Photo source: hempfest.org

There are different points of view regarding the legalization, or the de-criminalization of marijuana worldwide. Seattle though, seems to have a stance.

Considered to be among the most liberal cities in the US, how can Seattleites sit pretty while the smoking issues around marijuana threaten their very freedom of choice! 

These issue comes alive every year in the third weekend of August at Seattle’s famous Hempfest. Attended by hundreds of thousands of people, this rather ‘colorful’ and peaceful congregation, espousing the decriminalization of marijuana, is the largest in the world, and allegedly, among the country’s largest volunteer events.

Held in downtown’s beautiful Myrtle Edwards Park, the festival is quite the riot. It almost feels like a carnival of sorts with handicrafts and trinkets for sale, music, speeches, and an occasional rally or two thrown in.

Needless to say, the panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and the Puget Sound, and the quirky larger than life sculptures of the Olympic Sculpture Park, only add to the already heady atmosphere.

Add to that, the festival is in the Fall. And as we all know, Seattle of course is, absolutely spectacular in the Fall, adorned in bright sprays of red, orange and yellow.

It doesn’t really matter what your stance on the issue is. The festival is an experience in and of itself.

The splendor of Fall, combined with breathtaking views in an urban oasis like the Sculpture Park, throbbing with more people than you could ever imagine, or would probably ever see (in weird costumes and funny masks), all make this bohemian gathering rather alluring.

You don’t have to ‘believe.' Enjoy it for what it’s worth. Like art for art’s sake.