One-Tank Trip
for Oct. 26/19
(c) By Jim Fox
“Abracadabra!” Now
you see it, now you don’t. It must be magic.
Fans of the sleight
of hand and optical illusions are heading to the picturesque town of Fergus
along the Grand River, northwest of Guelph.
Through the end of
the month, the town has something special up its sleeve for magic lovers.
This inaugural
Ontario Week of Wonder Magic Festival features some of the “world’s top
magicians and illusionists,” said co-organizer Ryan Joyce.
 |
| Performing his
magic in Fergus is Ryan Joyce. |
A professional
magician and illusionist from Fergus, Joyce said it’s a “family friendly celebration
of magic guaranteed to dazzle audiences.”
There is a combination
of theatre shows, free busker-style street performances and intimate table-side
appearances at several restaurants.
Public shows are on
through the weekend at the Fergus Grand Theatre with internationally acclaimed
magicians including family magic shows today and Sunday at 2 p.m.
The magicians have appeared
on some of the biggest stages in the world, as well as popular shows such as
America’s Got Talent and Netflix specials, Joyce said.
As well as the theatre shows – where tickets
are vanishing quickly – are pop-up performances in downtown Fergus to Oct. 31.
 |
| Canadian magician
Carisa Hendrix appears at the show. (Kevin Stenhouse) |
The area has deep
connections to the world of magic as Canada’s largest organization for
professional magicians was founded in Elora by magician Joan Caesar who worked
with Joyce to organize the festival.
“Festival-goers are
in for a treat as these are literally the magicians that magicians come to
see,” Joyce said.
A bonus is that the
pre-Halloween festival coincides with what is already a magical time in the
area.
The neighbouring
town of Elora hosts Monster Month with activities and events “that capture all
that’s fun and frightening about Halloween.”
 |
| Elora’s Monster
Month has Twilight Zoo illuminations. |
Events include the
Twilight Zoo with installations of lantern sculptures throughout Elora on
buildings and in the green spaces.
There’s a Murder
Mystery Dinner Theatre at Grand River Raceway tonight in Elora.
Are we there yet?
Happening now is
something to help cottagers make it through the winter – the Fall Cottage Life
Show on through Sunday at the International Centre in Mississauga.
 |
The Fall Cottage
Life Show is packed with everything for cottagers. (Jim Fox)
|
“Whether you’re
looking to warm up your cottage with fall decor and tasty recipes, or get a
head start on planning big or small renovations for the next spring season,
cottagers are sure to find inspiration at the show,” said publicist Jakki
Roussel.
“With 250
exhibitors and numerous speakers and stage presentations, the show is a one-stop
destination dedicated to educating and inspiring cottagers on how to create
their dream getaway,” she added.
This includes tips
on protecting the cottage from the effects of climate change to small
renovations and fun projects.
Author Leslie
Garrett discusses how climate change has impacted cottage country with fewer
songbirds to algae blooms and devastating floods.
 |
| Cottagers can find
inspiration at the show. (Jerry Behnke) |
For cottagers
planning a significant rebuild, small renovation or looking to enjoy their
retreats year-round, the show has boats, docks, furniture, arts and decor,
building products and more.
The centre is at
6900 Airport Rd., Entrance 5, with hours today from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday,
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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