Food, politics, music and hemp converged in Seattle’s downtown parks last weekend during the 18th annual Seattle Hempfest.

The event filled the Elliott Bay, Myrtle Edwards and Olympic Sculpture parks with bands, speakers, activists and vendors selling hemp products Aug. 15-16.

Since 1991, Hempfest has attempted to raise awareness and support for political movements to help legalize medicinal and recreational marijuana not only in Washington state, but throughout the United States. The original Washington Hemp Expo started in Volunteer Park, with only about 500 attendees. It has grown steadily over the years into the two-day event that spanned three parks with hundreds of vendors, four music stages, and thousands of attendees this year.

The theme for this year’s festival was “A Decade after Prohibition, a Hempen Future” and focused on the future possibilities for legalized marijuana and commercial hemp farming. At its roots, Hempfest is still a political rally.

Between bands on the main stage, guest speakers discussed the politics of legalizing marijuana. In the past, the festival has featured travel writer Rick Steves and actor Woody Harrelson.

After an indie-pop performance by the band Half Acre Day, Seattle city councilmember Nick Licata spoke about the steps Seattle has taken to make policing the possession of marijuana a low priority for law-enforcement officials. This initiative was apparent from the atmosphere and feeling of the entire event. Officers were present throughout the festivities, monitoring the event as they would any other.

A distinct, wafting scent drifted with the breeze, and people acted friendly as they roamed the tents and food stands set up by eager vendors. One stand brewed hemp coffee, while others sold clothing and bags made from the legal variation of the marijuana plant. The prospect of peace was prominent, and it showed that one of the goals of the event was to end the conflict surrounding the use of marijuana.

However, the push to legalize marijuana wasn’t the only political stance taken at Hempfest. People representing pro-choice groups and vegetarian and vegan activists collected signatures and promoted their causes.

Beyond the politics, music and Seattle culture were significant parts of the event.

UW alumna Suzanne Garret watched Half Acre Day at the main stage and stayed to see a jazz performance by the Shanghai Woolies after the speeches.

“This is my first Hempfest,” she said. “I’m here to absorb the music and hear what Seattle has to offer.”

The constant stream of music was mixed with the political issues presented by the speakers, and comedians who took the stage had a voice on the issue as well.

While it offers a variety of booths and entertainment — and some drug paraphernalia — Hempfest doesn’t let you forget that it’s the politics the event is aiming to change.

Reach reporter Ella Williams at arts@dailyuw.com.