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Stogies Are The Stars At Cigar Artisans

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 12, 2007

Updated: 09/12/2007 08:09 am

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - When Thompson Cigar Co. decided to pave the way for the cigar mail-order business, postage stamps were half a cent and a box of 100 stogies was about $10.

Ninety-two years later, the Thompson Group has much more than cigars to mail its customers. The company sells products including coffee, housewares, clothing and furniture.

Joseph Silvestro, senior buyer for the group, said, "Thompson Cigar is still the cornerstone of everything."

In fact, last year the company began hosting Cigar Artisans, an event to celebrate the cigar industry. The second annual Cigar Artisans is Saturday and will include more than 50 cigar vendors.

The event will be from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at 5401 Hangar Court, the company's main facility near Hoover and Hillsborough avenues. Vendors will showcase cigars and products such as humidors, lighters and cigar cutters from booths set up under tents. Food and beverage vendors will be there as well.

A portion of the proceeds will go toward Southeastern Guide Dogs, which provides training for guide dogs.

Cigar enthusiasts will receive a cigar cap, cooler bag, coupon book and more than 40 cigars. VIP customers will receive an additional gift, a 10-inch cigar.

"This Cigar Artisans will be like the Super Bowl for cigar smokers," Adams said.

Tickets are $125. For information, call (813) 884-6344.

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