By Chris Basinger, Staff Writer
SPRINGVILLE, Ala.–Springville City Council members were blindsided Friday afternoon by the announcement that Mayor Dave Thomas would be hosting a “420 Fest” this weekend in St. Clair County.
As first reported by 1819 News, Thomas said some people will be partaking in marijuana at Saturday’s event but that he would not be.
Multiple Springville city councilors said Thomas did not inform the council of the event taking place this weekend and that the City of Springville has no involvement in it.
“He never ceases to amaze me. He continuously embarrasses me, the council, the City of Springville, and St. Clair County,” Councilor Sherry Reaves said, adding that marijuana is still illegal in the state.
“It’s just ridiculous. We’re supposed to be an example for the city as council members and I just don’t understand why he thinks he has to put that out there.”
Councilor David Vinson said he does not support drug use and that the city council had not endorsed the event.
“This is the first I’ve heard of it and it’s not something that I would condone myself,” Vinson said.
Councilor Austin Phillips, who was also surprised by the news, said, “I don’t subscribe to that lifestyle, that’s not what I take part in, and I don’t really think I condone what’s going on with this coming up this weekend.”
He added, “I certainly would not have supported this on any sort of a governmental level.”
When speaking to 1819 News, Mayor Thomas, who has been open about his support for legalizing marijuana, said the event would be “family-friendly” and will be similar to other 420 celebrations being held across the state.
“It’s really about walking the talk. This wasn’t just a campaign thing,” Thomas explained. “I mean come on. Look at the serious issues facing this state and this nation and we want to spend our limited resources and time on harassing adults making adult decisions for themselves on, you know a perfectly natural plant product that requires zero processing.”
“We’re not out here getting stupid,” he said. “Actually, we’re out here trying to inform and educate. You know, here we are putting on a 420 Fest and we’re doing life right. In fact, I’m encouraging people to ask questions and make comments because if they want to have an intelligent, rational, informed conversation about drugs, drug addiction, that sort of thing, let’s have one.”
Representatives of the Alabama Cannabis Coalition will also be in attendance and are helping organize 420 Fest, which will be held at Little Canoe Creek Campground off Beulah Circle.
“We’re going to have a good time unless somebody comes and shuts us down,” Thomas said. “The only people that can do that are law enforcement because we’re out in the county. There are no ordinances.”