A few weeks back I blogged about Fred, a WW2 vet, who was hoping to receive 100 cards to mark his 100th birthday on March 6th. You can read the previous blog post here.
Well, with the daily news filled with so many awful things, it was a joy to learn that the world responded; Fred received over 90,000 birthday cards! You can read the CBC follow-up story here.
Happy Birthday Fred!
“Thanks Owen. It was great having you here. Look forward to more. You were amazing.”
Chawla Family, Niagara Falls
Most of my birthday party magic shows are in private homes. Occasionally rec centres or church halls and every now and then kind parents think outside of the living room.
Last Thursday the parents of a 6 year old girl decided to share the fun with her Montessori school mates by holding her birthday magic show in the gym at Pathways Academy shortly before dismissal. A treat to end the school day.
After setting up I had a few minutes so I snapped pics of these fun wall paintings encouraging different kinds of physical activity.
Four shown but others included Wiggle, Jog, Spin, Dance, Tiptoe, and Slink. I had to look slink up in the dictionary. For this PE context (gliding steps) it checks out…!
Saw this news item being re-posted all over Facebook but, as the original story is from the CBC, it looks to be legit.
Fred, a WW2 vet soon to turn 100, is requesting cards for his birthday.
Click here for the original CBC story.
Some of these types of ‘feel good’ pieces are bogus or long out-of-date but this one rings true so what the heck, I’ve got a stamp and card to spare!
If you’re reading this before March 6, 2020 you can deliver a little postal magic too!
I always touch base with my birthday moms a few days before the show to say hello and review details. At that time I usually request a folding style chair be made available for my use.
Used while setting up and helps me get down closer to eye level with the kids for a couple of bits in the show.
At this recent party the artistic birthday girl went all-in leaving no doubt which chair was for me. She even added the (often overlooked) exclamation point to Mr. Oh!
Love it when I see this type of kid engagement. Not surprisingly this party was a joy to perform at.
Birthday shows are for the kids but I love it when the adults stick around to watch. It can make the show truly family friendly fun.
At one recent birthday party, a return visit for a now 8 year old girl, there was a lovely gaggle of family and friends present. These ‘big kids’ enjoyed the show too. It doesn’t happen every show but when it does there’s an extra layer of fun to be had; subtle jokes and gags I can toss in to keep the big kids on their toes.
Received a lovely email from this birthday party mom afterwards which included pics of adult reactions to birthday magic shenanigans. Don’t get these types of pics very often so, with mom’s permission, I’m sharing here.
Also, as noted on my birthday party services page, ‘bunny banner’ photos are taken by party hosts to share with parents. And, if the family pooch is chill, it can get one too…!
Owen Anderson Magician 