Sunday, October 27, 2019

Its magic showtime for sleight of hand and optical illusions in Fergus;Fall Cottage Life Show for inspiration


   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.
   For more details about the magic festival, go to magicfestival.ca and Monster Month, monstermonth.ca

   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.
   Admission is $15; $8 ages 13 to 17; $22 weekend pass. Parking is free. cottagelife.com/shows

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   Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com
   For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca

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