 |
CigarFest Craziness in the ‘Smokono Mountains' |
|
Another CigarFest is in the books. America's Mega-Herf, a massive event hosting attendees from 48 states, and even Canada,
for a historical day of fine cigars and the ultimate in cigar excitement. Thanks to 24 top cigar makers, several handfuls
of premium spirits vendors and micro-breweries and, of course, 1500+ incredible attendees, CigarFest '06 was bigger and
better than ever. This truly was the Herf to end all Herfs, a tribute to the cigar enthusiast (that's you) for making the
cigar industry stronger and more enjoyable than ever.
It all started with a delicious Pre-Fest brunch, where 150 ‘festers' were given the opportunity to kick back with a custom-made omelet while enjoying a morning smoke. Shortly after, the grand event welcomed the masses with a full 20-capacity CigarFest '06 Humidor, just before they flooded the floor to reunite with old faces, make new friends and partake in a lion's share of cigar, liquor and beer samples, live music and so on. Of course, it wouldn't be CigarFest without a Playboy Playmate: the beautiful Stephanie Heinrich greeted each attendee with a gorgeous smile and autographed photo to relive the event's brightest star, a thousand times over. Adding to the madness, a wonderful selection of raffle prizes was handed out. Most notable was a trip to Honduras with Rocky Patel, a 5,000 Cigar Capacity Emperor Humidor and a 5 Vegas Limited Edition Harley-Davidson. Proceeds went to LifePath, a non-profit, local organization that graciously serves mentally handicapped children and adults. Ed Zablocki represented the organization, CFO of LifePath and good friend of Cigars International. After an hour or so of filling their CigarFest '06 duffle bags with cigars and other goodies, attendees had the opportunity to rub elbows with the men and women that create our daily cigar pleasures. Nick Perdomo, Rocky Patel, Aylin Ozgener, Nestor Plasencia, Christian Eiroa, Kaizad Hansotia, Ernesto Padilla, Mike Cusano, Philip Wynne and many (many!) more opened their booths for some laid-back conversation and camaraderie to close out the remainder of the event. All in all, I think the show was an incredible success on all fronts. With each CigarFest, we learn a little more about throwing the best damn cigar bash $75 will get you, without the chance of getting arrested. Despite a few cigar burns here and there 1,500+ cigar crazies left unscathed, grinning from ear to ear with armloads of cigars, humidors, signs, posters and other goodies. As for the vendors, rounding up the biggest names in the industry is not easy, even for just one day, but they make it happen, knowing each cigar are going to a true admirer of their craft. All of us at Cigars International would like to send a giant thank you to everybody that attended our 3rd annual CigarFest. To the manufacturers, a job well done. Spending time with 1,500 raging cigar lunatics (yes, that's you again) is no small task, and your generosity and warm welcomes never cease to amaze us. To the attendees, you demonstrated a display of politeness and heart-filled friendless that is truly genuine. Without you, an event of this magnitude would not be possible. You are the heart and soul of this business and we hope CigarFest '06 helped portray just how much we appreciate your loyalty towards the cigar industry as a whole, let alone your patronage to Cigars International. CigarFest '07...do it. - Steve Row |
