Seattle Hempfest has experienced quantum growth and in five years has received national attention as one of America's largest political rallies for the reform of marijuana laws.

     Originally billed in 1991 as "Seattle Hemp Expo" the first HempFest began where it would stay for three years, in Volunteer Park and drew a humble attendance of 500 people. A surprising 2000 hempsters showed up for the second annual event.

     Seattle HempFest '93 brought 5000 supporters and it became clear that we would have to find a larger site for an event that was growing at the same rate as the increasing public awareness of the truth surrounding the multifaceted resource misunderstood by mainstream society. As the event grew in size and notoriety the cost of production grew as well. And the need for sound equipment, staging, scaffolding, radios, travel expenses and advertising, etc. required the introduction of musical benefits and merchandising to meet the demand of the growing phenomenon. Artwork was donated by Jamie Sheehan, Art Chantry and Larry Steiner. Clubs that participated included: The OK Hotel, Crocodile Cafe, RKCNDY, The Off Ramp and the Lake Union Pub. To date almost 100 bands have come forth to support the cause.

     1994 saw the move to GasWorks Park and produced an astounding 15,000 people, vendors and speakers.

     The sheer size of HempFest '94 brought the scrutiny of city officials and the permit requirement for HempFest '95 reflect a growing concern from police, parks department and neighborhood groups. A series of negotiations that would span five months and involve six subcommittee meetings with over ten city departments began, culminating with assistance from the ACLU and requiring a million dollar insurance policy, strict contingency plans and meetings with concerned community groups. Finally, as time was running out, a special events permit was granted for Myrtle Edwards Park. Police reports of attendance were 25,000, but local news media proclaimed that HempFest '95 exceeded Fourth of July attendance, annually reported at 40,000 plus. Speakers included Jack Herer, Chris Conrad, Dennis Peron, Bill Condi, members of Greencross and W.H.E.N. It was the first time ever citations were issued for public smoking (50) and there were three marijuana-related arrests. HempFest gained international recognition and proved that hemp supporters could gather by the tens of thousands peacefully to educate the public on the historical, industrial and medicinal uses of the plant, to rally in support of decriminalization, to gather signatures for petitions, and to speak out against the injustice from the incarceration of Americans due to hemp prohibition.

     As HempFest moves into the future, there are many obstacles and challenges to face and as strategies are debated one thing remains in the foreground of our thoughts: decades of lies are peeling as mainstream America learns the truths about this relatively harmless, therapeutic herb and resourceful fiber.

hempfest@hemp.net