Cigar aficionados and colleagues gather on the outdoor patio of WesBanco Arena Thursday night in Wheeling for Gumby's Cigar Social. (Photo by Eric Ayres)

WHEELING — Gumby’s Cigar Social in conjunction with the Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority drew scores of area cigar aficionados and colleagues to the outdoor patio of WesBanco Arena Thursday night in Wheeling.

The private event featured live music, catered cuisine, a variety of beverages and, of course, an assortment of fine cigars for attendees.

“This event was an example of thinking outside the box to bring together people who may enjoy a cigar in an outdoor environment at WesBanco Arena,” said Wheeling City Councilman Dave Palmer, a member of the Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority board. “I heard numerous times tonight that they were unaware of the patio and would definitely consider it for other events. Extremely proud of the staff and employees of the arena.”

Erin D’Agaro and Bryan Brookman were among the many area residents on hand during Thursday night’s event. (Photo by Eric Ayres)

Organizers deemed the debut event a great success, were thankful for the opportunity to showcase the assets of the arena and were hopeful that similar social events can take place in the future.

The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department issued a one-time exemption to its Clean Indoor Air Regulation which prohibits not only indoor smoking in public facilities but also prohibits smoking on all government property – indoor and outdoor. WesBanco Arena is operated by a governmental entity.

Officials noted that the cigar social was a private, invitation-only function, and cigar smoking was limited to the outdoor patio area.

Robert Felton enjoys the perfect weather on WesBanco’s outdoor patio during the end-of-summer gathering. (Photo by Eric Ayres)