| Jay Selthofner |
When it began 41 years ago, it was an anti-war protest. It soon morphed into a cannabis legalization rally, and the Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest moves into its fifth decade September 30-October 2 at the Library Mall adjacent to the University of Wisconsin campus in Madison.
The festival will feature live music, guest speakers, a parade, vendors, and plenty of good munchies, according to organizers. Sponsors include Wisconsin NORML, Is My Medicine Legal Yet? (IMMLY), and Madison NORML.
| Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival |
Things will kick off Friday, September 30, when the 9th Annual IMMLY/Madison NORML Medical Cannabis Benefit will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at The Frequency, 121 West Main Street, with music by Utopian Rag and Brok’n Arrow. The suggested donation is $10 for the benefit.
The party really kicks into gear at high noon on Saturday, October 1, in the Library Mall, where live bands will be featured until 6:30 p.m. There will be two after-party choices, one at the High Noon Saloon, 7091 E. Washington Avenue, with music by Natty Nation, and another at Mr. Robert’s, 2116 Atwood Avenue, with music by Venice Gas House Trolley, Machine Gun Moses, and the Delta-9 Band.
The bands will start up again at noon on Sunday, October 2 at the Library Mall, continuing until just after 3 p.m. At 3:30, there will be a pro-cannabis parade down State Street to the State Capitol, with Nama Rupa along with guest speakers on the Capitol steps at 4:20 p.m.
Speakers scheduled for the festival include Jacki Rickert, Gary Storck, Jim Miller, Ngaio Bealum, Hoam Rogh, and Jay Selthofner.
All outdoor events at the Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival are free to attend and open to all ages. Some indoor concert events include a cover charge and are 21+ only.
Pets are allowed at outdoor events. No illegal activities or unauthorized vendors will be allowed.