Monday, May 30, 2011

We Remember . . . .

Today we celebrate and remember. . .
Remember ~ those who have left us and keep their memory close to your heart
Remember ~ all of those courageous soldiers who gave their lives for our country
Don't Forget ~ the soldiers who are putting their lives in harms way still today
My Two Sons ~ Cory and Lee  - our Navy & Army boys
who make their mom & dad proud every day
Enjoy your holiday !

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

A Privelege & An Honor . . .


     I enjoy the people of this community and hope in some small way we are contributing to it's growth. I am honored and priveleged to have been asked to be the keynote speaker at this year's Colon High School Commencement on Friday, May 27th.  Thanks to high school principal Debra Swartz for asking me.

     My parents first introduced me to Colon and Magic in 1965. I am sure they had no idea that magic and Colon would play such a major role in my life. I am one of the lucky people on this earth. I knew what I wanted to be since I was 7 years of age and remember telling my mom and dad that I would someday live here. Dreams DO come true. . . . . . . . . . My mother is still with us but my father passed away in 1978. I just wish he could have been around to see what all of this has become. 

...but then perhaps he DOES know.........

Saturday, May 7, 2011

FAB Magic on TRU TV

Krag Ryal  &  I just returned from a taping of Hardcore Pawn seen nationally on TRU-TV. The 'magical' episode will be aired within the next few months and will keep you updated on when it will be telecast. A fun cast that loved magic - BUT we couldn't sell 'em a darn thing - not even a vintage sleeve bouquet (and they thought it was a feather duster !) All in all a great bit of fun and will bring some national attention to Colon, Michigan and FAB Magic!

All Roads Lead To Colon . . .

For the past several months customers have asked us "when are you going to put out another catalog?" To be quite frank catalogs are becoming a thing of the past and products change and/or added almost daily. Our websiteboasts nearly 5,000 items but I am one those older traditional magicians who still enjoys thumbing through the old catalogs...there is a lot of great stuff there!

After much pondering and consideration we have decided to put together a combination catalog / history of Colon, Michigan. It will be a collector's edition hard cover book available this fall with loads of photos and stories about Colon,magic and magicians. Stay tuned for more details.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Michigan Magic Day A Resounding Success!

What a terrific time we had at Michigan Magic Day! 118 magicians were present for the activiites on April 30th at the beautiful Tibbit's Opera House in Coldwater, Michigan. Over 50 participated in the Nite B4 Party on Friday. The evening show was a big hit and drew a standing ovation at the end which was the icing on the cake! We can't wait until next year - Ring 54 in Lansing will be the host and we are sure it will be a great time!

Contest Winners Were:
Sr. Close Up:
Jeffrey Nalazek - 1st place
Al Munroe - 2nd place

Jr. Close Up:
Tyler Nygren - 1st place
Mitchell Mosley - 2nd place

Sr. Stage:
Mike McNee - 1st place
Jeffrey Nalazek - 2nd place

Jr. Stage:
TJ Ketchmark - 1st place
Doug Gancer - 2nd place

Congratulations to ALL!!!!!!!

Here are some pics of the Nite B4 Party and from Saturday.

Rick's mom & Carole Ryal awaiting the registrants!

Matt Kalita lecture

Duane Laflin lecture

Mike McNee Magic

The Timid Rabbit

ABC Magic

Laflin Specialties


June Horowitz (98 years young) doing some teachin'

Krag Ryal

Dr. Jack Vanderwall


Jania Taylor assisting Dr. Mark Ginther

Michigan IBM TVP Randy Vanderwall (on left)


Carl Karl



Dick Wooten being inducted into Michigan Magic Hall Of Fame

Krag Ryal with the FAB Magic Display


Hippity Hop Magic