Pennsylvania Hemp Fest News

Hemp fest to blow into town

Free Mary Jane Fest expected to draw more than 1,000.

By MIKE HOOVER
For The Evening Sun

Posted: 09/12/2009 01:00:00 AM EDT

Adam Jones admits he expected some eyebrows to raise when he announced
plans to hold a two-day Mary Jane Fest to promote marijuana use.

But Jones assures the public and leaders at Northern York County
Regional Police the 32-hour festival is intended to be a place to enjoy
music, food, crafts, entertainment and be educated on the medical and
industrial uses of marijuana.

What those attending should not expect is a marijuana smokefest or safe
haven to smoke, use or sell marijuana, he said.

"It is not welcome. I will kick you out," said Jones, co-creator of
Downvibe and Free Mary Jane Fest.

Jones, who was born in Hanover and went to school at Delone Catholic and
Dover Area, said he realized the event would catch the attention of
people in typically conservative York County.

But he said the more than 1,000 people expected to attend are only
looking to have fun, not stage some act of civil disobedience.

The Mary Jane Fest will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at Elicker's Grove in
the 500 block of Roths Church Road in Jackson Township.

At least 22 bands, musical acts and vendors are expected, Jones said.
There will be hemp-based food and industrial products and speakers
promoting the use of medical and industrial hemp.

Northern York County Regional Police Deputy Chief Mark Bentzel said he
spoke with Jones after receiving an anonymous complaint expressing
concerns about illegal drugs at the festival.

"We have been assured everything will run smoothly with no issues or
illegal activities," Bentzel said.

The festival will have its own security, Bentzel said.

Police will also respond to any complaints of noise, unruliness or
illegal drug use, he said.

"Anyone conducting illegal activity will be arrested and charged,"
Bentzel said.

Though it is the first time Bentzel remembers an event to promote
marijuana, he said large events at Elicker's Grove are not uncommon.

If YOU GO

What: Free Mary Jane Fest

Where: Elicker's Grove, 511 Roths Church Road in Jackson Township

When: 11 a.m. Saturday to 8 p.m. Sunday

Entertainment: 22 bands, vendors, magicians, jugglers and professional
glass blowers

Food: Includes an all-hemp menu

Speakers: will discuss the medical and industrial use of hemp

http://www.evenings un.com/ci_ 13310392