will be auygmented by visits from come of Canada's foremost cannabis activists, an information booth, the first known stage version of the scare flick "Reefer Madness" and an auction.

Confirmed Speakers to the day's event include Eugene Oscapella, LLB, the Ottawa barrister with the Canadian Foundation for Drug Policy; Grant Krieger, the gutsy MS patient from Regina who has found his life back through the use of cannabis and diet changes; Marc Emery, Canada's formost cannabis capitalist, and owner of HempBC in Vancouver; and Ian Hunter, the mayoral candidate, and driving force behind the BC Anti-Prohibtion League from Victoria, BC.

Add in to this mix about 10 times the volunteers that helped out last year, and you'll become convinced, as we are, that barring an act of God or Government, there will be over 1000 happy hempsters and interested folk attending this year!

Further Information about the day can be found by contacting the society at (403)910-9388, or it's active supporter store, True North Hemp Company, at (403)437-4367.

The Cannabis Relegalization Society of Alberta is a registered, not for profit society. Its other activities include the Arbor Day Plant-in at Emily Murphy Park in Edmonton on April 24, Voter guidelines, the Medical Cannabis Research Library, prisoner advocacy, research, and counselling.