Heavy fog hung over Robin Williams Meadow at Golden Gate Park on Wednesday afternoon, but it was not due to fog rising from the ocean.
Since a group of high school students in San Rafael coined the term “420” in the 1970s, April 20 has become the highest celebration of cannabis culture. This year, thousands of people flocked to San Francisco from across the Gulf to celebrate their love of all marijuana for the first time since 2019.
And you could literally see the excitement in the air.
Throughout the area known as Hippie Hill, cannabis smoke swirled from joints, raised tall, and three-foot bongs resting securely on picnic blankets. Organized by longtime Northern California event producer Alex Aquino and host of Berner (CEO of Cookies) and comedian Chris Riggins, the event looked like a professionally produced music festival. Although there was a lack of important infrastructure such as clearly marked water stations, there was a large stage for contractors, a fleet of food trucks and an on-site “farmers’ market” for cannabis sellers. In addition to the retail market, there were many unauthorized entrepreneurs selling loose cannabis buds from plastic bags the size of pillowcases.
Hannibal Bures attended the 420 Hippie Hill event at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California on April 20, 2022.
Douglas Zimmerman / SFGATE
The crowd was a charming mix of 20- and older hippies, including a middle-aged man holding a “free hugs” sign (which turned out to be quite popular). As might be expected, she had all sorts of weed-themed outfits she could imagine, including a full suit covered with potted leaves and a suitable face mask made of fabric.
The line-up for the event ranged from Bay Area turnout legend DJ Shortkut to comedian Jeff Ross, who burns people in the front row, including a man who proudly describes himself as the “founder of technology.” In addition to the slightly offensive reefs, Ross paid tribute to the late comedy legends Robin Williams and Bob Saggett. Ross shared a memory of his participation with Saget on April 20, 2021 in San Francisco, after which he made a few jokes in his honor.
“Let’s face it, Bob Saggett was the father of America. “Like Bill Cosby, but Bob put people to sleep the old-fashioned way,” Ross said.
Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson is seen on an iPhone as he walks away from the stage of the 420 Hippie Hill event at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on April 20, 2022.
Douglas Zimmerman / SFGATE
Shortly after Ross’ set, guest of honor Mike Tyson took the stage with a few brief words to promote his cannabis brand Tyson 2.0. The company offers several types of cannabis flowers, as well as edible products in the shape of an ear in connection with the scandalous match of the former boxer from 1996 against Evander Holyfield.
“Listen, we’re going to take this to another level in life,” Tyson said. “I am a world champion and now I am a world cannabis champion and we cannot be stopped. See us. Thousands of people [are] he looks at us and we rise. This is beautiful. … Look at me, darling, look how beautiful I look up here.
(Left to right) Amber Gonzalez and Alin Bell relax while listening to music at the 420 Hippie Hill event at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California on April 20, 2022.
Douglas Zimmerman / SFGATE
A vendor is holding some of the items for sale at the 420 Hippie Hill event at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California on April 20, 2022.
Douglas Zimmerman / SFGATE
(Left to right) Slick R and Isabel New York at the 420 Hippie Hill event at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California on April 20, 2022.
Douglas Zimmerman / SFGATE
(Left to right) Hadi Lee and Nila Gibson at the 420 Hippie Hill event at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California on April 20, 2022.
Douglas Zimmerman / SFGATE
Participants in the 420 Hippie Hill Festival. Credit: Douglas Zimmerman / SFGATE
In a surprisingly heartbreaking moment, Tyson presented the first prize for community and compassion at the Yves Mayer Festival, which runs the non-profit San Francisco Suicide Prevention for 30 years before pursuing a second career in stand-up comedy. She gave a passionate speech about saving lives, then led the crowd chanting “I believe in you.”
After Mayer, several other presenters took the stage, including members of the United Playaz violence prevention organization, Emerald Cup referee Swami Caitanya and comedian Hannibal Bures. Tyson, meanwhile, was walking down a hillside surrounded by entourage as fans took pictures, after which the Auckland R&B singer Goapel closed the event. As soon as the clock struck 16:20, the temperature dropped and most of the crowd quietly left the park past a swarm of many strategically placed hot dog carts.
The couple posed for a photo of the 420 Hippie Hill event at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California, on April 20, 2022.
Douglas Zimmerman / SFGATE …
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