GRANTS, N.M. — On Saturday, April 19, the scent of green innovation and community spirit filled the air at The Elks on Charles Street as over 450 residents, vendors, and cannabis advocates gathered for the first-ever 4/19 Cannabis Awareness Festival. The event, hosted by @ The Elks, the newly refurbished event space at the old Elk’s Lodge at 805 Charles St., and powered by local supporters like Uncle Roy’s, marked a milestone in Cibola County’s evolving relationship with cannabis—both medicinal and recreational.
Stretching from noon to midnight, the festival transformed the outdoor space into a lively hub of booths, music, education, and conversation. Despite gusty winds and moody skies, 315 guests stayed through the storm, cheered on performers, chatted with local growers, and voted in a friendly all-day competition benefiting the Grants Animal Care Center.
A highlight of the event was the presence of local practitioner Dr. Daniel Fenton, FNP, who offered on-site evaluations and helped several attendees begin the process of acquiring medical cannabis cards. “This event was about education and access,” said Sara Ray, one of the organizers. “It brought the community together in a safe, adult-only setting where people could ask real questions and make informed decisions.”
In a county where cannabis remains a major economic driver, the event also highlighted the industry's impressive growth. As of March 2025, Grants has logged more than $8.8 million in cannabis sales since legalization, across more than 217,000 individual transactions. Neighboring Milan, while smaller, has recorded nearly $1.5 million in sales and over 44,000 transactions.
Statewide, cannabis continues to thrive as a core New Mexico industry. March 2025 alone saw nearly $50 million in combined medical and adult-use sales, with over 1.1 million transactions. Since launch, New Mexico has cleared $1.6 billion in total cannabis revenue.
In the end, the event went off without a hitch. No incidents were reported, security remained tight, and vendors were pleased with the turnout—even if they occasionally had to chase down wind-blown canopies.
Whether you came for the products, the education, or just to enjoy an afternoon surrounded by good vibes and responsible conversations, the 4/19 Festival planted its roots deep in local soil. And if early indicators are anything to go by, it’s going to grow.