The buzz about Hempfest 2007 (photos)

Despite the presence of a very large OPP check point about two miles south of the Hempfest site in Ophir, ON, there was a steady line of eager participants at the entrance gate Friday afternoon.

Owner of Planetary Pride and festival organizer, Rob Waddell estimates the attendance somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 for the ninth annual celebration of cannabis.

Games, contests, costumes, vendors, food and a full weekend of camping under the stars drew people from across North America regardless of the sporadic bouts of rain.

And lets not forget the music.

Upon arrival at the festival, I found the boys of the Wild Turkeys, who played earlier in the day, gettin' their groove on to the music of the Marantz Project, a five-piece "urban abstrakt groove" band from St. Catharine's, ON.

The compelling trip-hop jazz fusion thumping from stage had heads bopping, limbs twitching, toes tapping and bodies dancing for the duration of their set.

"These guys are amazing!" was the phrase of the hour, overheard in every square inch of the festival grounds.

Slotted up next was Sean Stephens and the Chaos System who, to much disappointment, was a no show.

Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band, Skinny Leonard stepped up and took the stage to fill the empty slot.

"I turned down a gig in Vancouver to come to this festival," front man Norm Quesnel told the crowd. "We're excited to be here and we'll play all night as long as you'll have us."

The audience immediately called out for Free Bird.

"You'll have stick around a lot longer to hear that one," laughed Quesnel.

Other entertainment throughout the weekend included 100 Gran, The Blackberries, Driving Dave Home, and Pink Floyd tribute band, Floyd Factor.

But the band who seemed to have everyone buzzing was The Killin' Time Band, scheduled to play Saturday night.

Everywhere I turned I was told, "You have to come back tomorrow. The Killin' Time Band is the best!"

Although I was unable to catch their performance, the band members were on hand Friday night for a bit of conversation and fun.

With its gradual and continuous growth year after year, Hempfest is sure to be bigger and better next year when it celebrates its tenth anniversary.

I feel an extended visit in 2008 may be in order.

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