Also on hand will be representatives of Viva Republica, a cigar line that is a joint venture between E. Leon Jimenes, a Dominican Republic cigar maker, and Wilkes-Barre-based businessman Jason Holly. Three area brewers will be on hand as well.
The first Electric City Smoke will start on August 24, 2013. It is being sponsored by the US Cigar Store, Hilton Scranton and Conference Center and Big House Tobacco Outlet. Very many premium cigar dealers will participate at this Event at the Historic Scranton Iron Furnaces. This Cigar Event will focus on gaining knowledge and experiencing new cigars. It provides Cigar Aficionados the chance to discuss about Cigars and relax. The profits gained from this event will go to Lackawanna Historical Society.
John Argonish and Rick Notari frequented cigar festivals in Pennsylvania, but found the exhibits crowded and the pace harried with a trick-or-treating atmosphere that allowed little interaction.
According to Mr. Argonish, director of sales for the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center, and Mr. Notari, a community relations specialist with Lackawanna County, a cigar festival should focus on learning about and experiencing new cigars.
"We wanted an event that would allow for a more intimate get-together and enjoyment of cigars," he said.
They teamed up with Scranton-based cigar retailer USA Cigar Store to help create The Electric City Smoke, slated for Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Scranton Iron Furnaces. Proceeds will benefit Lackawanna Historical Society.
Scranton has a strong core of cigar consumers, said Darron Fadden, partner in USA Cigar Store.
"People will appreciate having something of this caliber in their backyard," he said. "It offers the chance to learn, experience, discuss and relax. Cigars and that environment go hand-in-hand."
Cigar manufacturers support events like this as a way to thank their customers, Mr. Fadden said.
In addition to well-known hand-rolled cigar producers such as Alec Bradley, Altadis and Ghurka, the Scranton area's own Avanti Cigar will be at the event, featuring its whole-leaf, wrapper machine-rolled Italian-style cigars.
Dominic Keating, president of the fourth-generation family-owned business which recently relocated from Scranton to Dunmore, said like the iron industry, cigar rolling had been a major industry in the Scranton area. Now, the iron furnaces are a piece of history and Avanti is the last cigar maker standing in the area.
"We are flattered to be included among such reputable, big-league producers of premium cigars," he said, invoking a local athlete who recently joined the Oakland Raiders. "We feel a bit like Matt McGloin taking the field with the NFL. But like Matt, we welcome this opportunity to showcase ourselves."
