Many of the KM family are wondering what is to come of the annual Portland Hempstalk, and it is with great sadness that we tell ya that it looks like it's done-for and not going to be returning to the Pacific Northwest anytime soon... and it doesn't seem like too many are all too upset with that being it's final fate either.
For those of you who don't know, the Portland Hempstalk was known as being the Longest running Hemp & Cannabis Festival ever within the state of Oregon, and to some, the Biggest of such event in the state as well though many of us have yet to forget the Original, not to mention the Coolest of all in the green tree state which was none other than both the fests and Cannabis Carnivals held annually in Harrisburg, Oregon hosted at the Bill Conde Redwood Mill starting back in 1997 - those were by FAR the best and remain one-of-a-kind until the state ran ole Wild Bill out, not only of the state but the entire Country for having what was becoming deemed as "Better than Woodstock!"
Fortunately for our community, a small handful stepped forward and jumped in, wallets in hand, and wah-lah, the Portland Hempstalk was born. Despite lacking much of what the Conde events were praised for, Hempstalk became a success as well as a feather in our NW communities cap as many came from near and far to partake in the two-day daytime festivities, usually at Kelley Point Park, but soon that would change and the stalk was moved right smack into downtown at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park and the reigns of oppressive dictation would begin rearing it's dreary head.
The community remained strong despite the city officials trying to turn our stalk into the first ever "Dry Fest" right down to city police and stalk staff literally confiscating patrons lighters as they came into the event so to ensure no-one attempted to toke up, and ticketing as well as physically Removing those who did and were caught. This was a sign for many of that which was yet to come, and too, the fear of the coming of our communities destruction... which is now sadly upon us. "When our own people begn asking us to snitch one another out, I knew things were gonna get worse" said one KM member whose supported the event for the majority of it's years in existence "and sneaking spy cameras under the booths proved the beginning of our end no doubt."
You see, what had happened was our community began being sold out by the snakes trusted and welcomed to our stages for the hope of endless profits in personal pockets. People knowingly started jumping in bed with our plants well known long standing enemies because they sincerely BeLIEved it would ensure them fame and fortune in their "New Industry" - for Some and to a limited degree, it Has, but what it's ultimately proving to Cost our community, plant and people... for most it's just not Worth it to continue trying to keep encouraging support and attendance any longer. And as the community and cause began crumbling, city officials continued to pounce until ultimately the event is said to have gone into debt with the city and can no longer attain the necessary permits to keep the stalk going on public property any longer as of 2017.
This is when and Why it was moved onto private land in 2018 and was presented as being "Hemp Aid for Hempstalk." This gave man the illusion that there was Hope for actually Saving the Portland Hempstalk but many quickly started thinking otherwise when Hemp Aid was declared the "First Annual" meaning that this was the new route being geared for as far as future festivities of this nature were going to be concerned. It was never said how much was raised last year, but what was pointed out was that the debt still owed the city had remained UN-paid assuring the permits are still unattainable... leaving this as the only real cannabis event in the Portland metro area, so for those of you interested in attending this FREE EVENT, please note that:
Hemp Aid 2019 is Saturday, Sept 14, 11 am-9 pm, and Sunday, Sept 15, 11 am – 7 pm.The event is located at 13501 S. Mulino Rd, Mulino OR 97042
The speaker panel has been selected including KM's own Mr. Paul Stanford of The Hemp & Cannabis Foundation (THCF), CRRH and the Cannabis Common Sense television show, along with our very own Ms. Bonnie King of Salem-News.com. Other speakers include Michael Mullins of Stoney Girl Gardens, Madeline Martinez, Nickie Gates, Mary Haddock, Jeremiah Kelley, Eric Lewellen and Peggy Buttan.
There will also be performances by KM members John Cornett, Real One & The legendary Busy Bee, along with others including Justin James Bridges, Mack & Dub, Bad Habitat, Vicky Loveless, Yung Gates (featuring YDS) and more.
Free admission and Free onsite parking are offered and the claim of the Proceeds from the 2019 event will go to Autism, Hempstalk, and the Human Trafficking Rescue Mission is offered as encouragement to attend for those of you in the neighborhood.
We Hope to see you there, and Thank you for your continued interest and support in all we're out here on the front lines trying to atain for the greater good of he people and planet. Be well and go in good way!