Hempfest coming to Stockholm

    STOCKHOLM, Maine — It has been 45 years since the hippies at Woodstock sang and danced in the mud, while sharing a peaceful three-day experience that would forever change the world. The issues being fought for back in 1969 may have changed quite a bit from those we are involved in today, but for the coordinators of the 2014 Music Mountain Hempfest, issues like the legalization of marijuana are still a step in the right direction.
From Sept. 19-21, Music Mountain will be the site of the three-day festival, where young and old alike can join together for three days of peace, love and music, much like they did in Woodstock, N.Y. 45 years ago. This modern version of Woodstock will be hosted by Independent Promotions and Productions and will take place at 146 West Road in Stockholm, overlooking the picturesque Madawaska Lake. The site overlooks the Madawaska Lake and the St. John Valley, and the September skies have come to be known as the ‘’Fire Skies’’ due to their fiery appearance during the fall months. The self-proclaimed “Festival of the Year in New England” will include 30 bands and three days of hemp-filled fun with camping, dancing, a modeling contest, vendors, side shows, artistry and much more.
Hempfest is for people of all ages to attend, however, children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent of legal guardian. The reason for this stems from some of the adult activities that will inevitably take place at the festival. With the name “Hempfest” it’s not difficult to ascertain what sort of pro-marijuana activism will be taking place during that weekend on Music Mountain. With the recent legalization of marijuana being adopted in states like Washington and Colorado, there is no doubt that the prohibition against marijuana use in this country seems to be lessening, as more and more states are legalizing the drug for medicinal use.
Festivals like this are something that small towns in northern Maine like Stockholm are not exactly accustomed to. Hempfest has been held in Harmony, Maine for the past few years, but the move to Stockholm is something Local Noise founder and promoter for Hempfest Mark Ward welcomes and is looking forward to experiencing.
“Hempfest is something that’s been taking place all over the country for many years now, but with this being the first time we’ve traveled so far north, we look at this as a new venue to spread our message to a new group of people,” said Ward. “It’s about demonstrating how important hemp can be to our economy, and teaching people just how many uses there are for the substance.”
Ward explained that the festival’s main point is not the partying. Instead, it’s meant to educate people about the uses for hemp, beyond what many people might know.
“We really want to demonstrate just how important hemp was and still can be,” said Ward. “At one point in American history, it was mandatory that people with a certain amount of farm land grow hemp because it was so vital to our economy. Hemp can be used for a number of different fuels, as well as a substitute for paper and can of course be used in the textile industry. There is even something call hempcrete, which is supposed to be stronger and more fire resistant than concrete, so there are many ways in which hemp can be used.”
When asked what the main goal of this year’s Hempfest would be for those who are putting on the festival, Ward explained that they simply want to spread their message in a fun and comfortable venue.
“We want to bring a modern and comfortable festival to northern Maine, where we can relay our message on how important hemp is,” said Ward. “As far as marijuana goes, I think the country is finally starting to understand the truth, as more and more states legalize the substance. That message is that there are many ways in which the substance can benefit us as an economy and as a people, and since music is the universal language, what better venue to spread this message than a festival.”
As for the town of Stockholm, they had previously met with the coordinators for Hempfest and explained to them what they would need to provide in order to hold the event. As of Sept. 2, Stockholm officials claim they have not heard from the coordinators of the event since the two sides met for the first time, but according to Ward, he is 100 percent positive the event will begin on Sept. 19.
Stockholm Selectperson Eva Lawrence claimed that the town’s board of selectpeople would be meeting on Sept. 2 to discuss the event. She explained that she would rather wait until after the meeting to comment.
Bands who will be performing at Hempfest include: on Sept 19th, Half Past My Sin and One featuring Hyngd, Ontologics, Endless Escapade, Rob Carlton Band, Soul Box, Micheal Kraporicky and Zealous Bellus. On Sept. 20th, Normal Bean (David Peel of the Grateful Dead), Berry Melton (Country Joe & The Fish), Duncan Fair (Bay City Rollers), Slick Aguilar (Jefferson Starship) with Leaving Eden and Dan Lawson Band also Featuring Kamikaze Angel, 13 HIGH, Trails, Two Forty Gordy, Secret Of Esrever, Afterblack, Lone Wolf James and The Wicked Blues Band. On Sept 21st, Dead Season with The Cosmic Factory, Riff Johnson, LOKI, Vendetta, MisGYdeD, 3 Parts Dead, Still Well Angel and Left On The Outside.
Hempfest will take place from 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19, to 11 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21. Tickets for the festival are currently on sale for $65 for all three days of music and camping or $25 for single-day admission. Tickets are on sale for early purchasers, who can save $20 on weekend passes for only $45 if ordered from the Music Mountain website www.musicmountainmaine.wix.com/hempfest.