The first annual Texas Hemp Harvest Festival is set to take place at the Carson Creek Ranch in Austin, Texas, Oct. 23.
The Travis County Commissioners Court approved an application submitted by the festival and issued a mass gathering permit Oct. 5, allowing for the festival to take place, KXAN reported.
According to the Texas Hemp Harvest Festival website, the event is put on by hemp farmers, processors, manufacturers and retailers to celebrate harvest in Texas. The family-friendly festival will include live music from more than 10 bands, special guest speakers, food trucks, games, charity raffles, and vendors for shopping.
The festival will also host a "Battle of the Buds" competition, where anonymous judges will vote on hemp products produced and manufactured in Texas within four categories: flower/pre-rolls, edibles, topicals, and tinctures/capsules. "Delta-8 or synthetic cannabinoids are not allowed for any category," the website states.
The products will be judged based on the manufacturer for farmers' craftsmanship and their hard work, rather than the product's branding, marketing or packaging.
Additionally, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, attendees must show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of the event. Event workers will also be taking attendees' temperatures at the gate, KXAN reported.
Travis County's officials are also expected to be on-site to ensure all guidelines are followed.
