Now
68°
Thu
72°
Fri
77°
by Cicily Porter,WSBT22Reporter
NEW BUFFALO, Mich. (WSBT) — New Buffalo Township is preparing for what is expected to be another busy 4/20 holiday, with the marijuana madness expected to start Friday.
After big crowds last year, changes have been made in hopes of keeping people safe.
As dispensaries are getting ready for their busiest day of the year, fire, police, and township officials are teaming up for a plan that’s been a year in the making.
The sight last year included long lines, cars everywhere, and plenty of traffic troubles.
Some call the area the Marijuana Mecca because of the close to 30 dispensaries that call New Buffalo township home, making it the ideal place to visit for the cannabis-related holiday.
Learning from last year, the dispensaries, township officials, police, and firefighters are all working together on a plan to manage the crowds.
"Well, after experiencing the huge influx of visitors last year, we decided as soon as 4/20 was over last year, to plan for this year, so it's been a year in the making,” said New Buffalo Township Supervisor Michelle Heit.
With 50,000 to 75,000 expected visitors this year throughout the long weekend, the township is utilizing a privately owned parking lot off I-94's Exit 1.
"So, at the exit one area, we have a private property owner that’s allowed that will allow parking on this property, and we expect to be park hundreds of cars there,” said Heit.
There will be several signs for out-of-town visitors, including no parking signs along M-239 and no U-turn signs.
Additionally, Berrien County police officers and township firefighters will be on site to answer questions, keep traffic flowing, and enforce the law.
Officials recommend customers give themselves plenty of time to follow the signs and to not drive impaired.
2026 Sinclair, Inc.