4/20 Festival Boasts More Security, Variety Of Activities
DENVER (CBS4)- It's known as the largest 4/20 festival but this year there are new organizers of the annual tradition in Civic Center Park. They say there are more activities to choose from compared to years past and more security.
Last year's 4/20 rally created some troubles after trash covered Civic Center Park the morning after the event.
That caused the city to revoke the event organizer's permit and almost cancel the pro-marijuana rally.
After some drama with the permit process, Euflora Cannabis Dispensaries was able to snag the permit to become the 2018 4/20 Mile High Festival organizers.
PHOTO GALLERY: 4/20 Festival
Bobby Reginelli with Euflora says the company hired a professional events company that has previous experience with festivals in Civic Center Park. They also have 90 security guards which is six times the amount of security at previous 4/20 festivals.
Entry this year is through metal detectors and there is double fencing. Last year, people knocked down fences to get inside the gates.
Euflora estimates close to 50,000 people will attend the rally in the heart of downtown Denver.
"Because of the freedom, how I can express myself and not worry about it," said Cory W. from Salisbury, North Carolina.
Reginelli told CBS4 that he is "thrilled" with the success of the event in terms of security and keeping things clean. Trash is being removed from bins as they fill so garbage doesn't build up. About 40 people are assisting with keeping the park clean, regularly taking bagged trash to dumpsters on site and sweeping up debris on the street and sidewalks.
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The 4/20 Mile High Rally will have live music with headliners Lil' Wayne and Lil' John, food trucks and dozens of vendors with marijuana-related products.
Despite warnings that lighting up in public is illegal, there were plenty of people smoking marijuana at the festival. There are giant electric signs warning festival goers about smoking pot in public.
Reginelli said the laws are contradictory in that they allow legal sale of pot, but not consumption in public adding, "We don't get into politics, we just want to throw a great festival."
There are also spaces set up for yoga and art. Scheduled yoga classes are also on the agenda.
There are also food trucks offering a variety of food and several booths with marijuana-themed products.
Euflora has the permit through noon on Saturday. They will remove the fencing and any additional trash they may have missed by then.