My wife and I have been coming to Big smokes since 1998 - our first being in DC but nothing ever compares to the Vegas events which we have made an annual event.

This year's (we went Friday evening) was excellent, there was more seating than year's past and the food and beverage was excellent. We spoke with the couple dressed in red that you talk about - he was a professional hat maker and was quite interesting to talk to - but that goes without saying. You meet people from all walks of life and different backgrounds - that is one of the best aspects of the event - different people who all mix for the night because of a common love of cigars!

Our only recommendation (actually my wife's and wish I thought of it) was to have the cigar booths in sequential order. It would make finding the booths easy as well as knowing "which number!" a particular booth is, but that is a minor issue and for some the hunt may be just as much fun!

Great event, I hope that both the economy and the "powers that be" allow this great tradition to continue.

To others, if you are not in the CRA, join and help protect events like these in the future!