FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2017
(New Hampshire) – On Friday March 3rd, El Artista Cigars in collaboration with Tobacco Haven and Two Guys Smoke Shop hosted the first-ever Double Header cigar event featuring Big Papi by David Ortiz.
Despite freezing temperatures and snow flurries, hundreds of fans lined up as early as 3 hours before the start of each event to meet David “Big Papi” Ortiz. Most attendees were from the New England area but some traveled nearly 1,000 miles to meet Ortiz. The weather didn’t seem to affect Joanna and Pete Collins who are from the Boston-area and waited about forty-five minutes to shake hands with Ortiz. “We love the Big Papi!” Exclaimed Joanna. Pete smiled in anticipation, and said: “This is a bucket-list type of thing.”
The first event kicked off at 6:45PM at Tobacco Haven in Brookline, New Hampshire. “We are so happy to have the Big Papi here in our store,” says Store Manager Nick Goss “and the turnout is great!” Attendees had a chance to meet with Ortiz, take a photo, and have their own box of Big Papi by David Ortiz signed by the legendary ball player.
The second event of the night started at 8:30PM and was hosted by Two Guys Smoke Shop in Salem, New Hampshire. Brave attendees huddled outside the shop waiting for their opportunity to talk to Big Papi. Once inside they were greeted with a big smile, a warm handshake, and their own box of cigars. Each box was signed in their presence and a photo was taken to commemorate the event. After the event concluded, Ortiz stayed to sign a few more boxes for those who couldn’t attend. “We picked up a few extra boxes for fans who didn’t get a chance to meet Big Papi. The signed collector’s pieces will be on sale on Monday, March 6.” stated Two Guys’ Barry Stein.
When the Salem event concluded, Barry Stein and co-host Chuck Morrison recorded a segment for The Cigar Authority Podcast with Ortiz.
“This first event series of 2017 was a solid win for us.” Says Radhames Rodriguez, President of El Artista Cigars. “We are looking forward to many more like this.”