MardiGrass

For those who

came in late…

“In March 1993, after a decade of raids

and arrests, and a particularly intensive recent period of random

street searches, arrests and rough treatment, a spontaneous demonstration

erupted, and marched to the police station, pelting it with eggs

and toilet paper. Negative newspaper reports followed. Nimbin

Hemp Embassy (formerly “Nimbin Hemp”) members decided

to hold a peaceful protest in a non-confrontational

atmosphere, that ordinary people could comfortably attend,

on May 1, 1993. That was the first MardiGrass. (The spelling is

that officially used by the MardiGrass Organising Body) The MardiGrass

Organising Body (MOB) was formed to manage the event and consists

entirely of volunteers. The intention is to hold a MardiGrass

every year until prohibition ends.”

That’s what Wikipedia

says and we couldn’t have summed it up better ourselves.

The 2010 MardiGrass has a new level of optimism with the Californians imminent vote on legalising pot for everyone over 21. The explosion of medical cannabis in America has been much bigger than the authorities expected and suddenly their laws are looking as silly as they truly are.

The Lismore Council has put the MOB (MardiGrass Organising Body) through the ringer this year with new rules and regulations but we have triumphed and have a bigger than ever program with some class acts lined up.

Comedy is at the fore with Akmal Saleh and Sean Choolburra joining SSorrensen and Alan Glover who compere the Hemp Olympix. At least 5 venues for music will be on all weekend starting with the Pickers Ball on friday evening following the opening ceremony, all in Peace Park.

Forums on all things cannabis are on over the weekend as well as Pot Art, Pot Poetry and anything else pot you can think of. Mardigrass shows people pot can be an ordinary part of everyday life like it was for thousands of years before the recent lunacy of prohibiting natures best pain relieving herbs.

This is a not for profit event sponsored by the Nimbin HEMP (thats Help End Marijuana Prohibition) Embassy which is itself run by volunteers and dedicated to ending the ridiculous war on weed.

We need you to buy an armband to support cannabis law reform and we guarantee you a great and educational weekend at Nimbins Yarndi University.

An all weekend armband giveing entry to all events costs $40. Or $80 with a 3 night campsite at the Showgrounds Camping (including hot showers this year!)

Two Backpackers, Nimbin Rox and Rainbow Retreat are doing camping also, for $60 which includes an all day saturday entry (for an extra $20 you can get a full weekend pass).

The Council and police are vowing to be tougher on roadside camping this year and we recommend you go into one of the official campsites. They love to watch at night for the flick of the bic on the bong in the car and sneak up on you so be aware!!

Mardigrass is run by volunteers and you can be one if you come early and are prepared to work at least 4 hours and 20 minutes each day. For that you will get an armband and a campsite and maybe even a meal or two.

Last year we were flooded with volunteers and fed thousands who did little and the fish and loaves didnt work! So if you want to be part of the MOB volunteers come as early as the Monday before and be real about it, prepared to pitch in and you will have a great time. We need all sorts of skills from cooks to builders, to artists and sewers, and joint rollers. Register here now if you want telling us your skills and time of arrival.