As the fall weather began to take hold in the Northeast the stage was set for the 5th Delaware Cigar Festival, organized by Gary Griffith. Gary who is associated with Cigar-ette City in Delaware and the creator of Emilio and Grimalkin cigars put on a clinic on how a cigar festival should be run.
The event was held at Delaware Park under cloudy skies with the likes of Arielle Ditkowich, brand manager for La Sirena Cigars, Eddie Ortega from EO Brands, Clint Aaron of 262 Cigars, Sean Williams of El Primer Mundo and many reps from Rocky Patel, JC Newman, Drew Estate, Altadis, Oliva, Kristoff, Perdomo, La Flor Dominicana, Cigar Rights of America, Miami Cigar, General Cigar and The Cigar Agency.
The $125.00 entrance fee got attendees a goodie bag of cigars from the aforementioned manufacturers, BBQ Food, Unlimited Beer and Wine. There was also a chance to buy cigars at a ridiculous price of $3.00 to $5.00 each with all money going to the family of Joseph Szczerba. Sgt. Szcerba was an 18 year veteran of the New Castle County Police Department in Delaware. On Friday, the night before the event he was stabbed to death while responding to a disorderly conduct call.
