Westport sparkplug Bill Nigro learned a very important lesson last month…
That when it comes to pot smoking, you can’t be just a little bit pregnant. If you’re going to localize and promote an annual celebration like 420 Day – the day that honors all things marijuana – you’ve got to be all in.
No pussyfooting around.
Not that Nigro’s faint-hearted first off 420 Day blowout was a, you know, bust.
"Well, we had 1,200 paying people and we had another 200 comps," Nigro says. "But I just thought it would be busier."
And well it might have been, had Niro not chickened out in promoting the event with weak-wristed quotes like, "Well, we’re not calling it 420 Day. Our event’s called the Westport Smokeout and we’re going to do some fun things."
See what I mean?
Fortunately, Nigro learned his lesson and next year’s 420 Day blowout will be a no-holds-barred, balls-to-the-wall affair – a full-blown celebration of p-o-t. No more mincing of words. No more apologies to the powers that be. The full, pure, unadultrated spirit of smoking marijuana will be right up front in anybody’s face who cares (or dares) to attend.
"Next time, we’re going to embrace it," Nigro says. "This time we kinda did it with smoke and mirrors. We downplayed the whole 420 thing. All the bars that were involved were kind of afraid of going too public with it. I think we had to just do that first one to kinda just show everybody there wasn’t anything to be over-worried about."
So mark it down potheads, April 20, 2013 – be there or be square – 420 Day in Westport, the 2nd Coming.
All of that said, far be it from Nigro to suggest (wink) that anybody come-a-tokin to the big smokeout.
"It’s really more of a recognition of what’s going on in the United States with marijuana," Nigro hedges. "It really should be a controlled substance and instead it’s the modern prohibition. And I think it’s going to be a runnaway train across the United States to legalize it. A lot of states that have medicinalized it have realized that they don’t have to condone letting it be a black market anymore. And that they can profit from the tax revenues."
It’s A Beautiful Day
They have sponsored a 420 celebration for many years. That is where the dedicated go to support legalization.
Trying to cash in on other peoples’ hard work is sleazy at best. But it is the American Way.
It Nigro gets involved watch for some powerful people to try and cut his legs out from underneath him. Could cost him a lot of problems come time to renew liquor licenses.
That’s True…
It’s a Beautiful Day has been keeping the faith probably even long before many people around these parts even heard of 420 Day. But smoking weed is hardly the province of a small store in midtown Kansas City. If you want to look at things though that prism, even Beautiful Day would be guilty of “cashing in” from the ideas and “hard work” of others.
It’s far too large an issue and movement to ascribe credit to a single organization, and Nigro is very sincere in his beliefs regarding the legalization of marijuana. Trust me on that.
Pussyfoot
“Next time, we’re going to embrace it,” Nigro says. “This time we kinda did it with smoke and mirrors….”
Hmmm, sounds like the Royals’ “Our Time” strategy, as well.
No way that happens
without the friendly PD cattle prodding people into the paddywagons then to jail.
Until it gets completely legalized there is no way they can publicly advertise this and skulls not get knocked and put in the pokey.
Nice sentiment though.
.
Hearne
IABD has been in Westport since the 60s and before there was a 420 Celebration they supported legalization. They’ve been carrying the load for along time along with NORML and others. Nigro has just seen a money making opportunity. As I said it is the American Way. Look how the very companies who trash the Earth have become the face of Earth Day.
Perhaps Nigro had an epiphany rather than seeing another opportunity to make a buck or two. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt now as coming out in support of decriminalization/legalization can cause a successful business man many problems.
What the hell orphan…
If ya can get stoned outside the walls of Damascus, then you should be able to get stoned in Westport.
Another failed event by Nigro. Add it to the Joke Trolley which Bill has not paid off the loan on yet. Just wait taxpayers you will get to pay for it.
When are they going to legalize cocaine?
They will legalize the coke
when Jardine’s opens back up Beanie.
dude
your not as funny as you think. you have a small brain like paul. if you are so smart why dont you buy it. it is still for sale. Ssssssnnnnnnoooooorrrrrrtttttttt
420 is for idiots. When you live life your way, it’s 420 everyday.