Pubdate: Mon, 21 Apr 2014
Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2014 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact: http://www.ottawasun.com/letter-to-editor
Website: http://www.ottawasun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329
Author: Doug Hempstead

SMOKIN' RALLY FOGS UP THE HILL

Marijuana Activists Roll Into Capital For Annual 420
Gathering

Sunday afternoon was a time to smoke pot, not talk about
pot.

Thousands of Ottawans did so in earnest as the crisp spring wind
carried their aroma and loose, amplified music down Wellington St.

Organizers of 420 Ottawa "Fill the Hill" were expecting upwards of
10,000 pot smokers and pot smoker-supporters but it appears
Easter-related family obligations forced many would-be attendees to
give up their Doritos for a ham, at least until a little later in the
afternoon. By 4:20 p.m., the entire lawn was filled.

"A certain number of young people got the chocolate out of the way in
the morning and found a way to get here," said even co-organizer Kyle
Sidney.

"I think it's the kind of cause that if people want to find a way to
get here, they'll definitely do it. It's something that happens every
year and people are really dedicated to it."

Regardless, organizers were pleased with the turnouts - a hodge-podge
of young and old and even people with young children in-tow. Adding to
the surreal nature of the affair was the steady stream of confused
tourists taking selfies in front of the Peace Tower, and getting
photo-bonged, so to speak.

It was, however, peaceful as promised - on this, somewhat of a
transition year.

Gone was the podium and bill of guest speakers.

This was not meant to be a political info-session. There were no
rubber Harper masks, no standoffish activist-types - just people with
big, slow smiles and lots of weed to share.

First-time attendee Abby and her three friends brought more than $200
worth, in which they planned to put a serious dent in Sunday afternoon.

"We just got everyone together and just decided to come down," she
says. "We all smoke pot, so..."

Organizer Claude Galipeau delivered on his promise of "a festival
atmosphere" - a day of being surrounded by people who share a desire
to change cannabis policy.

Music coordinator Parish Girard admitted organizers have designs on
turning the one-time rally into a full blown festival.

"It's kind of on the down low, but next year there's a very good
possibility that we could do that. Either way, next year we're going
to getting bigger and bigger with live music and probably bring in
some bigger-name acts."  
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D