Dr. Von Houligan’s Family Extravaganza show was held in Blind River over the weekend with three shows raising money for the Blind River Beavers and the local Canadian Cadet group.
Organized by long-time supporter and good friend of Dr. Von Houligan, Storm Jensen, the event featured one show Friday evening and two shows Saturday with the final show on tap just prior to the Beavers season home opener in the NOJHL season and offering a discount to the game for those attending.
Dr. Von Houligan’s shows are described as a travelling variety show that brings people back to the old days of circus, with talented and exciting performances of juggling, balancing, magic and more. The good doctor didn’t disappoint on all fronts for those who attended Saturday’s noon show. He regularly brought in the young volunteers to help him do his variety of magic tricks, something that the youngsters enjoyed along with the adults attending.
There were tricks involving swords and juggling, but among the most enjoyable acts was a ball trick that involved three volunteers holding shiny cups upside down, where Dr. Von Houligan made the balls appear and disappear without the three volunteers knowing.
He was first in Blind River for a show seven years ago, and when he made Jensen aware he had had some free time between engagements, he agreed to make the trip to the town between breaks. As far as Jensen was concerned it was an enjoyable act, and it would help the two groups she sits on as director raise money.
Dr. Von Houligan told ElliotLakeToday, after his first Saturday performance, that he first became interested in magic when he was seven when he first tried juggling. The Saskatchewan native later honed his skills, and decided that, instead of acting, he would pursue direct performances and several years later set out on the road with his show.
Jensen said she first saw the show seven years ago, and was enthralled by its message, performances and its fantasies appreciated most of all by the young people.
Dr. Von Houligan’s messages shared a bit of history about magic, some of the most historic magicians such as Harry Houdini and direct messages children could understand. Among those messages was one that children should never feel they can’t say “no” in whatever circumstances they find themselves in.
The weekend fundraiser brought in $1,200 which will be divided evenly between the Beavers and Cadets, said Jensen.
From Blind River, the show heads south to a community near Windsor.