Family and friends of the community are encouraged to attend the 27th Annual Moscow Hemp Fest on April 13.
East City Park will host the event from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., highlighting multiple engaging attractions, such as arts and crafts, live music, food booths and information regarding the Medical Marijuana Movement in Idaho.
Hemp Fest was originally a student-based event that owner of Tie-Dye Everything, Arlene Falcon, has since taken over in 2006. In accordance with history and tradition, the event will be held during parent and family weekend at the University of Idaho.
Falcon said the event is not about people using marijuana recreationally but to spread awareness of the lesser-known uses and differences between hemp and medical marijuana, all while enjoying a day at the park.
“It’s not just about smoking pot. It’s more about learning about the beneficial uses of it (hemp and medical marijuana) and also just having a great festival with music and crafts and supporting the local economy,” Falcon said.
Musical acts will showcase various genres, ranging from “high energy” rock and roll to bluegrass jam. Local talent performances start at 10:30 a.m. with a solo set by Bill LaVoice (of the group Corn Mash), followed by Yellow Dog Flats. Next up, around noon, is Grateful Deadgrass, followed by Holy Jose, Cactus Herders, featuring Andru Gomez and Friends, The Pond, The Jason Perry Band and Snacks at Midnight. Closing the day from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. will be performances by Solid Ghost with James Denz and his instrumental psychedelic rock metal and blues. There will also be DJ’s Moonraye and Blaze between sets.
There will be more than 40 arts and crafts vendors from the region showcasing a range of hemp jewelry, rocks, crystal wraps, art, tie-dye clothing and more.
Food vendors include the Battleground Truck, the Sushi Man, Marianas Tamales, the Smoke ring, the Pho 20 Café and Jupiter Jones Taco Bus.
Despite changes in marijuana laws around the country, Idaho remains a state where it is illegal and carries a stigma. Hemp Fest and its operators seek to fight that stigma.
Local activists like Falcon are determined to not give up on their mission to spread awareness about hemp and medical marijuana.
Attendees can expect to hear from longtime cannabis activist and founder of Global Marijuana, Dana Beal, who will be represented by fellow activist and founder of the Bosie Hemp Fest, Serra Frank.
“In the early years, it was definitely about educating people because people were so misinformed and couldn’t believe that hemp is separate from smoking… But still there is this stigma attached…” Falcon said.
For more information visit: www.moscowhempfest.com
Tanner Allen can be reached at [email protected]