TENTH MADRI GRASS READY TO LIGHT UP NIMBIN

The buzz of Nimbin's TENTH Mardi Grass in two weeks has begun to infect the village. "Visitors and volunteers have started to arrive and we are geared up for a big week end." said Michael Balderstone, spokesperson for the Nimbin Hemp Embassy, organisers of the event. "What began as a protest Rally against the cannabis laws has now become a legendary event attracting cannabis cultural icons from across the globe."

"There's nothing like this grass roots event anywhere on the planet," he said. "Visitors have had an amazing experience in the past and the word has spread. Our phones haven't stopped ringing for this years Rally."

Two of the new events for this year are already taking entries. The Pot Limericks competition and stories of "The First Time You Got Stoned". The stories may become a book with the idea to break down barriers. "Telling our stories may make those who judge us criminals think a bit."

"Often these stories involved profound experiences, sometimes life changing - and sometimes nothing, some people just go to sleep. We want to hear them all." You can tell your story at Mardi Grass or post it to the HEMP Embassy at PO Box 177, Nimbin 2480 or email hemp@nrg.com.au.

The Kombi Konvoy begins from Byron Bay this year for the first time. Kombis will gather at Byron at the Main Beach Car park on Friday 3rd May leaving there at 4.30pm to join the traditional gathering in Lismore which then departs at 5.30pm to reach Nimbin' Peace Park at 6.30pm for the Mardi Grass Opening Ceremony which leads into the Harvest Ball.

There'll be experts on all things cannabis at the Mardi Grass with Industrial and Medicinal displays, panels and discussions, mixing it with a lighter side, The HEMP Olympix, Pot Poetry, Comedy, Music, Speakers, Art and Performances.

This years Rally promises to be more political with organisers saying feelings are running hot on the "LAW AND ORDER CRISIS" election coming up in NSW. "We all know that's primarily caused by the stupid drug laws," said Michael "as is Bob Carr building new jails."

Nimbin Hemp Embassy
Ph & fax 02 6689 1842
Michael Balderstone
AH 02 6689 7525

A novice who hailed from Geelong
Proceeded to get it quite wrong
It wasn't the Hash
That got him so smashed
But the water he drank from the bong
(Latest Limerick)