2,000 Cigar Nuts Descend on The Pocono Mountains
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Woohoo! CigarFest '07 doors
are open!
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Every 12 months a rare species is spotted in the Pocono Mountains. Observers describe this species as fun-loving and jovial
fellows - most often found in groups of 2 or more - with cigar in hand, adult beverage in the other, and a toothy grin ablaze.
It's the surest sign of Spring....CI's annual CigarFest!
CigarFest has got to be the seminal cigar event of the year. What other event can touch it? Sure, there are a few other
sizeable herfs and cigar events throughout the year but CigarFest is hands-down the "super bowl" of herfs. What is truly
special and hard to describe for those not present is the atmosphere - it feels downright electric.
The sheer abundance of it all is striking. For a tiny industry like the cigar industry is, this weekend is huge. Any cigar
maker worth his salt is there including the owners themselves, guys such as Nick Perdomo, Manuel Quesada, Jose Blanco, Rocky Patel,
Mike Cusano, Nestor Plasencia, Christian Eiroa and others. Over 100,000 cigars were given out in 4 hours on Saturday, all among
the top boutique and national brands in the industry. On average, guests left with 50 cigars each and all kinds of other cigar
goodies. There were also side events and weekend activities, from the Camacho Cup golf tournament, Punch Poker tournament, and
Rocky Patel opening party on Friday, to the Pre-Fest Brunch and CAO After-Fest party on Saturday. During the main event, an even
greater number of micro-brews and spirits samplings, a massive pig roast, models and other "eye candy" galore, and a return
engagement with the live band "Mississippi Pig Farmers."
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CI's CigarFest is the
"super bowl" of herfs!
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The raffles were astounding too. The 5 Vegas Jeep Wrangler giveaway was the highlight, as well as numerous free trips to Central
America, countless signed boxes of limited edition or yet-to-be-released cigars, several big display humidors, a "cigars for a year"
prize, and much more. The odds of winning something were very high. In fact, as it turns out the odds of winning the $24,000 Jeep
were better than 1-in-500.
The best part is, all raffle proceeds benefit non-profit LifePath. In total, just shy of $17,000 was raised. LifePath is an
organization dedicated to the support and care of special-needs individuals suffering from mental retardation. We are proud to
support this organization and thanks to you for helping make it possible.
The geographic reach of CigarFest continues to amaze me every year. At the pre-fest brunch I announced we had 47 states
represented...Hawaii, Alaska, and South Dakota were the only 3 states not represented based on where the tickets were mailed.
Turns out I received 2 different emails from folks that live in Hawaii and Alaska that were at the event. Apparently they came
with friends who had picked up tickets for them. So that makes 49 states! Next year, would someone please show up from South Dakota?
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This lucky fella won the
5 Vegas jeep!
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Lastly, we invited a delegation of 8 state legislators, the purpose of which was to show them this microcosm of the cigar industry,
that this is a far cry from "Big Tobacco." Instead this is a group of enthusiasts who traveled far and wide to be here, regular guys
who are passionate about their hobby. I wanted to show them the faces of those they will impact with cigar taxes and smoking bans,
and explain how cigar legislation is simply punitive. Unlike cigarettes, cigar consumers choose to enjoy cigars. No one needs a cigar,
and cigar taxes only drive up prices consumers pay, drive down consumption, and drive companies and jobs out of state. I think that
point was made loud and clear. We continue to pressure and lobby daily for the rights of cigar enthusiasts, and this weekend only
helped the cause.
When we get right down to it, our main goal was to provide a good time for all of you - a friendly place where BOTLs of all stripes
can get together in one place and enjoy each other's company, meet all the makers, and have a grand old time. For us CI's 120 person
staff relishes the opportunity each year to spend a day with you, and I can tell you this is also a highlight for the 25 cigar
manufacturers there.
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$17,000 raised for non-profit LifePath.
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We didn't get 100% of it right, but based on my observations and the countless conversations I had that weekend, I think it went
very well. After all we must be doing a little something right, because this year the 2,000 tickets sold out in nine days, and
numerous copycat events have popped up over the last few years too (some dirtbags have gone so far as trying to use the registered
CigarFest trademark!). A tip of the hat to our fantastic CI staff and a big thanks to the 25 cigar makers for supporting this great
event. Most of all thanks to you - you guys are the reason we do this. See you in '08!
- Keith
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