Amid the jam bands, vendors and camp-outs at the World Hemp Festival, a sense of politics has always blown through the Conde Redwoods from information tables about how hemp can help the planet and conservation efforts.
But as the 4th annual festival gets ready to start this weekend, the politics are a little more prevalent because Bill Conde, the founder and owner of the property on which the Hemp Festival is held, is also preparing a run for Oregon governor.
People who come for the festival’s standbys won’t be disappointed. Comedian Tommy Chong and Oregon author Ken Kesey will both be stopping by, along with almost 20 bands including Zen Tricksters.
Festival promoter Trevor Rasmussen said all the acts have been confirmed and added that between 8,000 and 13,000 people are expected to come and camp for the three days on the 60-acre plot of land 15 miles north of Eugene outside Harrisburg.
Rasmussen said that as he helped organize this year’s event, he noticed more established and credible speakers on a national level showing interest in the festival.
“People are becoming more aware,” he said.
Patrons will also be able to check out products ranging from hemp microbrews to hemp clothing.
Along with information about Conde’s run for the state Capitol and his stance to legalize marijuana, Rasmussen said this year’s festival will feature information about how hemp can solve the current energy crunch.
As if organizing a major, three-day event isn’t enough, Conde, 58, also had the setback of spending two weeks in Linn County Jail for abetting delivery of a controlled substance and hindering prosecution. The charges stemmed from allegations of open drug use and sales during the 1999 festival, according to county court records.
Conde did not return phone calls requesting an interview.
Linn County commissioners did grant Conde the necessary permits to host the event again, but with stipulations regarding finance, insurance and parking spaces provided for the Linn County Sheriff’s officers.
Sheriff Dave Burright said he and other officers will log some overtime hours patrolling the area with the security Conde hires each year.
“It’s not free to the taxpayers, that’s for sure,” he said.
Burright said people in violation of drug or any other offenses will be escorted off the property and arrested. Although most people were “relatively friendly” last year, Burright said his officers made a number of minor arrests, although he did not know the exact total.
But Rasmussen said even with the extra attention on Conde’s past, the festival’s main purpose is still to create a festive and informational environment.
“It’s a cool chance for people to learn about stuff they don’t necessarily come across,” he said.