Jacob Bell
New Member
While a majority of University of Wisconsin students were reveling in this weekend's victory at Camp Randall, one group of Madisonians gathered together for a celebration of an entirely different nature, as this weekend marked the 41st anniversary of the Annual Marijuana Harvest Festival.
On Sunday, a few hundred rally attendees gathered at Library Mall. Garbed in cannabis-themed t-shirts and necklaces, the group proceeded down State Street for its traditional parade and protest.
"It started out as a protest 41 years ago," said Gary Storck, organizer and president of the Wisconsin chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. "And it has continued through the decade."
He said the event is a place for likeminded people to learn "how to get active in changing the laws."
This weekend also marked the first year without lead organizer Ben Masel, who died of cancer in April, Storck said. He spoke of Masel's work in establishing the right to protest, in addition to his commitment to the festival's continuance.
Storck argued hemp could be an economic product for states. He said that in the past, it "kept food on farmer's plates." He also said Wisconsin and Nebraska were once major hemp-producing states.
"We're billing the event as a tongue-in-cheek clash of two historically hemp-rich states," he said in light of this weekend's rivalry between the UW Badgers and University of Nebraska Huskers on the football field.
The group also hopes to legalize cannabis for medicinal purposes. Storck said there have been "people of all medical conditions" at the festival throughout the years.
Storck also noted Harvest Fest established the right to protest without a permit at the Capitol.
Although the city of Madison has grown to accept the parade in recent years, Storck noted the difficulties organizers faced in the '70s and '80s.
Sgt. Dave Samson of the Madison Police Department said the event typically causes no major problems. He was unable to provide The Badger Herald with any information pertaining to the number of arrests or other issues MPD normally faces in association with the festival.
Greg Kinsley, another organizer at the event, said he knew of one arrest for underage drinking, in addition to one instance of possession at this year's festival. Aside from that, he said the group aims to be as civil as possible with police.
"This is a continuance of Ben Masel," he said. "And we will continue to be polite."
After the group marched down State Street, there was a rally and concert on the west corner of the Capitol Square, where protesters hung American flags overlaid with marijuana leaves. Various speakers came to voice their opinions on current drug laws, including UW alum Dan Goldman and Sacramento-based magazine publisher Ngaio Bealum.
Al Baker, who sang briefly in front of the crowd, also emphasized the need to respect law enforcement officers.
"Respect those who are here to protect you," he said.
At one point, crowds spilled out onto the grass on the Capitol Square, but police quickly and peacefully moved them back onto the steps.
News Hawk- Jacob Ebel 420 MAGAZINE
Source: badgerherald.com
Author: Dan Niepow
Contact: Contact Us
Copyright: The Badger Herald, Inc.
Website: Marijuana Harvest fest takes Madison's streets
On Sunday, a few hundred rally attendees gathered at Library Mall. Garbed in cannabis-themed t-shirts and necklaces, the group proceeded down State Street for its traditional parade and protest.
"It started out as a protest 41 years ago," said Gary Storck, organizer and president of the Wisconsin chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. "And it has continued through the decade."
He said the event is a place for likeminded people to learn "how to get active in changing the laws."
This weekend also marked the first year without lead organizer Ben Masel, who died of cancer in April, Storck said. He spoke of Masel's work in establishing the right to protest, in addition to his commitment to the festival's continuance.
Storck argued hemp could be an economic product for states. He said that in the past, it "kept food on farmer's plates." He also said Wisconsin and Nebraska were once major hemp-producing states.
"We're billing the event as a tongue-in-cheek clash of two historically hemp-rich states," he said in light of this weekend's rivalry between the UW Badgers and University of Nebraska Huskers on the football field.
The group also hopes to legalize cannabis for medicinal purposes. Storck said there have been "people of all medical conditions" at the festival throughout the years.
Storck also noted Harvest Fest established the right to protest without a permit at the Capitol.
Although the city of Madison has grown to accept the parade in recent years, Storck noted the difficulties organizers faced in the '70s and '80s.
Sgt. Dave Samson of the Madison Police Department said the event typically causes no major problems. He was unable to provide The Badger Herald with any information pertaining to the number of arrests or other issues MPD normally faces in association with the festival.
Greg Kinsley, another organizer at the event, said he knew of one arrest for underage drinking, in addition to one instance of possession at this year's festival. Aside from that, he said the group aims to be as civil as possible with police.
"This is a continuance of Ben Masel," he said. "And we will continue to be polite."
After the group marched down State Street, there was a rally and concert on the west corner of the Capitol Square, where protesters hung American flags overlaid with marijuana leaves. Various speakers came to voice their opinions on current drug laws, including UW alum Dan Goldman and Sacramento-based magazine publisher Ngaio Bealum.
Al Baker, who sang briefly in front of the crowd, also emphasized the need to respect law enforcement officers.
"Respect those who are here to protect you," he said.
At one point, crowds spilled out onto the grass on the Capitol Square, but police quickly and peacefully moved them back onto the steps.
News Hawk- Jacob Ebel 420 MAGAZINE
Source: badgerherald.com
Author: Dan Niepow
Contact: Contact Us
Copyright: The Badger Herald, Inc.
Website: Marijuana Harvest fest takes Madison's streets
