Cigarfest 2015 Followup

[Tombstone]

In one of the threads leading up to Cigarfest I remembered someone asking for pictures and a write up on it. So here is my experience.



The place this weekend began. Actually it is right by the ramp to get on the highway and I figured you guys might enjoy the photo.

First off, this was my first time attending the actual Cigarfest. Last year I went to the Oliva event and tailgated in the parking lot. This year I got tickets. I was a little on the fence if it was worth the actual cost to go but more on that later.

I arrived Thursday evening for the Sons of Anarchy, AJ Fernandez #AJAnyday event. It was actually held in a smaller blocked off section of the main event hall. Cigars International Had a store there running many sampler deals and selling Sons of Anarchy things. There were many seats around to relax and have a smoke. They also had the bar open and the drinks flowing. On to some shots.


Rusty Coones






Photo bombed by an oblivious man, he smelled the food, I think they were serving chicken that night....



The Man, The myth, the Legend. AJ


Shorty was there too.







I decided to head back to the car and grab a few beers and a cigar. It was a good call. Not long after I parked a lady pulled in two spots down from me and ran over some parts to a tent some guys left laying in the parking lot. I was amused, they were kinda arrogant. I guess security had told them earlier they needed to remove the tent. They did not comply. So as I am walking to the car I got to see security standing on the security van dismantling the said tent for them. They were not happy. I tried to snap a picture but I was too slow.


Said dudes took down the tent, then put it back up after security left. Not sure what the problem was but they did not really secure it and they were grilling under it. There were lots of other tents that weekend, so who knows but it was amusing.

First Cigar of the Fest


First Cigar Band picked off the ground.

Thursday nights main raffle


Shot of the store


Trish@cbid

[Tombstone]

At this point I was parched and had to refuel with a few 90 degree beers from some guy in the parking lot.

Still Thursday night I went to check out the party tent. Bands were playing there all night and they did some raffles and gameshow contests for prizes. Plenty of seating and lots of ash trays. Very nice.




Grand Prize Raffle


Friday Morning cigarnut breakfast line



A cigar bums best friend....and some random guy.




Huge ass parking lot.

Entrance tent


Fuente Booth inside the event


Raffle station and hot beer dude.


Standing in line to meet Jonathan Drew



Some Random snow? Not real sure what it was but it was well above freezing the whole time and I was not willing to touch it to find out.

Saturday morning around 5AM

[Tombstone]

MY accommodations Bum style. The wife did not want me sleeping in the car so I had to make use of my bum skills. I would dress in the hotel bathroom every morning and take a bum shower..see below.


Some more bands I picked from the garbage


Whats that!?!?!?! Why yes a free cigar left in the parking lot over night. cant let that go to waste.


I got bounced around from room to room because of security but here are some of the fine accommodations a bum like myself can enjoy at cigarfest.





Actually I slept on the couch of some dudes room I met last year for like 5 min. It was all good.

[Tombstone]

Welcome!!!


The first cigar not to make it home....burn well little buddy.


Saturday Cigarnut entrance line









It was a long line,




Caught this guy line 2 people from the entrance tent while the line was moving so I had to get a quick pick but the side of his helmet was pimped out Liga #9 logo.




I totally meant to take more pictures inside but hey lets be honest I am fat so I tire easily and I had better things to do.

Lots of booths were throwing swag to the crowd. Lots of venders handing out cigars. On the way in CI hooks you up with their swag bag plus any goodies you have upgraded for. Then you get a ticket book that can be redeemed with each booth for more goodies. Along the way they had a fair amount of beer to sample. Many industry people to meet and attractions to enjoy. Its like comic con but for cigars.

Value? That is up to you. Living out of coolers and a camping grill I managed to spend $20 Thursday, Friday and Sat up there at wawa. The cigars and swag more than make up for the ticket cost as long as you enjoy a range of cigars. If you are very particular in what you like then the sampling is probably not for you. It is worth checking out at least once if you get the chance. Being the cheap bastard I am I managed to walk away feeling like I got my moneys worth and if you are personable there are plenty of great people to meet.

[DogRockets]

@Tombstone we need more, more, more! A few of us here were debating to go this year and want to consider next year so anything you got is much appreciated! Plus very cool that you saw Trish there!

[TreySC]

Pretty cool, I also vote for much more

[OldSkoolTarHeel]

I vote for learning how to take a non-blurry picture. What the hell man?! I was there with you, you weren't drunk enough to warrant such crappy photos! Lol

Just kidding, we all had a great time, and I'm looking forward to next year where the plan is to borrow/rent an RV and tailgate while not actually inside the event hall. It's going to be glorious.

[TreySC]

I vote for learning how to take a non-blurry picture. What the hell man?! I was there with you, you weren't drunk enough to warrant such crappy photos! Lol

Just kidding, we all had a great time, and I'm looking forward to next year where the plan is to borrow/rent an RV and tailgate while not actually inside the event hall. It's going to be glorious.

I was kind of thinking it, but was trying to be nice

[OldSkoolTarHeel]

I was kind of thinking it, but was trying to be nice

I've known @Tombstone long enough to know that if you're not firmly critical with him, he'll never learn. He needs a good ass-whoopin' every once in a while.

[Tombstone]

Hey. It was smokey and i was not drinking yet and have no excuse other than i think I take better photos drunk.