'J Day' Summer Sessions

Saturday 14 February 2004, Albert Park, Auckland

The National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) is pleased to announce the Auckland leg of their national Summer Smokin' Tour in Albert Park on Valentine's Day.

The popular annual event was in recent years held on the first Saturday in May to coincide with international anti-prohibition events, but this year in response to requests from members of the public "J Day" has been moved to Saturday 14 February, "where it belongs - in the sun and under the trees of Albert Park," said NORML's president Chris Fowlie.

"A Valentine's Day celebration reinforces our message that we need drug peace, not a drug war," he said. "We hope that this Valentine's Day the Government declares a truce in its war on drug users. Besides, what could be more romantic than a love-in at a smoke-up?"

The line-up for J Day Summer Sessions in Albert Park on Saturday 14 February includes:

a.. Cornerstone Roots b.. Bassteppa Sound System c.. Lionheart & Tuffy Culture d.. AK Samba e.. Big Matt f.. Slowdeck g.. Recommended Dosage h.. GBH feat. DJ Devious Guest speakers include Green MP Nandor Tanczos, NORML president Chris Fowlie, Greg Soar of medical marijuana patient support group Green Cross, and more to be confirmed.

The Switched On Gardener Grower's Ironman, where contestants race an obstacle course with bags of fertiliser and buckets of water, is a regular crowd favourite. The day will also feature market stalls including sponsors The Hemp Store, Cannabis Culture magazine and dancepills.com. Reflecting growing community concern about P, this year's J Day will include a P amnesty bin and information stall promoting 0800 P HELPLINE.

The family-friendly day will also host a kiddies zone and tee pees. The public are encouraged to bring a picnic and their favourite flowers to share. J Day is an alcohol-free event.

Note: Auckland City Council allows only one J Day per year to be held in Albert Park. International J Day will return as usual on Saturday 1 May 2004, at a venue yet to be confirmed.

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