Nimbin MardiGrass 2009

[grace]

YOU'D be forgiven for thinking Nimbin was the place time forgot. Located in the foothills of an extinct volcano, this sub-tropical village is a piece of hippie heritage left over from the 1973 Age of Aquarius festival.

 

While the Age of Aquarius has physically gone, its spirit remains alive and well, attracting thousands of tourists who want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and sink into the blissful peace and tranquility that Nimbin offers.

 

But for one weekend in May, Nimbin transforms into a colourful and crowded metropolis, as people arrive to take part in the annual MardiGrass Festival.

 

What's MardiGrass about?

 

MardiGrass is basically a peaceful rally for cannabis law reform. Supporters for the legalisation of cannabis are fighting for it to be recognised as a substance that can be used medicinally, as a food source, an environmentally-friendly fibre or as a potential fuel source.

 

When is the MardiGrass Festival on?

 

The festival starts on Friday, May 1, 2009. This is the day to get to the Nimbin Town Hall to purchase your pass and establish your camping digs for the weekend (or other accommodation).

 

The main festivities start at 4.20am on the Saturday morning and continue through until Sunday, May 3 at around 11pm-midnight.

 

Is it a child-friendly event?

 

While the township itself is kid friendly, it's advised not to take children. Yes, there are the local children around, but as there will be activities like the passing of the giant joint and the Hemp Olympix; it's probably best to leave the kids at home. This festival is really more for people aged 18 years and over.

 

What's on?

 

Whether you're participating in MardiGrass or simply seeing what the fuss is about; MardiGrass has something for most tastes, with live music, poetry readings, information sessions and street entertainment.

 

There's a host of feature events which include:

 

The Kombi Konvoy - a parade of the VW hippie mobiles winds its way into Nimbin after travelling from Byron Bay via Lismore.

Definitely worth a look, even if you aren't a car buff.

The Hemp Olympix - who would have thought bong throwing or joint rolling was considered a sport?

The Harvest Ball in Peace Park.

The main drawcard - the Cannabis Law Reform Parade - complete with Ganja Faeries, percussionists, floats and the giant joint.

 

The official Nimbin MardiGrass website has an in-depth list of all the events that are happening over the two days, and is definitely worth looking at before you go.

 

How much will it be?

 

Up until recently, MardiGrass was a free event. However, like many events, it now comes at a price.

 

For $50, you can get a full MardiGrass pass for one person. This includes two nights at the A&I Showground campsite (tents not included).

 

Should you come to the campsite earlier than the pass allows, additional nights can be purchased for $10 per night.

 

Full weekend passes to MardiGrass without camping are $30 per person.

 

Saturday-only passes are $20 and Sunday-only passes are $10. These passes allow you to everything except the Cannabis Cup.

 

Date: 24 April 2009

Source: Ballina Advocate

http://www.ballinaadvocate.com.au/story/20...-mardigrass-09/

[luciddreaming]

You have to pay for it now?

Fuck man.... I was thinking about going but I'm broke as fuck already.

Do they have a facebook page for this, it should get some more publicity?

EDIT: They have a facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#...9214&ref=mf

Join and invite your friends!

Edited April 25, 2009 by luciddreaming

[bufo marinus]

hehe I'm that broke I can't even pay attention, but I'm going, along with other diehard smokers, tourists, hippies, indigenous Ozzies, backpackers, coppers, known criminals, closet tokers, grandmothers, great grandfathers, runaways, townies, confused immigrants, surfers, narcs, activists, hot chickies, shady dealers, pleasant shop keepers, bogans, city people, country people, teachers, doctors, layabout poker players, tradies, legal eagles, hemp olympic athletes, bikers, the girl next door, maybe even the person sitting beside you on the bus!

Of course this lil shindig of over 10 000 should not be construed as 'The official' protest for all Australian Cannabis consumers, but I'll turn up anyway

[#5hifty]

So is anyone from Vic going? I know its a little late, but was trying to get a ride.... eh.

[llama farmer]

Still have my maroonish 2001 shirt even if it does have holes in it and is generally falling apart

[everest]

hehe I'm that broke I can't even pay attention, but I'm going, along with other diehard smokers, tourists, hippies, indigenous Ozzies, backpackers, coppers, known criminals, closet tokers, grandmothers, great grandfathers, runaways, townies, confused immigrants, surfers, narcs, activists, hot chickies, shady dealers, pleasant shop keepers, bogans, city people, country people, teachers, doctors, layabout poker players, tradies, legal eagles, hemp olympic athletes, bikers, the girl next door, maybe even the person sitting beside you on the bus!

Of course this lil shindig of over 10 000 should not be construed as 'The official' protest for all Australian Cannabis consumers, but I'll turn up anyway

 

well if thats the case .. see you there (no hard drugs on arrival)

 

ev

[Indycar]

'The official' protest for all Australian Cannabis consumers

 

-1

[bufo marinus]

Of course this lil shindig of over 10 000 should not be construed as 'The official' protest for all Australian Cannabis consumers, but I'll turn up anyway

 

Of course only cool people will be there, so stay at home if having fun and feeling empowered offends.

[brick]

Of course only cool people will be there, so stay at home if having fun and feeling empowered offends.

 

 

What about the cops bufo? Are they cool people too? Would love to be there, but had my car written off on Friday by a young fella who was just a little bit impatient when changing lanes. Maybe next year. Have fun all of you who are making the sojourn.

[Radic]

the Nimbin Cannabis law reform rally is totally free for all to partisapate

FREE

starts on sunday 3rd may at 1pm in the main street of nimbin

right out side the local nimbin cop shop

you cant miss it

and thats when you will see 20,000 good people pon the streets of nimbin

with 20,000 good reasons to legalize it

 

everyting is free from then on

 

we only seek your support to pay to get into tings before that on the fri or sat

there are tingz we need to keep secure like the seed swap or joint rolling compz, hemp olimpics, Cannabis cup, etc

and it costs $$$$$$$$$ to do so

however

we are hippies

so

no money

no worries

there are ways

if you come early to help with the setup you get a free pass for the whole week end

come now and go straight to the hemp embassy and report for duty

tell em radic sent yah

or

if you work for 3hrs during the festival as crew you will get a day pass free

go to the hemp embassy and ask

or

dont forget

we do accept Green Card in nimbin

or

just jump the friggin fence

 

irey guidance