On July 1, 2023, a new law went into effect in Maryland that legalized the recreational use of cannabis, in addition to medicinal use which had already been legalized there. Our friends at Apple Mountain Productions threw a little party on their land in Little Orleans, MD. Our Bear Care team was on scene to help ensure the health and well-being of all festival attendees, and I’m happy to report that the festival was a resounding success with no major medical emergencies.

Equipped with essential supplies and a team of skilled medical professionals, we were ready to offer prompt and effective care. However, much to our relief, the event was relatively calm, and our attention primarily focused on treating individuals with heat-related illnesses due to the warm weather.

A short downpour on Saturday helped cool things off a bit, and we were treated to the sight of a beautiful rainbow just after the rains calmed.

One of my new favorite bands, Bumpin’ Uglies, headlined the festival and put on a great show as always. There was an impressive contingent of Uglies Nation fans who we had just seen a couple weeks ago at Weekend At Wolfie’s. Other highlights of the weekend for me personally were: Higher Education, and my fellow Fredericksburg local Mark Vollten performed with his band The Scenic Roots.

One of the highlights of the festival was witnessing the responsible and health-conscious behavior exhibited by the attendees. Many of them were proactive in taking precautions such as staying hydrated and seeking shade to mitigate the effects of the sun. They made regular use of our “Hippies Hydrate” station, and we distributed more than 20 gallons of ice water throughout the event. Their mindfulness and cooperation played a vital role in creating a safe environment for everyone present.

Throughout the day, we attended to several individuals who displayed symptoms of heat-related illnesses. Our team swiftly administered fluids and ice packs, enabling these individuals to recover swiftly and return to enjoying the festivities.

I am proud to have been a part of this inaugural event, and I am looking forward to supporting more events at the Apple Mountain venue in the future!