Seattle Hempfest searches for funding
Organizers of the Seattle Hempfest, one of the largest politically-oriented music festivals in the country, say they are flat broke.
During last year's hot summer, Hempfest fell on one of the few rainy days, said organizer Vivian McPeak in a request for contributions. "We were financially bankrupted by the unusually low turnout."
Besides last year's low turnout, McPeak cites growing production costs and monetary requirements of the City of Seattle as reasons they are broke. This year, Hempfest started $850 in debt. "We have never gone into a year without start-up capital," says McPeak.
With a medical marijuana initiative expected to make the ballot in this year, organizers feel that this is a pivotal year for the northwest marijuana movement. In such a year, they say, Hempfest could play a vital role in advancing the causes of medical marijuana.
Despite the financial woes, McPeak says they are making headway. "The official authorization for the special events permit from the City of Seattle has been granted in a record two meetings. The previous record was seven." Organizers also say they have secured 90% of the equipment required to produce the 1998 Hempfest.
Donations to Hempfest can be mailed to 916 NE 65th St. Suite 269, Seattle, WA 98115. Hempfest can be reached by telephone at (206) 781-5734, through email at hempfest@hemp.net or via the web at www.seattlehempfest.com.