.jpg;w=700)
The organizers of a cannabis-fair in Niagara Falls are hoping for a big turnout in celebration of pot.
For the second year in a row, the team behind Niagara Falls 420 Expo are gearing up to offer a full day of events, appearances and shopping for visitors.
Last year saw a turnout of 3,500, but executive director, Niagara local James Ponce, says they are aiming for 5000 this year.
"Legalization created a door to a culture that is now open for everyone to celebrate. We want to celebrate the culture, as well as educate the public", he told Thorold News.
Apart from a regular fair-type schedule featuring celebrity appearances, booths from vendors and licensed producers, doctors, medical staff and educational panels will be in attendance, educating on cannabis use.
The Oct 17, 2018 nationwide legalization of cannabis has received criticism over packaging, unclear regulations and inconsistency in product put out by licensed producers in the retail market, currently controlled under government monopoly.
James Ponce said he is overall satisfied with how the step has been handled, and stresses everything new has a learning curve attached to it.
"We are not allowed to sell cannabis at the fair, which we obviously would like, but we hope that will change. Right now it is a little bit of trial and error but even though there are a lot of regulations, everyone is striving forward to keep improving."
Although no sales are permitted on-site, users will be able to smoke in a designated area at the Scotiabank Centre.
Among the notable guests at this years fair is Spencer Elden, who posed in his birthday suit on the iconic cover of Nirvanas 1991 album "Nevermind".
Today he is 28 years old.
"He's will be selling his art and signing autographs for free. He loves meeting fans", Ponce said.
Recently, several cannabis companies appeared at the Niagara College job fair to recruit from the colleges cannabis cultivation program.
The Niagara Falls 420 Expo is held on April 18.