The Hemp Hoe Down at the Elk Creek Resort kicked off Thursday for its 12th year. Organizers of the three-day event say the Hoe Down creates an upbeat environment while bringing awareness to the plant. They also say hemp is used for things like clothing and body care and the legalization of the plant would further its use.

Co-producer of the Hemp Hoe Down Jaci Kennison says, "The plant could really do so much to help the state and the country as a whole really. I mean it's good for food and it's good for all kinds of other things, it's a really versatile plant, so the idea is that we want to continue to dispel the myths and continue to educate people so that there's not so much confusion. We really want people to go out and talk to their representatives and Congress people and encourage them to back these bills because it's not a gateway to legalizing a drug, it's really a valuable thing in our world."

The festival runs through Saturday. Tickets can be purchased at the gate.

Tessa Thomas