Dr. Tony Brannon, the Agriculture dean from Murray State University walks through a hemp field. Since 2014, when crops were first planted at MSU as part of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s industrial hemp research program, the state has been at the forefront of national efforts to revive hemp production. (Ryan Hermens/The Paducah Sun via AP)
WESTFIELD—A festival based around industrial hemp will be coming to Westfield this Saturday.
The Industrial Hemp Fest will be coming to Westfield at Kelley Farm on Old Feeding Hills Road Saturday, Sept. 16, from noon to 6 p.m. The event is set to feature music, bands, food, vendors and guest speakers and is hosted by Ora Care, Inc. and Misty Valley Farm.
According to Violet Hall of Ora Care, the event is being held to bring attention to what industrial hemp is.
“This is an industrial and agricultural festival,” Hall said.
According to Hall, the festival will provide information for attendees on industrial hemp, from educational booths to testimonials from speakers.
“It’s one of the biggest industries right now that is on the move because industrial hemp can be used in a variety of fields,” Hall said.
These uses, according to Hall, include biodegradable containers, fuel, medication, oils, clothing and paper.
“Your Declaration of Independence is written on hemp paper,” she said.
Hall said that hemp and marijuana come from the same plant, but hemp is different genetically and is used for manufacturing items rather than ingestion.
“They all come from the same plant but they all have different genetics,” she said.
Hall said that the event is also being held to attempt to garner signatures for legislation related to industrial hemp and information on this will be available at the festival.
According to Hall, police will be on hand at the festival to help guide traffic and work at the entrance to the farm. In addition, she said that there will be no alcohol at the festival and that they are not expecting a large crowd. Parking is also available on site, according to Hall.
According to at least a couple residents on Old Feeding Hills Rd. though, there has been little notice about what is expected.
One resident nearby said that they were unsure what was going on, but were told verbally of the event.
Another resident on the road said that they were unfamiliar with what was going to be happening, as well.
The event charges a $5 entrance fee and parking is $5, according to a flyer found online.
