WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
A new celebration of magic is coming to southwestern Michigan in an effort to boost business in a small community and attract more visitors.
“31 Flavors of Magic” takes place Saturday in Colon, with shows at a dozen locations and magicians performing for kids and adults, the Battle Creek Enquirer reported. The event is hosted by International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 386.
Member and organizer Ron Carnell says the gathering’s name is appropriate because there are many kinds of magic.
Colon has a number of magic shops. It’s home to the annual Abbott’s Magic Get-Together that’s hosted by Abbott’s Magic Co., a major producer of magic tricks and supplies. Last year, the state’s Magic Days events took place in the rural St. Joseph County community.
Rick Fisher of FAB Magic Manufacturing Co. says Colon can handle another magic festival.
“Our claim to fame is the magic capital of the world,” Fisher said. “There’s only one magic capital of the world.”
In the main room at FAB, Fisher and Sterlini Magic Manufacturing owner John Sterlini said what’s good for one magic business is good for all of them.
“We need to have events here every month,” Sterlini said.
Fisher said that by embracing and supporting magicians, Colon can avoid the business closures that other small, southern Michigan towns have experienced.
“If you went to Allen, Michigan, which is the ‘antique capital of Michigan,’ there is something going on there almost every weekend,” Fisher said. “Now, they’re smaller and they don’t have the resources that we have in Colon. So why not do more things in town? Why not draw more people to town?” (AP)
