HEMPFEST LIGHTING UP IN MOONBEAM

The smoking of marijuana has always been a controversial subject. Some
think of it as a gateway drug, while others contend it's healthier
than drinking alcohol.

That aside, a group of volunteers are coming together this weekend to
increase awareness of the use of medical marijuana.

For more than a decade a Hempfest festival has been held in Sault Ste.
Marie. But after organizers wanted to take a year off, it looked as
though the festival wouldn't take place.

Long time attendee Robert Neron decided to move the festival to his
own community of Moonbeam.

The music festival has been dubbed "Hempfest on Vacation" and in
addition to bands on the weekend, the event spreads the message of
changing misconceptions about the drug.

"Hempfest is to support people who smoke medicinal marijuana," said
volunteer Doris Duguay. "We want to give our support to them and
people who are licensed to sell medical marijuana.

"Some people look at it and think it's a bad thing, but if you look at
it on the other hand some people need it medically to survive."

The event officially starts with a welcoming on Thursday, and those
who attend have the option to camp out on site at the former Knights
of Columbus hall, which was purchased by Neron, or at two other area
campsites should space fill up.

Bands will perform on Friday and Saturday.

"There's not really a lot of sponsorship involved this year," said
Duguay, adding that everyone involved, including the musicians, are
there on a volunteer basis. "We're just kind of taking it easy and
bringing it back to old school, the way it used to be done."

The event is only open to people ages 19 years and older. While it is
not legal to smoke marijuana, there will be licensed sellers on site
throughout the weekend.

"It's really not what people think it is," said Duguay. "We want
people to see that some people really need it."

Duguay said a lot of people still think smoking pot is bad, festivals
like this one are popular.

"They are quite common outside our little bubble," she said. "They are
really big and can be good for the economy and give the community a
real boost.

"It brings a lot of people that will maybe come back
again."

Because the event is being run by volunteers this year, the group is
not looking to make any profit. The cost to get in is 10 cans of food
that will be given to the local food bank. Proceeds from T-shirts
sales will also go in as a cash donation.

"The food bank has been closed there since the beginning of summer,
because of a lack of funding and food," said Duguay. "We're trying to
get it started again before school so that children can benefit from
its services."

More information on the event, including a list of performing bands,
can be found on the Facebook page Hempfest 2010 "Hempfest on Vacation."