It's That Magical Time Of Year!

Where does the time go? I was just reminded that I hadn't posted anything for over a month. It's just that we have been so busy building magic and filling orders we haven't had time to do anything 'extra'. What a year we have had at FAB Magic and with all of the new products coming out and on the drawing board - trying to acquire a second and third building (our realtor Kathy Earl is one tough cookie :) getting ready for next year's MagiCelebration and of course some time with my granddaughter Lilly who is excited about Christmas.

I love this time of year - it's festive - it's fun - it's all about family. So from our family to yours we wish you a very Merry Christmas  - here is the latest video we have put together about MagiCelebration July 31 - August 3rd. And - heck we woke up today and the world was still here :) It's a good thing....I have too much to do!

My Heroes . . . . .

As this country celebrates Veterans Day - I take this time to reflect on my two heroes . . . 

Lee & Cory who serve their country everyday - every minute - every hour -  365 days a year.

I am so very, very proud of them. It seems like only yesterday when we were all headed to Disney World on Christmas vacation in 2000. I never dreamed some 12 years later they would be military boys. I know their sisters, Brandy & Ashley, and of course mom all are proud of them too..

You make this ole man proud :) Happy Veterans Day!

THIS is what it's all about!

What a terrific time we had here at FAB Magic for our 6th Annual Magic Daze. First thanks to Ron Carnell, Krag & Carol Ryal for helping me throughout the weekend. They love magic as much as I do and they sure kept things moving along.

Joshua Jay's birthday is the 30th - so since the cake wouldn't last until then we served it up early :) - He was quite surprised to say the least!
Thanks Carol!

About a dozen of us spent the night eatin' and jammin' with Tom & Joshua...this was a fun time to just relax and get up close and personal with two of the finest gentlemen I know.

Saturday morning at 10:00 am Tom Craven kicked things off with his new lecture. Everyone in attendance found some great stuff here - Tom is a clever guy but he keeps it all simple and commercial. He knows what works and it was quite evident by the sales of his books and dvds following his lecture.

 If you didn't get anything from Tom lecture, well, you just weren't paying attention. He is a class guy and his professionalism and attention to detail is something every lecturer should consider. Thanks Tom for being a part of what we know is going to be a great annual event!
     We broke for lunch at 11:30 and I gave some stuff away, close up pads,magic, books - thanks to the local restaurants for providing coupons for the attendees - Curly's/Papa Mancinos, M & M, Dawn & Phils, Five Star Pizza.

At 1:00 pm on the dot Joshua Jay took the stage and everyone knew immediately they were in for a memorable afternoon. Josh has certainly made his mark in the magic community.

He started the afternoon with a 15 minute performance that blew everyone away. It was entertaining and refreshing to see such imaginative and creative magic. THIS was fun!

We gave away a full registration to MagiCelebration 2013 - Carson Gancer was the lucky winner. Congrats! Josh then spent the next two hours lecturing...no take that back - entertaining and teaching - some of his finest effects - some never seen in print. Josh took the time to answer questions and explain his theories. An awesome lecture - many commented it was the best they had ever seen and it happened in Colon.

We begin making plans for next year and our 'Lucky 7' Magic Daze soon - so watch this site for details!  Yea, let's do it again :)

The Bus Stops HERE!

Here they come! It's always fun to show off our village and Halloween,October 31st, is no different. FAB welcomes a big bus tour to the friendly confines of Colon and this large group will be treated with a magic show here at FAB and sight seeing throughout the village.

This is the 2nd bus tour we have hosted just this month and more on the way in the months to come. Word has gotten out that this is a very special place and everyone thoroughly enjoys themselves when the come to THE MAGIC CAPITAL OF THE WORLD! It's been a busy autumn season here at FAB and as we make preparations to acquire our new workshop facility we couldn't be happier and more excited. Entering our 10th year in business it's apparent that magic is alive and well!

Magic DAZE Is Almost Upon US!

 We are only one week away from FAB Magic's 6th Annual Magic Daze here in Colon, Michigan!

Friday night, October 26th is our Nite Before party/Open Mic Nite and the festivities begin at 6:00 pm  with all types of food and refreshments. Saturday, October 27th - registration is at 9:00 am followed by Tom Craven's lecture at 10:00 am - We break for lunch at 11:30 am (use your coupons here to get $$ off meals from our local restaurants) and settle in at 1:00 pm for Joshua Jay's performance and lecture - This is an event you won't want to miss! Tickets still available at $40.00 - $50.00 at the door..See YOU in the Magic Capital Of The World!

Check out the website at - www.joshuajayday.com

Charlie Frye & Company Just Added to MagiCelebration!

We are very excited to announce the addition of Charlie Frye & Company to our already stellar line up for MagiCelebration July 31st - August 3rd, 2013. This fantastic act is a crowd favorite and they are one of the most entertaining acts we have seen - I think you will agree as Charlie Frye & Company close out our Friday evening show.  We know you won't be disappointed!

 

Charlie will also be performing in our close up show and lecturing as well. Just another reason why MagiCelebration will be THE  magic convention to attend next year! Watch for additional details and complete schedule due out before end of October...you won't believe your eyes!

Colon Food Bank Fund Raiser - November 17th -" SHARING THE MAGIC"

On Saturday, November 17th , members of the newly formed IBM Ring #386 here in Colon, Michigan will be sponsoring a food and clothing drive at the Colon High School Auditorium.

This benefit show will help bring in greatly needed non-perishable food, new or gently used clothing and gently used or new toys for our less fortunate here in Colon. Kay Holmes is the director of our local food bank. Admission to the show is a donation of one or more of the above items. 

The ninety minute show will begin at 6:00 pm - 

Anyone interested in helping out should call 269.432.4017 or 269.275.5191

Magi Homecoming 2013 - Year of the BrrrrrrrrRabbit

Ah to be a teenager again :) - the cold never stopped us from doing anything - and 2013 wasn't any different for these happy Colon High School'ers from celebrating Homecoming festivities today. It was cold and downright ...well..yucky...but that Colon Magi Spirit shone through and well..yes..the kids didn't let the weather hold 'em back. Ah yes...to be a teenager again...Go Magi!

A Smile On Every Face :)

Somebody asked me the other day "how's your job?" Job? This isn't a 'job' - it's a dream come true when you get to do what you want in life. Today we had a nice bus tour come through from Detroit and 30 happy people walked away knowing they had been entertained and educated 

about the Magic Capital of The Wordl! 

We have several bus tours scheduled between now and the end of the year along with a major magazine coming end of this month to highlight Colon and FAB Magic. What we are seeing is a resurgence of curious travelers and visitors - they are fascinated by our little village. It's a good sign that what we are doing is raising awareness in Colon and what it stands for. It's gratifying and encouraging to see it all unfold.

We are more than happy to share it with them. 

Inquiries about our Joshua Jay / Tom Craven Day of Magic and of course "MagiCelebration 2013" 

are coming in from the news media organizations across Michigan and the United States. On January 5th, 2013 - Colon and FAB will be featured on Tom Dalden's "Under The Radar" PBS show. Watch for it!

For updates on MagiCelebration July 31-August 3rd check out our new website 

which is being constatntly updated  - thanks to Ron Carnell for putting this together for us!

www.colonmichiganmagic.com

Got Magic ? 

Need Magic?

Come to Colon!

FAB Magic Spotlight In Shoreline Magazine

We are indebted to Laura Kirella who wrote a fantastic article about our upcoming 6th Annual Magic Daze in the recent edition of Shoreline Magazine - which is published for the entire St. Joseph County area. We certainly appreciate the coverage and Laura will also be in attendance to cover the event on October 27th.

It's just one of many publications that have contacted us recently - and - we aren't letting the proverbial cat out of the bag but a major magazine is coming to FAB in October to do a feature story on our shop and Colon and highlight our 10th Anniversary MagiCelebration 2013. We are all excited here at the shop and it will be one terrific publicity opportunity for FAB & The Magic Capital Of The World! Plus the new Under The Radar television program will feature FAB and Colon and we will keep you up to date on the air date.

So Stay tuned....exciting things are happening in Colon and at FAB Magic!

Rick Fisher, president, FAB Magic

Magic IS Alive & Well In The Magic Capital - Whew!

So much going on here in the magic capital of the world even I find myself trying to 'keep up' with all of the activities! Of course first and foremost our Magical Day With Joshua Jay & Tom Craven is October 26th and 27th - Registration is still only $40.00 and limited to 70 folks - we are a little past half that point with registrations coming in every day so don't delay register now...check out the great web page and video our good friend Ron Carnell has put up

Joshua Jay Day

New acts being added to Magicelebration with new web page coming this weekend - yea, we are running a bit behind getting it posted but we have been swamped here in the shop. FAB has recently expanded it's wood shop and it's been abuzz lately with all of the new stuff we are cranking out. You can see our new Creativ Block Off Rope here - sure to be a best seller with the holiday season approaching. It's a classic effect completely reworked to give you maximum performance appeal.

FAB Magic will be at Duane Laflin's ADVANCE Magic Convention October 3-6th in Coldwater, Michigan and at the Central Illinois Magic Gettogether October 13th in Peoria, Illinois where Riley & I will be emceeing and performing as well. Always a fun time with these group!

Of course the Abbott-Watson IBM Ring 386 meets the third Thursday of the month here at FAB Magic at 6:30 and our membership is growing, growing! Check out the web page HERE -

Thanks to Ron Carnell for keeping us on the forefront with the website and the ring reports each month in the Linking Ring magazine.

In case you haven't seen our 'Stars of Magic Walk of Fame' check it out here as part of our new site

Magic Capitol Of The World - New stars just ordered for Percy Abbott & Wilma Rench!

We have two new books coming out - The Story of Monk Watson & Our new FAB Magic catalog!

Okay so when do we have time to catch our breath around the magic capital ? Not often! But that is the way I like it --scratch that --- LOVE IT! I am one of the luckiest guys on earth because I get to do what I LOVE every day of the week. I can't put into words how much I enjoy what I do around here and yes there are days when 24 hours just doesn't seem to be enough time to do it all but we are having a ball trying! Thanks to my staff - Ron Carnell who is always there at the drop of a hat to do whatever it takes, Krag & Carol Ryal who I think love it as much here as I do, Indra Sanford my seamstress and artist and do anything gal who has been with me for 8 years now and of course I cannot forget Al Littlejohn, my chief mechanic, who still knows how to crank out beautiful wood products for us. Couldn't do it without you Al! My main R & D guy who is more like a brother than anything else - Mark Davis who keeps me hopping with new ideas - a godsend to be sure. It is because of these folks that we look good and the praises and accolades from our customers on the quality of our products goes to them.

They are FAB Magic - they are TOPS!

Plus.....we have some VERY important visitors coming to FAB & Colon in October...All I can say is WOW! - We promised NOT to let the cat out of the bag --- so we won't -  what a tremendous shot in the arm for Colon it will bring :)

Thanks to all of you for being our loyal customers...we aren't perfect and we make mistakes but we are growing..man are we growin'



Linking Ring Magazine Congrats on 90 Years!

For 90 years Linking Ring Magazine, official publication of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, has been a standard in the magic community. FAB Magic is proud to be a part of their 90th Anniversary issue this September. With over 14,000 members world wide this wonderful magazine has reached out and promoted magic to young and old alike. We congratulate the IBM and it's staff for a job well done and we look forward to the next 90 years!

 

Rick Fisher, president

FAB Magic Mfg. Company

A SPECIAL SALUTE TO OUR MILITARY! July31 ~ 2013

A very special tribute is planned during MagiCelebration July 31st, 2013 at the Colon High School Auditorium. We are saluting the members of our armed forces from St. Joseph county and their immediate families at the Wednesday night show. The Wednesday night program is part of your registration. Admission for the military families is absolutely free - this is our way of saying "thank you" for all you are doing and have done and will be doing to keep our country free. 

We have hired some of the top magicians in the world to perform during magic week here in Colon with lots of surprises yet to come. So stay tuned. 

www.colonmichiganmagic.com

Colon School Renovation Project - Learning IS Magic!

We can't wait to host MagiCelebration 2013 at the newly remodeled Colon Elementary & High School next summer - July 31 - August 3rd! We celebrated the ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday night - afterwards tours of both schools. WOW! I enjoyed working on the high school subcommittee during these past two years and it is exciting to see how the community is embracing the improvements. Here are some of the highlights.

Inside the newly remodeled gymnasium/auditorium - Go MAGI!

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony



Newly remodeled hallways

Fantastic new Elementary School Playground!

Colon Lions Club Celebrates 75th Anniversary!

 

It was my extreme honor and pleasure to perform and speak at the 75th Anniversary party of the Colon Lions Club on Saturday. Take a look at the original charter...Names that stand out -

Percy Abbott is #1 on the list, Recil Bordner #3 and Skippy La More #14

 

This organization has been a workhorse in this community with all of the volunteer efforts they provide. My hat is off to them all!

WORLD'S LARGEST MAGIC FLEA MARKET!

The fleas are coming! The fleas are coming! Well, no not really :) However we want to take this opportunity to announce our World's Largest Magic Flea Market to be held during MagiCelebration on Friday August 2nd and Saturday August 3rd, 2013 on the grounds of the Colon Elementary School under the BIG FAB TENT!

Here is your opportunity to sell your stuff - buy more stuff - have loads of FUN! The Flea Market will be open from 9 am - 5 pm both days and we are expecting a HUGE turnout. So, don't delay in reserving tables. Only two tables per person - Sorry NO Dealers - Only $30.00 per table per day. You can reserve a table HERE - Just one more reason to come to THE Magic Capital of The World next August! Mark your calendars NOW!

Busking Showcase & Competition PLUS Kozmo & Maverick

Announcing! During FAB's 10th Annual MagiCelebration July 31 - August 3rd 2013 - we are putting together one of the best Busking events ever! Starring: Bobby Maverick & Kozmo! Watch them LIVE here in the magic capital of the world and then learn their secrets to successful and profitable  busking. Then go out and strut your stuff here in Colon and vye for cash prizes in our Busking Competition. Watch this blog and our site www.colonmichiganmagic.com for additional details. It's going to be a record breaking week here in Colon next summer so why not plan on joining us?

Rich Hill's Illusionshop -NEW At FAB Magic!

FAB Magic is proud to announce our newly formed association with Rich Hill's Illusionshops - Some of the finest illusions in the world are built by Rich and FAB Magic is proud to offer his complete line of magic and illusions. Stay tuned to our website for complete listings. Welcome Rich Hill Illusionshop to the FAB family of Quality American Made magic!

Rich Hill has been designing and building magic since 1978. An accomplished magician and illusionist himself, Rich first designed only for his own show, but after much prodding from fellow magicians, he decided to open the Illusionshop in 1997. Consequently, Rich's line of quality magic can now be found worldwide, and the sawdust is flying and the machines are kicking almost around the clock.

You'll notice that Rich's magic isn't the cheapest out there. The reason? It's some of the best quality magic that money can buy. Rich builds with the working professional in mind, and makes sure that the props can withstand the rigors of everyday use. High quality materials and workmanship are the most important elements in the props that come out of Rich Hill's Illusionshop, and the fact that they are built "from the heart" is truly a plus. Rich's love of the art of magic gives his creations "that special something"...

This is a great word in our line of work....and Rich's mission is to be sure that every prop he produces is made as deceptively as humanly possible. His illusion bases are some of the thinnest looking in the industry.

Colon Gift Store

As we prepare to expand our operation here in the magic capital of the world we are proud to announce the Colon Gift Shop here in the front of our magic shop. Here you will find all types of Colon souvenirs - coffee mugs,shirts,hats and all types of souvenirs for those traveling through our magical village. Scheduled grand opening is Thanksgiving weekend! Stay tuned for more details - only from the largest magic manufacturer  - FAB Magic Company!

Under The Radar at FAB Magic!

Many thanks to Tom Dalden and the crew at "Under The Radar" television show who spent the better part of the day here at FAB Magic during Magic Week. It was loads of fun and we certainly appreciate the exposure. It's good publicity for the entire village. We will keep you posted on when the show will be aired.

Under The Radar is seen on Public Broadcasting Stations throughout Michigan.

Just Added to MagiCelebration 2013!

We know August 2013 is a year away but here at FAB Magic we are already booking some of the greatest magic talent in the world JUST FOR YOU! Just added - Joe Devlin "The Matador of Magic" & Company and our favorite emcee - the legendary - Dick Stoner! 

Add these two great performers to our already stellar line up and you can't go wrong!

 Watch for the details on our new revamped website www.colonmichiganmagic.com within the next month!

Magic Week - Friends

Someone asked me the other day if I was excited about "Magic Week".  I simply responded by saying, "Every week is magic week" to me. I get to live it 52 weeks a year. I am the luckiest man on the face of the earth. Period. My good friend Don Theobald " T- Bone" The Clown, presented us with a beautiful banner for our little theater. It's friends like this that make this brotherhood of magicians so very special. This is the 'magic' that makes this time of year so very special. Make plans NOW to visit us in Colon for our 10th Anniversary,July 31st -August 3rd ~ 2013.

MagiCelebration 2013 - Colon, Michigan!

COMING TO COLON, MICHIGAN - "THE MAGIC CAPITAL OF THE WORLD!"

4 FUN FILLED DAYS OF MAGIC - EVENTS FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY!

ALREADY BOOKED:

LOSANDER - Master of Levitation

SYLVESTER JESTER

SONNY FONTANA - Direct from Las Vegas!

NORM BARNHART - Normondo!

ILLUSIONS OF AARON BALCOM

BILL SCHULERT & COMPANY

MAGIC IAN 

. . .and we're just gettin' started! Stay tuned!

Syd Abbott - Rest In Peace

When you are a kid you dream - I dreamt plenty. I always wanted to be a magician and I always wanted to be Percy Abbott. He was my idol growing up and although I never got to meet him I have been honored and fortunate to have had such a great relationship with the Abbott family for these past 11 years. They have been so very kind and encouraging to me and my dreams.

This past Saturday the Abbott family became poorer with the passing of Percy's remaining son, Sydney. He was a wonderful person who was a spittin' image of his dad. Here you can see him with Jules and Linda - Jules passed away several years ago and Linda is still doing great! Oldest duaghter Marilyn (not pictured) left us in 2006.

Syd was a highly decorated serviceman with two - count 'em - three purple hearts! He served his country proud and made his family even prouder. He affectionately remembered his dad coming to Germany to meet up with him and how much fun he had - away from the shop and just being 'dad'.

The last time Syd was here, in 2010, he and I found time to do a little golfing. That was fun. His stories about being an Abbott and his travels with Bill Neff were colorful :0)

He was hoping to come back to Colon one last time this year. Maybe not in body but my friend you certainly are in spirit.

Rest In Peace

Austin, Texas —

Sydney James Abbott passed away quietly on July 21, 2012, at his daughter’s home in Austin, Texas.
He was born March 6, 1937 to Percy and Gladys Abbott of Colon, Mich.
Sydney graduated from Colon High School in 1955 and the following few years were spent driving truck and working at the Colmer Co. in Colon.

He joined the U.S. Army, served two years, became a civilian for a year and then re-joined the Army.
He served in Korea, Germany, four tours of Vietnam and numerous U.S. bases, earning numerous awards and medals, including three Purple Hearts. He retired as a first sergeant after serving 26 years in the military.
He and his wife, Eiko, traveled extensively throughout the United States in their motorhome. Eiko preceded him in death in January 2009.

He is survived by a  daughter, Linda Cates of Austin; a son, Mike Taylor of San Antonio, Texas; a granddaughter, Jennifer Marino of Tampa, Fla.; a sister, Linda Abbott Huff of Prescott Valley, Ariz.; nieces Robin Mundt of Tulsa, Okla.. and Larrinda Dinger of Lawndale, Calif.; and nephew Scott Richards of Kalamazoo, Mich.

Because of his heritage, he was an avid magician and became one of the charter members of the Abbott/Watson IBM (International Brotherhood of Magicians) Ring #386 in Colon.
No services are planned per his wishes. His cremated remains will rest with those of his wife.
 

WILMA RENCH DAY AUGUST 4TH AT FAB MAGIC!

     Come celebrate with us on Saturday, August 4th at FAB Magic Shop between 11:00 am - 1:00 pm to honor one of magic's greatest treasures - Wilma Rench! She will be signing her Tribute To Magicians CD and signing autographs. 

      For nearly five decades Wilma Rench has captivated audience's with her beautiful organ music. She has worked with all of the greats in magic including Percy Abbott,Harry Blackstone (Sr. & Jr.), Neil Foster, Jack Gwynne,Karrell Fox, Bill Neff and hundreds more.

Wilma Rench is one of the real 'jewels' of our magic community here in The MAGIC CAPITAL OF THE WORLD! This is your opportunity to tell her how much you have appreciated her music over the past 5 decades!

Spanning The Globe!

We wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of our loyal customers and new customers who have helped increase sales 133% this year! Wow! What else can we say but THANK YOU! Our MADE IN AMERICA product line has really taken off and with sales at an all time high it's nice to know YOU appreciate our efforts. We are now in 40 different countries with our ever growing product line.

 FAB Magic believes in Colon and with our expansion here in town on the horizon we can't help but be excited about the prospects and the future. With our 10th anniversary convention in 2013 we have booked some of the top magic talent from Las Vegas and beyond. Our commitment to serving you is FAB Magic's Number #1 Goal. We have some exciting major announcements forthcoming here in Colon and we are doing it all for YOU!

So again, thanks so much for being a part of 

A NEW ERA OF OLD TRADITIONS IN THE MAGIC CAPITAL OF THE WORLD!

....and we're just gettin' started :)

10 . . . . . .Is A Wonderful Number!

TEN is a Magical Number!

Announcing

FAB MagiCelebration 10th Anniversary Celebration

July 31-August 3rd, 2013 ~ Colon, Michigan

4 Giant Stage Shows, Contests,Seminars, Lectures, Dealers & So Much More!

There is so much more coming and you won't believe it! If you want to attend 1 convention next year come to Colon, Michigan - THE Magic Capital Of The World! We have already booked several top talented magical artists from around the globe and we have spared NO expense in bringing you the finest magical entertainers. We are also scheduling clown,juggling,ventriloquism and balloon modeling seminars hosted by the top artists in their field.

All Events held at the newly renovated Colon High School Auditorium & Elementary School

Special hotel/motel packages are already being negotiated for the entire family experience - Special events for the whole family ! Watch our website with all the details to come

www.colonmichiganmagic.com

Get Ready - It's Coming!

Extra! Extra! Colon, Michigan - July 31st - August 3rd 2013

A Magic Gathering YOU won't want to miss!

My Mayberry . . . .

In one's lifetime there are iconic figures who leave a lasting impression both personally and professionally. Andy Griffith was one of those individuals who made an impression on me. I still to this day enjoy watching all of the Mayberry episodes. Here was a man who loved his work. It was always quite obvious by the way he played his role as sherrif,dad and friend.  He made you feel good about life - even when times were tough you could watch a re-run of an episode and everything seemed to be okay - at least for a little while. I always wanted to live in Mayberry and for the past 10 years I HAVE lived in my own Mayberry, R.F.D. - thanks Andy for the memories - thanks for making life a little more bearable.

Banners A Way!

It was a hot one today but fear not Stacey and Jim started hanging banners today! They look great and once all thirty are in place it will be something to see.

A New Era of Old Traditions In The magic capital of the world!



2013 - A Magic Gathering Like You Have Never Imagined

A Touch Of Magic . . .

The entire village is excited as our new Magic Capital Banners are ready to be hung throughout town.

Over 30 merchants supported our DDA project - the pride Colon is showing is overwhelming. With a little luck from the weatherman and a lot of help from the village employees we will have these installed before July 4th! Many thanks to our long time employee,artist,seamstress,feather flower artist and "everything I ask of her" Indra Sanford who designed the artwork for these banners.

...and hey we are just getting started - Colon is on the move!



You Aren't Going To BELIEVE YOUR Eyes!

Magic Week is only is only 30+ days away and already we are making plans for our BIG 10th Anniversary in 2013. You literally won't believe your eyes what we have in store for YOU!

A magic gathering like you have never seen . . . . . stay tuned - major announcements are

COMING SOON!