This year the 14th Annual Latin Heritage & Cigar Festival moved its location from Centennial Park to Ybor Square. The weather was clear skies and Florida perfect for any type of outdoor festival. The proceeds from the festival will go to the Ybor City Museum Society. Broadcasting live on major radio networks from the courtyard stage the National Cigar Show, the many interviewed guests included local Ybor writer and author, Paul Guzzo, Cigar City Magazine writer and Tampa Bay History Museum Marketing Director Manny Leto and many national & local cigar makers & connoisseurs.
This year thousands participated and attended the special heritage and cigar event. Three of the big Tampa Bay sports teams were represented with the TB Buccaneer Cheerleaders, Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey interactive display, Tampa Bay Ray’s Batter Up Experience. Food Truck Rally ( including Michelle Fadedo’s Best Ever Devil Crabs), Ybor City Architecture Tours, live bands, and a conglomerate of fine cigar sellers were displaying and selling what Tampa is known for, Great cigars.
Along with all the festivities was the charity booth, ” Cigars for Soldiers” where cigars are gathered and donated all to be shipped abroad to our Fighting Overseas American Soldiers!
This was also the first year for Cigar Palooza. The Bear Cigar Smokeout in Ybor City this past weekend follows other national Bear Cigar events in P- Town and Las Vegas.! Great job promoter Chris Reilly!
You can donate cigars or money to this special 4th year Ybor cigar benefit by contacting the Ybor City Development Corp., 813-274-7936
