Marijuana supporters plan festival

By Margaret Farnham, Blade Staff Writer

FREMONT Some of the area's most ardent supporters of legalized marijuana
will hold their festival in northwest Ohio this year.

The Sandusky County chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of
Marijuana Laws, or NORML, plans to conduct its seventh annual Harvest
Festival Sept. 1921 at the Golden Eye Campground in Port Clinton.

The Organization last held its festival in the area two years ago at a
small farm in Helena, O. Several residents complained about noise, traffic,
and people urinating on the road.

No charges were filed against any group members. Last year, NORML moved the
event south to New Philadelphia, O.

Tomas Salazar, chapter president, said the group chooses festival locations
appropriate for its purposes.

"No matter the allegations, rumor, innuendo, the fact is we are an
educational group," Mr. Salazar said. "We do not advocate the use of
marijuana or any other substance."

He said the move to southern Ohio last year was not do to controversy.

The group received an invitation from a landowner who said he wanted to
host the event, he said.

Mr. Salazar expects about 2,500 people to attend this year's event, which
will feature live bands, workshops, and information about everything from
marijuana and hemp to the Libertarian Party.

Ottawa County Sheriff Craig Emahiser did not know of the organization's
plans until contacted by The Blade.

He said he does not expect the problems this year that were reported in
Helena.

"Where they're going to [in Port Clinton] is off the road, and there should
not be any traffic," Sheriff Emahiser said.

He said the campground on State Rt. 53 at State Rt. 2 should provide the
festivalgoers with sufficient space and appropriate facilities.

But, he said, the department will enforce the law.

"The law still says the use of illicit drugs is illegal, and if there were
complaints and people were seen using them, we would handle it
appropriately," Sheriff Emahiser said.

He said his department is used to handling tourists, and in his mind, the
festivalgoers are no different than the boaters, fishermen, and others who
visit Ottawa County each summer.

Mr. Salazar said the Golden Eye Campground is privately owned and large
enough to accommodate everyone.

The entrance fee has not been determined, but the average cost per person
is typically $20 for the weekend.

Money raised by the 50member chapter helps support educational projects,
including events like the upcoming Hemp Fair on July 26 in Fremont's Walsh
Park. The fair, which is free and open to the public, is intended to show
the usefulness and versatility of the hemp fiber, Mr. Salazar said.

The group supports the use of marijuana for medical purposes.

Mr. Salazar said the organization goes out of its way to make sure its
fairs and festivals run smoothly.

"In six years of events, we've never had one fight," Mr Salazar said. "Why?
Because if one small thing goes wrong, everyone will start pointing the
finger and say, 'I told you so.'

"We know we are scrutinized more than any organization."