Today’s Forecast

57º | Partly cloudy | 6% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:50 a.m. | Sunset 8:22 p.m.

Food

🥨 Expert-approved munchies for 4/20

Presented by Hometown Hero

Hometown Hero is spilling the beans on the best snacks to pair with 4/20 festivities. | Photo provided by Hometown Hero

If you’re partaking in 4/20 festivities today (safely, of course), here are five expert-approved snacks to make (or to order on your fave food delivery app… because, let’s be honest, we’re not leaving the couch today), courtesy of the pros at Hometown Hero CBD.

🍣 Omega-3s

Omega-3s are a type of acid found in fats and oils that offer all sorts of benefits. They’re a great energy source that helps keep your cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune systems functioning.

Additionally, research shows that a whole bunch of chemical reactions in your body convert omega-3 fatty acids into endocannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system helps regulate vital functions such as memory, appetite, sleep, temperature, emotional processing, and much more. (More on the science around that here.)

Foods rich in Omega-3s include:

Salmon, oysters, mackerel, and anchovies (sushi, anyone?)
Walnuts
Peanut butter
Soybeans
Flaxseed and chia seeds (hello, smoothie bowl)

🍫 Chocolate

Before gummies came into the spotlight, the humble brownie was the most iconic cannabis edible — and for a good reason too. With its sweetness and deep earthy undertones, chocolate does a spot-on job of covering up any “meh” grassy aftertaste.

But there’s another benefit: Chocolate (particularly dark chocolate) is rich in anandamide, an endocannabinoid that gets its name from the Sanskrit word “Ananda,” which means “happiness” or “bliss.”

Snacks on snacks on snacks.
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Photo by Christian Kaye Photography via Hometown Hero

🥭 Mangoes

Ever wonder where plants get their smell? (Stay with us here.) Through naturally occurring compounds called terpenes.

Mangoes are rich in a terpene called myrcene, which may help transport cannabinoids into the brain. Plus, this terpene may help the transdermal absorption of cannabinoids too — aka help topical Delta-8 products absorb through the skin.

Keep reading for two more ideal munchies — and snag Hometown Hero’s bonus offer of a free sample, offered today only for our readers.*

2 more ideal munchies

This content was created in partnership with Hometown Hero CBD. Please note: Hometown Hero advises consumers to read the company’s terms and conditions, consult a physician before trying products, start only with small amounts, and to not consume Delta-9 before driving or before a drug test. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by LEXtoday.

Asked

What’s the origin of the “4/20" holiday?

A. 420 is the number of active chemical compounds in marijuana.
B. 420 is police code for marijuana violations.
C. The location of Denver Interstate mile marker 420.
D. 420 is what you get if you multiply 12 by 35, the numbers from the title of the Bob Dylan song “Rainy Day Woman no. 12 and no. 35.”
E. 4:20 is the time when a group of teens from California would search for a legendary lost marijuana crop near the Point Reyes Coast Guard Station.

Puff, puff, guess

See the correct answer in The Wrap.

Events

Thursday, April 20

Thursday Night Live | Thursday, Apr. 20-Thursday, Oct. 12 | 5-8 p.m. | Fifth Third Bank Pavilion, 251 W. Main St., Lexington | Free | Head downtown for the perfect post-work wind down with your friends featuring live music, tasty beverages, and delicious food.
“Newsies” | Thursday, Apr. 20-Saturday, Apr. 22 | 7 p.m. | Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St., Lexington | $16-$23 | See the story of the charismatic newsboy Jack Kelly in Disney’s “Newsies” performed by the students of SCAPA at Lafayette.

Friday, April 21

Honeysuckle Hunt | Friday, Apr. 21 | 1-2 p.m. | McConnell Springs, 416 Rebmann Ln., Lexington | Free | Take a midday break to help Parks & Rec staff hunt down the invasive honeysuckle plant.
The Bulleit Woody | Friday, Apr. 21 | 4-7 p.m. | Liquor Barn, 1837 Plaudit Pl., Lexington | Free | Stop by to meet with the Bulleit Bourbon ambassadors, sample sips + check out the Bulleit Woody trailer.

Saturday, April 22

Earth Day Par-Tay | Saturday, Apr. 22 | 12-4 p.m. | Wise Bird Cider, 1170 Manchester St. Ste. 140, Lexington | Free | Celebrate Earth Day with an apple tree grafting workshop, Black Soil farmstand, creek clean-up, DIY seed starters, environmentally conscious vendors + more.

Sunday, April 23

“The Blue Marble” | Sunday, Apr. 23 | 3 p.m. | Singletary Concert Hall, 405 Rose St., Lexington | $6-$12 | This immersive film and symphonic experience will feature music inspired by the Apollo 17 mission played by the UK Bands and Wind Symphony.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council has overturned a zone change that was previously denied by the planning commission in January. Developers for Scooters Coffee can now move forward with building a drive-thru at 2400 Versailles Rd. Lawyers for Dutch Bros., who were also denied, plan to ask the council for a hearing. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Plan Ahead

Our historic racetrack has announced a new series of events this summer to help you experience the picturesque grounds in a new way. Keeneland Crafted Events include opportunities to create your own cocktails, have dinners in the library, breakfast at the track + more.

Sports

We’re just three weeks away from the Lexington Women’s Sporting Club hosts their inaugural match at Toyota Stadium on Wednesday, May 10 at 7 p.m. The team will play in the USL W League, the leading pre-professional women’s organization featuring top collegiate and prep players. Get your tickets.
Let’s give a round of applause for UK softball players Erin Coffel + Kayla Kowalik, who were named finalists for the 2023 USA Softball National Player of the Year award. Erin is second in career home runs at UK and Kayla was recently drafted into the Women’s Professional Fastpitch league. (UK Athletics)

Feel Good

Community members are invited to help welcome home the heroes taking part in this year’s Honor Flight — which takes local veterans on a special trip to D.C. Head to Blue Grass Airport this Saturday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. to make signs + show support of Honor Flight Kentucky.
Two local nonprofits are teaming up to help better the lives of their beneficiaries. Men in the housing program at Stable Recovery will have the opportunity to foster a dog through Paws 4 the Cause, helping both build confidence + a sense of purpose. (LEX18)

Award

Attention artisans… submit your Southern-made product by June 20 for a chance to win Garden & Gun Magazine’s 14th annual Made In The South Awards. Categories include home, crafts, food, outdoors, style, and drink, plus a bonus sustainability award. The overall winner will receive a $10,000 grand prize.

Kids

The perfect family-friendly activity does exist, and you can even do it all spring and summer long, rain or shine. We’re talking about Kids Bowl Free — a national program that connects you with local bowling alleys where kids can receive two free games of bowling each day. Learn more + sign up.

Civic

Government

Mayor Linda Gorton reveals first round of 2023 budget

Mayor Linda Gorton standing in front of a podium speaking

Mayor Linda Gorton giving the annual budget address + a GIS presentation on April 18, 2023. | Photo by Amy Wallot | Amy Wallot/LFUCG

Mayor Linda Gorton released the city’s 2023-2024 budget yesterday, revealing a “robust” $505 million general fund.

Mayor Gorton met with each city council member to discuss the needs and wants of their respective districts. In the coming weeks, city council members will meet to discuss + propose changes before a final vote comes in May or June.

Here’s a breakdown of some highlights —

$6 million for parks and public spaces
$6 million to study a plan for a new city hall, either through new construction or renovating the existing space
$4.3 million to fund grants for social service organizations and nonprofits that serve citizens in need
$2 million for more affordable housing projects
$750,000 for site development of a new joint training facility for police officers + firefighters

The budget also projects that the city will bring in $42 million in new revenue from items like job growth + increased wages.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Molly

Answered: E. According to several sources, 4:20 is the time when a group of teens in Marin County, California would search for a legendary lost marijuana crop near the Point Reyes Coast Guard Station in the 1970s.

One of the kid’s older brothers was friends with Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead, who co-opted and popularized the now-iconic association between the number and the recreational activity (and, ultimately, the celebration of both on April 20 — aka 4/20 — each year).

From the editor
If you’re looking for something to do this Saturday morning, check out the Big Blue 4 Miler — a fun race that takes you through UK’s campus.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? See how to celebrate Earth Day in Lexington.

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