The 2014 Secret Cup Makes Its Way To Northern California

The Secret Cup is in the midst of its third year, and by now the “secret” is out. The competition seems to grow with evey individual stop, and this month’s event in northern California seems poised to continue that trend.

Concentrate Makers Compete For A Trip To The Secret Cup Finals

For those who aren’t already up to speed, The Secret Cup is a national tournament made for hash makers by hash makers. The 2014 rendition consists of 6 qualifiers held in the following regions: Southern Califronia, Northern California, Pacific Northwest (Seattle), Denver, Desert (Las Vegas), and East Coast (Rhode Island).

“Roilty Extracts, Brutal Bee Concentrates, Chill Hill Extracts each secured their spot with a top-3 finish in SoCal.”

Being the second stop in this year’s competition, the stakes are high for concentrate makers with aspirations of competing in the finals – Roilty Extracts, Brutal Bee Concentrates, Chill Hill Extracts each secured their spot with a top-3 finish in SoCal.

There will be 45 concentrate makers competing for Northen California crown, including patient favorites like Plant Essentials and Cannabis Extracts (P.E.A.C.E.), Beezle Extracts, and more. Awards will be given for Best Shatter, Best Budder, Highest Terpenes, etc., but only the top 3 entries overall will advance to Secret Cup Finals in Denver.

Competitor slots have long been filled, but those interested in attending the Northern California Secret Cup have the choice of two ticket options. General admission tickets can be purchased for $40 per person; VIP Packages (includes 2 tickets and a sponsored goodie bag) cost $250.

The NorCal Secret Cup: A 2-Day Camping Festival

After some confusion about whether or not there would be a public venue available this year, the Northen California Secret Cup will be held a bit further north than expected. It is set to be held in Laytonville, thanks in large part to the people responsible for putting on The Emerald Cup each year.

With that being said, the geographical location isn’t the only major difference that those who attend The NorCal Secret Cup will notice. In fact, there are quite a few surprises in store, according to Daniel de Sailles – the event’s co-founder.

“For the first time in Secret Cup history, attendees will spend the weekend camping together in Mendocino County.”

One major difference about this year’s NorCal Secret Cup will be the venue itself. Whereas the SoCal Secret Cup mostly took place in a mid-sized SFV production space, the NorCal venue will have acres of open camping space for a 2-day celebration.

For the first time in Secret Cup history, attendees will spend the weekend camping together in Mendocino County. Competitors, vendors, and VIP ticket holders ($250 for two tickets) will each be permitted to bring an RV to the venue as well, so long as it has been approved ahead of time.

Marcel Braun Will Demo Signature Glass Blowing Technique

In addition to the late-stage venue improvements, The Secret Cup founders announced last week that there will be a never-before-seen glass blowing demonstration held throughout the weekend. Marcel Braun, one of the world’s most accomplished glass blowers, will be demonstrating his signature airtrap retticello technique.

“Marcel Braun, one of the world’s most accomplished glass blowers, will be demonstrating his signature airtrap retticello technique.”

The Airtrap Retticello technique stems from the Italian island of Murano. During the late 13th century, Venetian glass blowers were forced to relocate to the island for fear that their glass blowing would result in fires that would in turn ravage the city. With so many glass blowers in one confined location, a number of innovative glass blowing techniques were developed over the years, including millefiori.

As for the retticello technique, Wikipedia offers the following the description: “This involves the merging of two cane bubbles (one inside the other) in which the straight canes were twisted in opposite directions. Once merged, the opposingly twisted canes cross each other creating a net like pattern. If done the traditional way, small air bubbles will be trapped in a grid pattern between the crossing canes.”

There is very little information available about the retticello technique and Marcel Braun is one of most knowledgeable individuals about the topic – his weekend-long demonstration is something to be celebrated in and of itself. Throw in the rest of The Secret Cup offering and the traditional Mendocino County spirit, and you have the makings of one exciting event.

The 2014 NorCal Secret Cup will be held May 30-31. Those interested in tickets may find them here. Enter the promo code “medicaljane” for 20% off.