SAN FRANCISCO - After a two-year hiatus, San Francisco is preparing for thousands of people to return to Golden Gate Park's Hippie Hill, for the annual 420 marijuana gathering on Wednesday.
This year, there will be some big changes to the event. Vendors will be selling marijuana products, so the gathering will be fenced off and limited to adults only."Because this is the year where there are legal sales, state law requires that you will not be allowed in unless you are 21," said Phil Ginsburg, general manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.Ginsburg says officials will be checking IDs and there will be park rangers, security guards, and police on hand."Our goal was to try to make it as safe as possible," said GInsburg.For some people the grass is always greener at Hippie Hill on 420.
Tens of thousands of people have come to Golden Gate Park in years past."I think everyone's going to come out and have a good time," said Savannah Vines, a Concord resident who was enjoying the sunshine with friends sitting on Hippie Hill Tuesday as organizers set up for the event.Community organizers spent all day setting up the main stage and tents for more than 40 sponsors, merchant booths, and food trucks.
Also new this year will be two VIP platforms for better viewing of the performances.Alex Aquino the organizer and founder of Sounds Bazaar events says this year will feature a special comedy tribute to Robin Williams."They renamed this meadow Robin Williams Meadow, so we're doing a dedication to him in honor," said Aquino, "We have comedians.