Hempfest Executive Director Vivian McPeak told KIRO 7 yesterday that the popular annual marijuana festival (Aug 16-18) is experiencing financial problems. "The question is whether or not Hempfest is going to be back next year, with the expense skyrocketing," McPeak said. Donations to the all-volunteer event are now failing to cover the festival's more than $800,000 in costs, including permitting, security and event production. Revenue from sponsorship, vendor space and merchandise will soon not be enough to make up for the lack of donations. Meanwhile, SeattlePI.com reports that Prohibition Brands plans to build a record-setting two-pound joint at this year's festival. Attendees who bring more than an ounce of pot to the festival will be turned away, according to McPeak, but organizers seem to be missing a serious economic opportunity here. Why not auction off the massive joint to one of the nearly 250,000 attendees and use the proceeds to keep the event going.
Hempfest donations: Up in smoke
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By Greg Shaw
Greg Shaw is a senior director in Microsoft’s strategy group. He served as publisher of Crosscut and prior to that was a director for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He writes for Crosscu
Greg Shaw is a senior director in Microsoft’s strategy group. He served as publisher of Crosscut and prior to that was a director for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He writes for Crosscu