Monday, August 20 2007
A couple of months ago I posted an item about the
Midwest Cigar Summit's annual "Top 10 Reasons To Smoke Cigars" contest. The event takes place on Sept. 8 in Peoria, IL, but this year the event will also have the dark cloud of a recently-passed smoking ban over its
head.
"We're beginning to build steam for the event, particularly in light of the Illinois smoking ban," said Midwest Cigar Summit spokesman, Greg Woith. "Even though it's not in effect, people are already contemplating not being able to enjoy their cigars in public places, " he added. "We just hope they stop with an indoor ban and the 15 feet from an entrance [regulation], but we see other areas going to outside bans as well."
Hopefully, once eveyone arrives at Hickory Grove Park, nothing will deter them from having a great time (see Reason #6).
Here are the ten cigar-loving finalists from all over the country who will be honored for coming up with the following Top-10 list. Are you listening David Letterman?
Top 10 Reasons To Smoke Cigars
10. "I like to pretend I'm rich."
Mark Stone, Zanesville, OH
9. "Because nothing looks sweeter than a tight ash."
Ken Sayar, Hunstville, AL
8. "It keeps my fingers warm in winter."
Joel Shank, Colville, WA
7. "It's like meditation! Just breathe and relax!"
Sean Simkins, Hemet, CA
6. "Because other cigar smokers are damn great company!"
Whit Dietrich, Sandy Shores, TX
5. "Chicks dig large ring gauges!"
Mark Steinberg, Canaan, NY
4. "Because CI can't trademark it!"
Mathew Pinkerton, Glen Burnie, MD
3. "Who said breathing had to be boring?"
Renee Allred, Glendale, AZ
2. "Because it irritates my mother-in-law!"
Jim Olson, Sheperd, MI
1. "Because it's a free country. Still!"
Scott Wolland, Arlington, VA
Greg will be sending me photos of the finalists for the September CigarAdvisor newsletter, so stay tuned. For more information on all the festivities, visit the Midwest Cigar Summit website. £
