Photos from Abbott's 2012 Day 3

Day Three of Abbott's Get-Together was another beautiful, sunny day in southern Michigan. People were still coming in to Abbott's Magic Factory to pick up their registration packets. The bulk of their magic inventory, however, was relocated from the Factory to the dealers' room that was set up in the elementary school.

You never know who is going to show up at a Get-Together. Perhaps if I would have waited for the owner of this car to return, I could have solved an age old question.

Buskers fanned throughout the village to entertain the guests. One was appointed to the downtown area where the annual arts and crafts fair was taking place.

Jania Taylor (http://www.magicbyjania.com/) was assigned to the grocery store that had a throng of people who were there during the lunch hour for the Kiwani's Club benefit. They were offering lunch for $1.00 that included a hot dog, chips, soft drink and an ice cream sandwiich. You could order an extra hot dog for just 50 cents.

Michael Mode (http://www.magicmode.com/) was one of those who helped Jerry Costello with the "Happy Hour" party at Jerry's lake house that took place after Adele Friel's lecture and before the evening show. (Jerry is on the left and Michael is on the right).

You never know how people will be dressed for the Friday night show. Have you ever seen a dress made entirely from balloons? Never mind WHERE did she sit in the show last night. The question is HOW did she sit?

Following the evening stage show, the city presented an enjoyable fireworks show just outside the high school.

038: Winter Carnival 2011 - Another "Nearly Lost Episode" in Pigeon Forge, TN

This hour and a half podcast covers all three days of the convention including chats with Tom Ladshaw, Steve Beam, Mike Stratman, Duane Laflin, Doc Eason, Bob Little, Kozmo, Tom Vorjahan, Steve Gronowski, JC Doty, Dan Harlan, Daniel Herron, John Hopper, Steven Bargatze and of course, Banachek. There is a lot of interesting material in here and some rather revealing and candid conversations that go well beyond the convention.

But whether or not you attended the Winter Carnival and want to relive some of the moments or to hear some of the sounds you may have missed, then please listen to this podcast. I think you'll enjoy it and might even learn a little something along the way.

2011 Winter Carnival of Magic
Scott Wells

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here then right click to save the file.

2011 Winter Carnival of Magic in Pigeon Forge, TN

During late winter of 2011 (March 3-5) in the vacation resort community of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, organizers presented the 37th annual edition of The Winter Carnival of Magic to a burgeoning group of nearly 250 magicians. This is not your typical convention. WCM schedules many different programs, shows, parties, and well...just about everything including a final night pizza party. For one thing, this is held in the Country Tonight theatre complete with a full stage and professional sound and light with people who know how to use them. The dealers set up in the lobby so everything is pretty much self-contained. The hosting hotel is just a 100 yard walk down the hill from the theatre. It is kind of like Brigadoon that appears overnight but in a twinkle of the eye, is gone and remains as just a fond memory.

This year seemed to be the Year of the Lectures that included Troy Hooser, Carroll Baker, Aldo & Rachel Colombini, Ricky Boone, TJ Shimeld, Tom Craven, Banachek, Scott Wells, David Acer and Sandy Marshall plus close-up performances by Carroll Baker, David Acer, Rick Merrill and Doc Eason plus a workshop by Kozmo.

Elsewhere here on The Magic Word I posted the last of the "Lost Episodes" that I recorded for (but never aired on) another podcast. Since it is winter, now would be the perfect time to get a nice cup of hot cocoa and listen to the sounds of the Winter Carnival of Magic. I hope it will get you excited about registering for next year's event so you don't miss the fun.

For more information and pictures from the convention plus registration for the 2012 convention, please visit: http://wintercarnivalofmagic.com/