Frankly, I don’t know what to make of Hempfest.

The mega-Seattle-waterfront-fest that’s ostensibly about legalizing marijuana and justice for all draws people from every race, culture and walk of life … and many of them get all mingled together … smokin’ weed and walking along just having a good time.

You do notice the kids, but there were to my eyes a lot more middle-age and up people there this time around.

Hempfest draws enthusiasts and the curious to three parks along a gorgeous Puget Sound shoreline facing the grand Olympics. It draws them for the … well, everything. Hell, put a beer in each hand that held a joint and you’d effectively have a scene from many of the old-time county fairs I went to as a kid in Montana. Yeah, the kids are smoking and that’s not great, but all a kid had to do to get into a beer garden in rural Montana (in say, 1978) was not act like a dweeb.

This year Hempfest actually made ‘pot gardens’ for adults to imbibe and chill away from the crowds, and that scene steadily drew in a few dozen throughout the day.

But, to be frank all over again, everyone wants to mingle and flow along and mix in with the masses. And, once more, I defy anyone to come up with a generality or cliche that would characterize the majority or even a big slice of people there … it just draws from far too wide a spectrum … like, apparently, marijuana does.

So look at the photos and the videos below (you don’t even have to listen … though they are part of this story) for the visual feel of it. (But come back to this spot for the rest of the story …)

Wild-eyed Republican connects

You know Hempfest is weird when easily one of the best speeches of the day was from a wild-eyed California Republican … here, in one of the most liberal cities in the country.

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher came to Hempfest and declared the war on marijuana to be “really, really stupid.” Rohrabacher has sponsored many bills and amendments in Congress to end the federal war on marijuana or at least severely limit it’s enforcement activities.

Related story: Would President Ronald Reagan have supported the legal marijuana movement?

There were a lot of broad strokes in his speech and some blanket conservative references to how bad it is to run a federal deficit, especially when borrowing money from China to do it. His main point, however, was …

“Having the federal government come in and say we’re going to arrest someone for smoking a weed is stupid,” he said. “… for the federal government to come in and supersede a state’s decision to not have this as a criminal activity is really, really stupid.”

Video by Jake Ellison, Seattlepi.com Rep. Rohrabacher at Hempfest: war on pot Is 'really, really stupid' Quote from Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a firebrandrand Republican from California, who spoke at Seattle?s Hempfest on Friday, Aug. 15.

Talking about his role in getting former U.S. President Ronald Reagan to tell former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down this wall” in a 1987 speech in Berlin, Germany, Rohrabacher concluded:

“I’m very proud of the role I played in defeating communism, and I’m very proud of the role I’m playing now to get the government off your backs and to make sure that people are free to run their personal lives the way they were supposed to, the way our founding fathers had in mind.”

But for all that conservatism, Rohrabacher was singing a tune joyful to the ears roaming around Hempfest. The people didn’t exactly tear out their hair, rend their shirts and scream for revolution … but, hey, they applauded and cheered a bit. (… as I noted, speeches are second to cruising and smoking).

Then he got on to how George Washington grew hemp and added, “I don’t know what heck he was smoking in the Indian peace pipes.” Well, okay.

But the punchline he said was that America had left behind the grand old ideas of a weak federal government and have become a “tyrannical society” hunting down and interfering in our private lives.

Video by Jake Ellison, Seattlepi.com Quote from Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a firebrandrand Republican from California, who spoke at Seattle?s Hempfest on Friday, Aug. 15.

He concluded, “Freedom fighters! I’m glad to stand with you today.”

And, it seemed to me, the freedom fighters in front of Hempfest’s main stage were happy to have him along.









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Image 1 of / 82 Caption Close Image 2 of 82 Mark Renner, left, and Patrice Sunshine, right, play the Didjeridu, an instrument native to Australia, at the 4th Annual Seattle Hempfest at Gasworks Park in 1994. (Photo by Jim Davidson) Mark Renner, left, and Patrice Sunshine, right, play the Didjeridu, an instrument native to Australia, at the 4th Annual Seattle Hempfest at Gasworks Park in 1994. (Photo by Jim Davidson) Image 3 of 82 A crowd estimated at 25,000 attended the 4th Annual Seattle Hempfest at Gasworks Park in 1994. The event moved to Myrtle Edwards Park in 1995. (Photo by Jim Davidson) A crowd estimated at 25,000 attended the 4th Annual Seattle Hempfest at Gasworks Park in 1994. The event moved to Myrtle Edwards Park in 1995. (Photo by Jim Davidson) Image 4 of 82 Dave Newton, left, and Tim O'brien, left, Seattle, take a smoke break during the 4th Annual Seattle Hempfest in 1994. (Photo by Jim Davidson) Dave Newton, left, and Tim O'brien, left, Seattle, take a smoke break during the 4th Annual Seattle Hempfest in 1994. (Photo by Jim Davidson) Image 5 of 82 Image 6 of 82 A performance at Hempfest in 1994. Photo by Seattle Hempfest A performance at Hempfest in 1994. Photo by Seattle Hempfest Image 7 of 82 The crowd at Hempfest in 1995. Photo By Seattle Hempfest The crowd at Hempfest in 1995. Photo By Seattle Hempfest Image 8 of 82 A drum circle at Myrtle Edwards Park in 1997. Photo By Grant M. Haller/Seattle Post-Intelligencer A drum circle at Myrtle Edwards Park in 1997. Photo By Grant M. Haller/Seattle Post-Intelligencer Image 9 of 82 Lourdes Irwin, of Oregon(top left) and Arjun Spinner (top right) sing and dance while drummers provide the beat during Hempfest 1998 at Myrtle Edwards Park in Seattle. (Photo by James Prichard) Lourdes Irwin, of Oregon(top left) and Arjun Spinner (top right) sing and dance while drummers provide the beat during Hempfest 1998 at Myrtle Edwards Park in Seattle. (Photo by James Prichard) Image 10 of 82 Image 11 of 82 Clown Clinton Stone also known as "Sunny Smiles," hauls a giant joint during the 1998 Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards park in Seattle. Photo By Grant M. Haller/Seattle Post-Intelligencer Clown Clinton Stone also known as "Sunny Smiles," hauls a giant joint during the 1998 Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards park in Seattle. Photo By Grant M. Haller/Seattle Post-Intelligencer Image 12 of 82 "Aingeal" of Bellingham, right, has a heated discussion with Lance Thomas of Seattle, with billboard, during Hempfest 1999 at Myrtle Edwards Park. At left is Carolyn O'Neill of Seattle. The festival touts the benefits of industrial hemp and is a forum for pro-cannabis activists. Photo By Anthony P. Bolante/Seattle Post-Intelligencer less "Aingeal" of Bellingham, right, has a heated discussion with Lance Thomas of Seattle, with billboard, during Hempfest 1999 at Myrtle Edwards Park. At left is Carolyn O'Neill of Seattle. The festival touts the ... more Image 13 of 82 Kitty Barbieto of Gold Bar participates in Seattle Hempfest 2003. Photo By Karen Ducey/Seattle Post-Intelligencer Kitty Barbieto of Gold Bar participates in Seattle Hempfest 2003. Photo By Karen Ducey/Seattle Post-Intelligencer Image 14 of 82 Performers at Hempfest in 2003. Photo By Seattle Hempfest Performers at Hempfest in 2003. Photo By Seattle Hempfest Image 15 of 82 Image 16 of 82 Workers prepare a giant cut-out of a marijuana leaf in preparation on Aug. 15, 2003, for the 12th annual Seattle Hempfest in Myrtle Edwards Park. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) Photo By Associated Press Workers prepare a giant cut-out of a marijuana leaf in preparation on Aug. 15, 2003, for the 12th annual Seattle Hempfest in Myrtle Edwards Park. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) Photo By Associated Press Image 17 of 82 A scene from Seattle Hempfest in 2003 at Myrtle Edwards Park. A scene from Seattle Hempfest in 2003 at Myrtle Edwards Park. Image 18 of 82 Rick Steves, travel writer and television personality, attends Hempfest in 2003. He is currently on the Advisory Board of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. Photo By Seattle Hempfest Rick Steves, travel writer and television personality, attends Hempfest in 2003. He is currently on the Advisory Board of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. Photo By Seattle Hempfest Image 19 of 82 A performer at Hempfest in 2003 at Myrtle Edwards Park. Photo By Seattle Hempfest A performer at Hempfest in 2003 at Myrtle Edwards Park. Photo By Seattle Hempfest Image 20 of 82 Image 21 of 82 Performers at Seattle Hempfest 2003. Photo By Seattle Hempfest Performers at Seattle Hempfest 2003. Photo By Seattle Hempfest Image 22 of 82 A participant at Seattle Hempfest in 2004. Photo By Seattle Hempfest A participant at Seattle Hempfest in 2004. Photo By Seattle Hempfest Image 23 of 82 A performer at Seattle Hempfest in 2004 Photo By Seattle Hempfest A performer at Seattle Hempfest in 2004 Photo By Seattle Hempfest Image 24 of 82 A woman hangs up a sign that says "Thank you for pot smoking" at Hempfest in 2004, held at Myrtle Edwards Park. Photo By Seattle Hempfest A woman hangs up a sign that says "Thank you for pot smoking" at Hempfest in 2004, held at Myrtle Edwards Park. Photo By Seattle Hempfest Image 25 of 82 Image 26 of 82 A drummer at Seattle Hempfest in 2004. Photo By Seattle Hempfest A drummer at Seattle Hempfest in 2004. Photo By Seattle Hempfest Image 27 of 82 A participant at Seattle Hempfest 2005. Photo By Seattle Hempfest A participant at Seattle Hempfest 2005. Photo By Seattle Hempfest Image 28 of 82 The Hempfest King at Seattle Hempfest in 2005 at Myrtle Edwards Park. Photo By Seattle Hempfest The Hempfest King at Seattle Hempfest in 2005 at Myrtle Edwards Park. Photo By Seattle Hempfest Image 29 of 82 A woman hangs out at Seattle Hempfest 2005 at Myrtle Edwards Park. Photo By Seattle Hempfest A woman hangs out at Seattle Hempfest 2005 at Myrtle Edwards Park. Photo By Seattle Hempfest Image 30 of 82 Image 31 of 82 A teepee tent at Hempfest in 2005. Photo By Seattle Hempfest A teepee tent at Hempfest in 2005. Photo By Seattle Hempfest Image 32 of 82 A performer at Hempfest in 2005. Photo By Seattle Hempfest A performer at Hempfest in 2005. Photo By Seattle Hempfest Image 33 of 82 Johanna Saavevra came in the front gate ready to party at the 15th annual Hempfest on August 20, 2006. Photo By Grant M. Haller/Seattle Post-Intelligencer Johanna Saavevra came in the front gate ready to party at the 15th annual Hempfest on August 20, 2006. Photo By Grant M. Haller/Seattle Post-Intelligencer Image 34 of 82 Brian Wallace, from Kalamazoo, Mich., said he got several "hits" from passersby as he dangled his little bong at the end of a fishing line at the 15th annual Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park on August 20, 2006. "At least there weren't no stinkin fish to clean," one festival-goer said. Photo By Grant M. Haller/Seattle Post-Intelligencer less Brian Wallace, from Kalamazoo, Mich., said he got several "hits" from passersby as he dangled his little bong at the end of a fishing line at the 15th annual Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park on August 20, 2006. ... more Image 35 of 82 Image 36 of 82 The 15th annual Hempfest drew an estimated 150,000 people to Myrtle Edwards Park along Seattle's Elliott Bay waterfront on August 20, 2006. Photo By Grant M. Haller/Seattle Post-Intelligencer The 15th annual Hempfest drew an estimated 150,000 people to Myrtle Edwards Park along Seattle's Elliott Bay waterfront on August 20, 2006. Photo By Grant M. Haller/Seattle Post-Intelligencer Image 37 of 82 Steve Wilson was among the festival-goers who turned out for the 15h annual Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park on August 20, 2006. Photo By Grant M. Haller/Seattle Post-Intelligencer Steve Wilson was among the festival-goers who turned out for the 15h annual Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park on August 20, 2006. Photo By Grant M. Haller/Seattle Post-Intelligencer Image 38 of 82 Performance artist Sheri Brown strikes a pose as a human sculpture for spectators attending the 15th annual Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park on August 20, 2006. Photo By Grant M. Haller/Seattle Post-Intelligencer less Performance artist Sheri Brown strikes a pose as a human sculpture for spectators attending the 15th annual Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park on August 20, 2006. Photo By Grant M. Haller/Seattle ... more Image 39 of 82 Rick Steves, travel writer and public television producer, right, talks with Avi Ludwig, stage speaker coordinator, before he makes his presentation on the Share Parker Main Stage at Hempfest 2007. Photo By Grant M. Haller/Seattle Post-Intelligencer less Rick Steves, travel writer and public television producer, right, talks with Avi Ludwig, stage speaker coordinator, before he makes his presentation on the Share Parker Main Stage at Hempfest 2007. Photo By ... more Image 40 of 82 Image 41 of 82 A woman dances to the Jah Levi Band on August 18, 2007. Photo By Grant M. Haller/Seattle Post-Intelligencer A woman dances to the Jah Levi Band on August 18, 2007. Photo By Grant M. Haller/Seattle Post-Intelligencer Image 42 of 82 Sarah Conway, who works for a company that makes decorative pasties, shows off the marijuana leaf model as she takes a smoke from a large joint on August 18, 2007. Photo By Grant M. Haller/Seattle Post-Intelligencer less Sarah Conway, who works for a company that makes decorative pasties, shows off the marijuana leaf model as she takes a smoke from a large joint on August 18, 2007. Photo By Grant M. Haller/Seattle ... more Image 43 of 82 Andrew Luse tries to sell his "Zong" (giant bong) for $100 to someone in the crowd at Hempfest in 2007. He had started out at $150. Andrew Luse tries to sell his "Zong" (giant bong) for $100 to someone in the crowd at Hempfest in 2007. He had started out at $150. Image 44 of 82 A man in a pipe suit dances on the stage while All Hail the Crown plays at Hempfest in 2008. Photo By Kristine Paulsen/Seattle Post-Intelligencer A man in a pipe suit dances on the stage while All Hail the Crown plays at Hempfest in 2008. Photo By Kristine Paulsen/Seattle Post-Intelligencer Image 45 of 82 Image 46 of 82 Haley Bryant of Kirkland listens to Herbivores at Hempfest in 2008. Photo By Kristine Paulsen/Seattle Post-Intelligencer Haley Bryant of Kirkland listens to Herbivores at Hempfest in 2008. Photo By Kristine Paulsen/Seattle Post-Intelligencer Image 47 of 82 A woman checks out some bongs at Hempfest in 2008. Photo By Kristine Paulsen/Seattle Post-Intelligencer A woman checks out some bongs at Hempfest in 2008. Photo By Kristine Paulsen/Seattle Post-Intelligencer Image 48 of 82 Girls dressed as fairies blow kisses at Hempfest in 2008. Photo By Kristine Paulsen/Seattle Post-Intelligencer Girls dressed as fairies blow kisses at Hempfest in 2008. Photo By Kristine Paulsen/Seattle Post-Intelligencer Image 49 of 82 David Martison and his nearly five-foot Columbian redtailed boa, Mary, of Yelm, Wash., attract attention of passers by at Hempfest in 2008. Photo By Kristine Paulsen/Seattle Post-Intelligencer David Martison and his nearly five-foot Columbian redtailed boa, Mary, of Yelm, Wash., attract attention of passers by at Hempfest in 2008. Photo By Kristine Paulsen/Seattle Post-Intelligencer Image 50 of 82 Image 51 of 82 Porn star Ron Jeremy speaks to the crowd during Hempfest 2009. Photo By Daniel Berman/Seattlepi.com Porn star Ron Jeremy speaks to the crowd during Hempfest 2009. Photo By Daniel Berman/Seattlepi.com Image 52 of 82 Jimmie Cramer, left, sports his birthday suit with other "Hemp Riders" while answering questions from a Hempfest participant, center, during day two of Seattle's celebration of cannabis culture at Myrtle Edwards Park on Aug. 16, 2009. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com less Jimmie Cramer, left, sports his birthday suit with other "Hemp Riders" while answering questions from a Hempfest participant, center, during day two of Seattle's celebration of cannabis culture at Myrtle ... more Image 53 of 82 A user of medical marijuana shows his stance on the controversial program during Hempfest 2009. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com A user of medical marijuana shows his stance on the controversial program during Hempfest 2009. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com Image 54 of 82 Abraham Alghanem, left, and Rachel Dill sell snacks during Hempfest 2009. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com Abraham Alghanem, left, and Rachel Dill sell snacks during Hempfest 2009. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com Image 55 of 82 Image 56 of 82 A.J. inhales a 6 foot long bong during Hempfest 2009. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com A.J. inhales a 6 foot long bong during Hempfest 2009. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com Image 57 of 82 Ashleigh Sunshine rests next to a six-foot long bong during Seattle's Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park on Sunday. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com Ashleigh Sunshine rests next to a six-foot long bong during Seattle's Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park on Sunday. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com Image 58 of 82 A Hempfest participant uses a magnifying glass to light his pipe during Seattle's Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park on Sunday August 22, 2010. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com A Hempfest participant uses a magnifying glass to light his pipe during Seattle's Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park on Sunday August 22, 2010. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com Image 59 of 82 The sun sets behind the main stage during Seattle's Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com The sun sets behind the main stage during Seattle's Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com Image 60 of 82 Image 61 of 82 Chris Bell plays his guitar on the beach at Hempfest. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com Chris Bell plays his guitar on the beach at Hempfest. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com Image 62 of 82 A festival participant uses a gas mask to inhale marijuana smoke, as friends in the background react, during Seattle's Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park on Sunday August 22, 2010. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com less A festival participant uses a gas mask to inhale marijuana smoke, as friends in the background react, during Seattle's Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park on Sunday August 22, 2010. Photo By Joshua ... more Image 63 of 82 Bryana Glasgow holds a sign during Seattle's Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com Bryana Glasgow holds a sign during Seattle's Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com Image 64 of 82 Magic Ellingson, dressed as Henry Hemp, walks through the crowd during Seattle's Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park on Saturday August 21, 2010. The annual celebration of cannabis culture brought tens of thousands of people to the Seattle waterfront park. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com less Magic Ellingson, dressed as Henry Hemp, walks through the crowd during Seattle's Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park on Saturday August 21, 2010. The annual celebration of cannabis culture brought tens of ... more Image 65 of 82 Image 66 of 82 People smoke marijuana during Seattle's Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park in 2010. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com People smoke marijuana during Seattle's Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park in 2010. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com Image 67 of 82 A man raises his arms during Seattle's Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park in 2010. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com A man raises his arms during Seattle's Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park in 2010. Photo By Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com Image 68 of 82 A participant smokes marijuana during the first day of Seattle's Hempfest 2011. Photo By JOSHUA TRUJILLO A participant smokes marijuana during the first day of Seattle's Hempfest 2011. Photo By JOSHUA TRUJILLO Image 69 of 82 Katelyn Berreth and Martin Celt of the band Fortune Dwellers perform on the main stage during Seattle's Hempfest. Photo By JOSHUA TRUJILLO Katelyn Berreth and Martin Celt of the band Fortune Dwellers perform on the main stage during Seattle's Hempfest. Photo By JOSHUA TRUJILLO Image 70 of 82 Image 71 of 82 Vivian McPeak, executive director of Seattle's Hempfest, speaks on the main stage in 2011. Photo By JOSHUA TRUJILLO Vivian McPeak, executive director of Seattle's Hempfest, speaks on the main stage in 2011. Photo By JOSHUA TRUJILLO Image 72 of 82 A man exhales smoke during the last day of Seattle's Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park on the Seattle waterfront on Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012. Photo By Sofia Jaramillo A man exhales smoke during the last day of Seattle's Hempfest at Myrtle Edwards Park on the Seattle waterfront on Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012. Photo By Sofia Jaramillo Image 73 of 82 Hundreds of people gather in front of a stage for a hip-hop performance in 2012. Photo By Sofia Jaramillo Hundreds of people gather in front of a stage for a hip-hop performance in 2012. Photo By Sofia Jaramillo Image 74 of 82 A woman smokes out of an intricate bong at the 2012 Hempfest. Photo By Sofia Jaramillo A woman smokes out of an intricate bong at the 2012 Hempfest. Photo By Sofia Jaramillo Image 75 of 82 Image 76 of 82 Joanna McKee, a Green Cross medical marijuana activist, gives a speech at the 2012 Hempfest. Photo By Sofia Jaramillo Joanna McKee, a Green Cross medical marijuana activist, gives a speech at the 2012 Hempfest. Photo By Sofia Jaramillo Image 77 of 82 Mariah smokes from a pipe during day two of Seattle's Hempfest pro-marijuana gathering at Myrtle Edwards Park on the Seattle waterfront on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012. Photo By JOSHUA TRUJILLO Mariah smokes from a pipe during day two of Seattle's Hempfest pro-marijuana gathering at Myrtle Edwards Park on the Seattle waterfront on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012. Photo By JOSHUA TRUJILLO Image 78 of 82 Brian from Snohomish inhales marijuana smoke from a gas mask in 2012. Photo By JOSHUA TRUJILLO Brian from Snohomish inhales marijuana smoke from a gas mask in 2012. Photo By JOSHUA TRUJILLO Image 79 of 82 A man laughs as he lies in the sand at the 2012 hempfest. Photo By Sofia Jaramillo A man laughs as he lies in the sand at the 2012 hempfest. Photo By Sofia Jaramillo Image 80 of 82 Image 81 of 82 A participant inhales smoke from an enormous joint. Photo By JOSHUA TRUJILLO A participant inhales smoke from an enormous joint. Photo By JOSHUA TRUJILLO Image 82 of 82 Hempfest 2014: Republican declares war on marijuana 'really, really stupid' ... crowds cruise happily 1 / 82 Back to Gallery

Jake Ellison can be reached at 206-448-8334 or jakeellison@seattlepi.com. Follow Jake on Twitter at twitter.com/Jake_News. Also, swing by and *LIKE* his page on Facebook.

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