Today is April 20. Have a nice day.

Isla Vistans can celebrate “4/20” today at a Hemp Awareness Day Festival in Anisq’ Oyo’ Park from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The festival is sponsored by UCSB’s chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws and will include performances by local bands, a speech from a Hemp Industries Association member, a raffle and booths set up by UCSB groups. Al Espino, Hempwise owner and festival organizer, said the festival is a way to inform locals of the industrial uses of cannabis and for cannabis supporters to rally together.

“The festival is being held to raise awareness for all of the uses of cannabis. Especially around here, where people know the recreational uses but not about other marijuana uses – industrial, for food, fiber, textiles and paper,” he said. “It’s also to let people know that medicinal [marijuana] is available, and to legitimize it in that sense.”

Sponsors, including Mystics, the Bagel Caf