Golden Valley ranch to host marijuana event
GOLDEN VALLEY – Add alcohol, and violence is likely to erupt explosively. Add weed, and a jam session is likely to form.
“It’s a lifestyle,” said Barbara Jiminez, organizer of St. Fatty’s Day, Mar 17-19 at Saddle Sore Ranch (SSR), Route 66, Golden Valley. “And it’s BYO (bud).” Unlike where alcohol is often publicly and freely available, every attendee must be age 21+ or a medical marijuana patient–and wear a wristband to prove it. The only time the vendors are open to the public is Sat, Mar 18, 8a-4p. “Vendor spots are sold out,” said Jiminez, “even the food trucks.”
The lifestyle fits naturally with the laid-back, slow pace of camping. “We want to promote the cannabis community,” said Jiminez.
What comes with the community are events and happenings and opportunities to fit in. Wait. Aren’t stoners supposed to be couch-locked? What’s with the yoga? “Cannabis releases dopamine,” said Jiminez, soothing muscles and helping the body recover after exercise. “Bullhead Fitness will be out there, with instructor Amber doing yoga,” Jiminez said. “She’s a vendor, and those will cost $5 per session.”
That’s because cannabis is a tax-paying industry. Marijuana growers, retailers, packagers, labs, and other businesses paid $1.6 billion in Arizona alone in 2021. Even the pharmaceuticals want in; they’re making it themselves. “Instead of attendees paying for the event,” Jiminez said, “we want them spending money with vendors.” Camping costs cover simple amenities; bringing (safe) firewood is always appreciated. “Nobody’s making any money, except the vendors,” she added.
Who are the vendors? Specific to the industry, for example, Glass Blower Micheal Carter, out of Phoenix, will have bongs and other paraphernalia (and demonstrations!), but also “an amazing artist, Scott Smith, paints acrylic and oil wall hangings,” said Jiminez. “Two different jewelry makers: one does glass beads, the other does wires and gemstones” among many others.
With weed comes munchies, right? Food trucks include “Crepe N Smooth, El Chapparo from Parker, full Mexican truck Rolling J’s, Josephine featuring Hawaiian food, Mamie’s Munchies out of Phoenix with funnel cake, deep-fried Oreos and kettle corn, and Dutch Roots, with baked goods and bread,” said Jiminez. “Other food trucks that I’ve asked, they’re already booked,” she added.
Hoping to make this an annual event, a St. Fatty’s Day Stoner Garden will be initiated with rocks painted by participants. SSR Owner “Rob (Borden) came up with it,” said Jiminez, and has already selected the spot for it.
There’s also a based-on-Poker Toker Run, Open Mic with a DJ, jazz singer Rebecca Leah Dais, a drum circle, Puff and Paint (a Volkswagen), the aforementioned yoga and, of course, bonfires Friday and Saturday as the sun retreats.
And that chill atmosphere can be yours for the low, low price for either tent, hammock, car or dry RV camping for $60; including both nights and up to 10 people per site. Everyone on site must be 21+ or a licensed medical marijuana patient, and wear the wristband to prove it. Bonus: No one is driving buzzed or drunk.
“It is bring your own pot,” said Jiminez, and a way to learn about the industry. People have conversations, and you hear “try this … try this … no, try this,” she added. If you go to the open vend on Sat., March 18, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., know that you will see pot and smell pot; one could even try to get a contact buzz. See if you can distinguish different notes, as one would with cigars or flavored vapes. Because this industry is essentially herbologists hybridizing plants, if that’s not too science-y. Another earth science, agricultural, grows marijuana’s useful sister, hemp.
And all without the angst and anger of alcohol. Of course, people (21+) can consume alcohol. It’s just not the focus.
SSR always delivers bonfires, jam sessions, activities and camping. SSR has hosted the Oatman Moonshine Run, Shinetoberfest, Vagabond Reunion, among others, and, coming up April 26 through 30, Bike Week.
For questions, reach out to Jimenez at 928-519-9006 or MarkByBarb@gmail.com.
Juliette Cowall
