Fire Guts Buildings in Downtown Colon, MI

March 8, 2013: Colon, Michigan is the self-acclaimed "Magic Capitol of the World", a moniker that is well-deserved. It is home to Abbott's Magic Company as well as FAB Magic, both of which sponsor separate conventions each year. I spoke with Rick Fisher, proprietor of FAB Magic who is also President of the Downtown Development Authority and Co-Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee. I spoke with him about the recent fire in downtown Colon that affected several historic buildings that are over 150 years old. Three businesses were destroyed, 5 Star Pizza (perviously known as the Blackstone Inn), Curley's Bar (home of the close-up contest during the Get Together) and a Prudential Office on the corner of Blackstone and State Street. Here are a couple pictures taken by John Pullum.

For more information on this tragedy, you can read the news article and view additional photos by Clicking Here.

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.