LOOK: Denver’s 420 celebration burns again
Here’s what we saw at Denver’s annual stoner Christmas.
Crowds revel during Lil Jon's performance at Denver's 2018 Mile High 420 Festival, April 20, 2018. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Denver celebrated stoner Christmas despite long lines, public consumption tickets written by Denver Police and rains that fell over the huge crowd at Civic Center Park at approximately 4:20 p.m. Friday afternoon.
For most, the 2018 Mile High 420 Festival, which was put on by the Euflora dispensary chain after a convoluted permit battle, went off without a hitch. Here’s a look at what we saw:
A metal detector around Civic Center Park in anticipation of the festival. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
It's 11 a.m. and there's a huge line outside of the Stony Hill dispensary. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Megan Dolan and Matt Hohman check out glassware. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Ashley Castillo and Jose Yitbos, visiting from Chicago, do a little shopping. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
LaNika and Larnell Rhea pose for a portrait. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Kiah Clark spins a hula hoop. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
The festival drew a huge crowd. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
This gentleman is warning people that consumption is illegal and says Denver's 2018 Mile High 420 Festival is an entrapment zone. He asked to remain anonymous but he did say the dog's name is Frodo. April 20, 2018. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Darryl White smiles for a portrait. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Joe Grissom from Wisconsin takes a selfie with a Lil Jon cutout. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Denver Police officers write public consumption tickets. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
A Denver Police officer writes a public consumption ticket. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
A man sits on a slack line as Denver Police officers write a public consumption ticket. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Denver Police officers stand on patrol as people smoke marijuana. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Long lines to enter the festival. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Miguel Lopez, former permit holder for Denver's annual 420 festival, poses for a portrait. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Vern Walker (left) and Damon Means pose for a portrait. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Meagann Reefer poses with a blunt and special socks. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
A member of the Twizted Kaskezt car club from Greeley, who asked not to be named, smokes a huge joint while holding a huge joint. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Aundra Woodard dances as he asks the audience for weed. It worked. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Police arrest two people allegedly, according to one officer, for illegal gambling activity. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Police arrest two people allegedly, said one officer, for illegal gambling activity. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
The Original Wailers play the main stage. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
A huge crowd listens to music at the main stage. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Lil Jon approaches the main stage beneath the City and County Building. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Lil Jon performs. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Delaney Anderson rages as Lil Jon plays the main stage. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Much revelry during Denver's 2018 Mile High 420 Festival, April 20, 2018. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Rain falls a little after 4:20 p.m. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Lil Jon shows the audience where the "wall" is. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Longstanding affordable housing near Cherry Creek Country Club sold to California investors
It was already owned by different Californians.
One person accused of flouting Denver’s short-term rental laws dodges the felony charge
The Denver DA no longer believes it could prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
Rockley Music Center is leaving its iconic location on West Colfax after 64 years
The Lakewood shop helped educate generations of local music students.
Bus-only lanes are coming to 17th Street downtown in the next few weeks
Crews started striping the lanes overnight Thursday.
Things to do in Denver, Dec. 13-15
This time, the experts weigh in. So does Esteban.
A Winnebago driver killed a person walking in Denver’s Ruby Hill neighborhood and then fled, police say
The victim was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Denver International Airport pays fired contractor $128 million for Great Hall debacle and that’s just the first installment
Parting is such expensive sorrow.
Demand for senior housing in Capitol Hill suggests people expected to retire in a cheaper Denver
The Olin Hotel Apartments have provided affordable housing for seniors since the 1980s.
City Council moves toward extending funding for affordable, transit-oriented development
The loan fund that helps secure land and property for below-market-rate housing near train stations and along busy bus routes.
Colorado releases school ratings amid ongoing debate about how to measure performance
Slightly fewer schools this year earned one of the two lowest ratings.
Hancock administration lays down $6.9 million to reimagine how Denver’s homeless shelters run
It's the first chunk of money from a fund the mayor announced during his reelection campaign in April.
State intervention imminent at Denver’s Lincoln High School as Colorado board rejects its appeal
Denver Public Schools Superintendent Susana Cordova called the decision "disappointing."
Denver judge gives man four years in prison after 13th DUI
His latest charge came in Denver.
Denver Botanic Gardens wants to raise ticket prices for the first time in 10 years
It would still be one of the lowest entry fees for a cultural center in Denver.
Denverite is hiring the next editor for … Denverite!
We are hiring someone to manage and direct vision and coverage in our modern, fast-paced and entrepreneurial newsroom.
Aurora approves more money to prevent homelessness after a motel crisis sparks a successful housing program
The Denver suburb started a program that in 2-and-a-half years has prevented or ended homelessness for more than 1,000 households.
Denver Sheriff’s Department failed to disclose deputies with credibility issues
The department is moving to fix the mistake that could impact past criminal cases.
A Line trains’ horns are back in Park Hill for the next six weeks or so
It's a temporary measure due to construction.
Liquor snobs can buy a late Denver businessman’s private whisky collection — the ‘world’s largest’ — for $10 million or so
It includes a bottle similar to one that recently sold for $1.9 million.
Another cannabis company ‘voluntarily’ recalls weed from Denver stores… after an investigation
Check or chuck your Colorado Kush, Tropical Zkittles, Lemon Cookies, Lemon Granada, NYCD, GG#4, Hulk Pops, Dr. Strange, Alaskan Ice, Witches Weed, Purple Pipeline, or Tangerine Power if you bought it before Dec. 9.