Fairs, festivals, pirates and politics

As the Friends of Jay Selthofner and the candidate were out and about in public this last weekend attending public events we were surprised at how many people in the district and surrounding area attend Harvest Fest in Madison each fall. Not surprising is the support Selthofner found for the reform of marijuana laws at each event he attended.

The 40th Annual Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival

Selthofner reported “this will be be a historic Harvest Fest for multiple reasons, just the fact that this will be the 40th annual is monumental itself, not to mention the line up speakers and entertainment.” Selthofner went on to add “last year at this time most my activism occurred behind the scenes, I had wanted to attend a Harvest Fest for years now, but other commitments did not allow it, so this year, my first year attending I will be a guest speaker.”

As Jay and his Friends of Jay Campaign traveled around the district for campaign yard sign placement, we found a supporter in Waushara County who attended the first Harvest Fest and shared stories of his activism throughout the years. Now an older gentleman, he labeled himself more of a medical user than recreational, stating it (smoking marijuana) helped with most of his diagnosed medical conditions.

Thumbs up for Selthofner and his stimulus plan!

The Green Lake County Fair found every sort of marijuana supporter imaginable. The farmers from the Markesan area recalled “grandpa’s hemp fields” and pointed out that feral hemp still grows by the acre in some areas. These farmers understand crops and politics, what they do not understand is why marijuana is still illegal. The fair draws a wide crowd, knowing no boundaries, which is very similar to hemp cannabis, medical marijuana and recreational cannabis use. The support for total legalization was high everywhere we asked, from the famous carnival workers, to the families out together, community leaders, political candidates, right down to the farmer exhibiting his livestock, shared their experience and beliefs about marijuana. Those that do not use certainly do not support the continued public policy of prohibition either.

Local events such as the county fairs are important for a variety of reasons. Not only are political candidates found everywhere, but a tremendous number of area businesses had vendor booths. Community and non-profit organizations had information available and a variety of experts from all walks of life came together. Some county residents only experience this much interaction with each other but once a year.

“The Green Lake County Fair is billed as The Best Little Fair Around, but is known is the Last Free Fair in Wisconsin” stated Selthofner. He continued “the fair does not serve alcohol on the fairgrounds and is a family event, these are some of the reasons I showcased my insurance and investment practice as a financial representative at the fair venue”. Although licensed and representing a variety of companies and products, past fair goers fondly remember the “Quiet Company” a.k.a. Northwestern Mutual Financial Network becoming something a little more unique as Selthofner educated folks about the importance of risk management and financial security.

Fair goers thought the pirates had stolen Jay’s “Guess the Cash” jar they were accustomed to finding at the Green Lake Fair. Without even finding the usual information booth this year, they thought perhaps Selthofner’s platform as a Independent State Assembly candidate to legalize hemp cannabis (marijuana) had lead the county’s pirates to make him “walk the plank”.

Thankfully Jay was just out on the midway and fairgrounds talking to everyone and for the most part, everyone was talking to him. At times we could not tell if people where coming to the fair to see the fair, or to find Jay.

Joe Kallas (D-Princeton) was sure glad to see the Independent Selthofner out on the fairgrounds. The two crossed paths while Joe was out at the Green Lake County Fair, campaigning to defeat long time 6th congressional district seat holder Republican Tom Petri. Selthofner and Kallas chatted for some time about local politics and marijuana policy reform, as well as challenges the district faces.

The crew did have an awkward moment at the fair this year. The incumbent Jay will defeat this fall, Joan Ballweg, (R-Markesan) joined the serving ladies in the dairy barn while Selthofner and his crew waited in line. Ballweg served the Friends of Jay, the candidate himself, and his family their bounty of farm fresh goodness. After finishing their food and drinks, the crew of cannabis warriors celebrated a victory song by the local pirates; who inspired the group to campaign the fair pirate style and had a great time.