05/05/2026
What a weekend!
Ill be the first to admit that I'm too disorganized to coordinate an event. If I had to do it myself, it would look like a total mess. If you were wondering why Springfest went off without a hitch, here are the real superstars behind the project:
Rob Dooley. A few years back, Rob contacted me looking for a new home for DanksGiving. He contacted me right after VA420Fest canceled their whole event. I had already decided not to coordinate any more events, but Rob convinced me to give it one more go. Without him and the Diamond Cup, Springfest wouldnt exist.
Ennis Fonder CG. Ennis' biggest job is keeping me from going too far down the "good idea" rabbit hole. He keeps me grounded in reality and does a decent job of keeping me from taking on too many projects. Every moment spent with Ennis is an opportunity to learn more about the cannabis plant, which is why he is the perfect person to lead the VIP. He also unknowingly holds me accountable which provides me with a greater motivation to "get it done."
Kelly Rene' Malone. Convincing Kelly to return as the vendor coordinator while her daughter was graduating high-school was no easy task and it absolutely caused a lot of stress in her life. Kelly keeps everything organized and, in my world of disorganization, that is a full-time job. As vendors, if you wondered why this year was much smoother than last year, thank Kelly.
Ryan Johnson. 420 Chief and I were introduced back in January, long before I was ready to start planning Springfest. However, the inclusion of DD420 forced me to get off my butt and get things started early. If I hadn't done that, we would have been way behind. While it became very obvious what benefit DD420 had for the vets, the impact it had on Springfest was only visible from behind the scenes. Adding DD420 to the lineup was almost as good of a decision as adding the Diamond Cup and I'm already looking forward to 2027!
Benjamin Romine, Rob Dooley, Nicholas Wilson, Kief. This year, our seeds didnt germinate. This would have thrown a MAJOR monkey wrench into our greenhouse workings, not to mention the free plants we gave away. The ONLY reason we had clones ready in time was because of these 4 individuals. The 4 of you absolutely saved the first half of the greenhouse season and you have my upmost gratitude.
Heather Martin. Heather ran the egg hunt. If you wondered who took the time to put the candy and tickets inside those eggs, it was Heather. Every year, I know I dont have to worry much about the egg hunt and that is because of her.
To all of our Diamond Cup contestants. You are all a shining example of Virginia's REAL cannabis industry. Everytime I see your samples, I learn more. Its also a fantastic ego check for me as I am constantly being humbled by the flower all of you grow and your willingness to show up and put yourselves out there like you do. My upmost goal is to ensure that all of you have a future in the industry that we all share and I will fight to the end for all of you. Congratulations to Scottsville Skunk and Tree Man on your outstanding wins with the understanding that there is still much more to come.
To all of our judges: Ennis, Doc, Grow N Places, Rob Coakley CG, Ryan, Ian Hill, Grant McCreary, Rob, and Dr. Bacon. By adding your diverse tastes and opinions on our lovely plant, you have all given the contestants what they were seeking. The value that each of you bring to the table is why the Diamond Cup continues to grow each season. If this was the first time we've worked together, you did not disappoint. If we have judged together before, you continue to impress.
Dr. Bacon. This was my first time ever booking a band by myself. Your patience with my ignorance in the process was greatly appreciated. Not only was your music the perfect way to top off the event, your willingness to step into a judging position was a great fit. We absolutely look forward to having you back in the future.
To all of our vendors, thank you for showing up as always. You all bring the much needed diversity that our guests expect everytime they show up to the farm. While the weather might have been a bit cold, all of you made the event feel a bit warmer with your smiles.
To all the vets that showed up for DD420. You all said that the healing we provided you was top notch, yet I still believe I got the better part of the deal. Everyone of you that said "wow" the first time you got out of the car has gifted me with the exact reason why we do events. Your "healing" provides the motivation behind 70,000 steps and 5 months of work. All of you have a home at Garrett Farms.
Finally, to every person who attended Springfest, the biggest thank you goes to you. Springfest was event #19 for the farm. Most of the events lost money. Several had diminishing attendance. You making the conscience decision to come out on your day off means something to every vendor, sponsor and staff member. Yet their appreciation is nowhere near the appreciation given from an event coordinator who has held many failed events. To be able to end an event without depression is a bit of a new feeling for me...but I like it! All of you have started a snowball rolling down a hill. This year that snowball picked up mass and speed. Next year, it will be an avalanche!
We have a lot of plans coming down the pipes. I've been contacted by 4 different event coordinators looking for a venue. Plans are being developed and the future looks brighter than ever. As always, good luck and happy growing!
P.S. To the lady (retired LPN) and her husband who I met at the gate. I completely understand why you wanted to turn around when you discovered this was a cannabis event. Im also so glad that you decided to come in and stay. May you share the REAL face of our cannabis industry to the rest of SW Virginia while we all work to demolish the Stigmas surrounding our medicine. You were absolutely one of my favorite guest experiences at this event!
