HAVANA'S CIGAR DAYS IS SATURDAY, APRIL 5TH
The Havana History & Heritage Society will celebrate its rich history as the “Shade Tobacco Capital of the World” during its annual Cigar Days event on Saturday, April 5, at the Shade Tobacco Museum in Havana.
Shade tobacco was grown in much of Gadsden County, including Havana and Quincy, up until the mid-1970s. It was used to wrap cigars and was handled with extreme care to prevent tearing and mutilation. Large cigar companies like King Edward, Swisher and Hava-Tampa grew and processed tobacco in this area.
Representatives from two of the world’s current modern-day cigar manufacturers — JC Newman of Tampa and Corona Cigars of Clewiston/Orlando – will be on hand once again to discuss the art of making and enjoying fine cigars. Accompanying them will be Master Cigar Roller Luis Gonzalez.
Presentations throughout the day will include a discussion on what’s new and significant for the future of cigars and what it was like for tobacco farming families in Havana and Gadsden County who experienced the shade tobacco era.
Back by popular demand this year is a whimsical presentation about the relationship of fine cigars and good bourbon by Corona Cigar Company owner Jeff Borysiewicz and Aficionados from JC Newman. This is a separate, $25-ticketed event. Participants will enjoy a quality cigar and a flight of three bourbon samples. Tickets are available via the Museum Shop or by calling (352) 214-1831.
A new, separate ticketed event this year will focus on a hands-on presentation about growing your own tobacco and rolling your own cigars. Tickets are also available via the Museum Shop or by calling (352) 214-1831.
Tours of the Shade Tobacco Museum and its preservation plans, booths by area cigar clubs and cigar aficionados, and an end-of-the-day announcement of silent auction winners are all part of the day’s events, which will begin at 10:30 a.m. and end at 6:00 p.m.