Washington, Seattle

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Tuesday, August 8, 2006 - Page updated at 12:00 AM

Hempfest gets permit, to withdraw lawsuit

The Seattle Times

Seattle Hempfest organizers said Monday they'll withdraw a lawsuit against the city and the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) because the festival has received a permit guaranteeing access to Myrtle Edwards Park.

Hempfest filed the lawsuit July 31 in King County Superior Court out of concern that construction of SAM's Olympic Sculpture Park would interfere with equipment trucks and crowds for the Aug. 19-20 event. They were particularly concerned about the main waterfront approach from Alaskan Way and Broad Street.

The conflict was defused after the city sent Hempfest a special-event permit Friday stating that SAM and its contractor, Sellen Construction, must allow festival organizers adequate space to set up and hold the event.

Hempfest, which features concerts and speakers advocating decriminalization of marijuana, has been held in Seattle parks since 1991.