A High Times Extravaganja
by Patrick Kiefer
The blistering midsummer heat saturated the Second Annual High Times World Hemp Expo Extravaganja in Harrisburg, Oregon. About fifteen miles north of Eugene, this patch of private land provided the perfect scene--notwithstanding the lack of natural shade and water--for a primarily hippiesque herb-loving crowd to party and exchange ideas. Although a political overtone may have existed within a few avid signature gatherers, WHEE 2 served more as a reassurance to anyone who thought that such a gathering could not exist in a Drug War-torn America.
Tents and homemade stands laced the walkways that meandered their way through the festival. Ranging from food to clothes to trinkets to knowledge, the stands and friendly folks made for an integral part of the gathering.
From the stage, music was provided by the HIGH TIMES Cannabis Cup Band, Jah Levi, The Toyes, Big Mountain, Zen Tricksters, Calobo and the Herbivores among others. Speakers included Stephan and Ina May Gaskin, Jack Herer, Mountain Girl, Dennis Peron, Paul Krassner, John Sinclair, Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters. Every day, a 4:20 celebration took place.
For myself, it was inspiring to see newfound friends passing the peace pipe and smoking openly. The lack of any intimidating or oppressive presence provided weed lovers with an unusual sense of freedom.
High Times set the stage for a liberated state right here in our country. People from all over united to share in the concept of open, unrestricted use and exchange of marijuana and a few other natural substances. Perhaps the goal was to further the cause beyond the boundaries of the WHEE 2 fences, but for now, High Times made some money and herb lovers gained a little more faith in the longevity of the hemp movement.