Get ready for some magic

COLON – Abbott’s Magic Get-Together, the most unique annual community festival in St. Joseph County, begins its four-day run today.

It is the 86th Get-Together and a milestone for Abbott’s Magic Co. itself.

Abbott’s owner Greg Bordner shed light on the 2024 celebration, Abbott’s 90th birthday and other random thoughts.

What act seems to be drawing the most attention so far?

“There’s an Englishman coming from Las Vegas called Piff the Magic Dragon. He’s been on America’s Got Talent, he’s got a standing show in Vegas and he’s all over YouTube. I didn’t realize he was so popular, but from what I understand, he puts on quite a show. He’s flying in for Thursday’s show then flying out.”

Anyone else?

“The Evasons are a mentalist duo and they, too, are all over YouTube, they’ve been on Penn & Teller’s Fool Us program. They’re a mindreading act, which is one of my favorites. They’ll be here Friday and they actually really wanted to be here this week. So, I’m happy we could include them this year.”

Each of the four nightly showcase performances are themed this year .

“Correct. Wednesday is opening night and the theme is Magical Gala. Five acts and it’ll be a really good family show, including Colon’s own BJ Mallen. Thursday is Vegas Night. There are four acts: Mike Caveney, Piff the Magic Dragon, David Williamson and Mac King. They are all here from Vegas, of course. Friday’s theme is Tannen’s Magic Camp Alumni night. Tannen’s is on the East Coast and some really strong acts have gone through Tannen’s over the years. We have four acts that night. And Saturday’s theme is the Magic of Germany. It’s a four-performer show, all the talent is from Germany and it’s a really good finale to the 2024 Get-Together.”

The acts this year, as they are every year, are professionals and highly regarded talent in the world of magic and illusion.

“We’ve had acts from all over the world … these shows aren’t your birthday party magicians or your uncle with a deck of cards. This is the real deal; these are paid professionals. Many of these acts, if you don’t see them in Colon this week, you’ll have to go to Vegas.”

Will Abbott’s continue in-house shows daily?

“Oh, yes. Two a day, Wednesday through Saturday afternoons. It’s worth mentioning that there will be street performers, buskers, again this year, and our thanks to Colon American Legion for sponsoring those acts.” (Curly’s is also hosting its annual Close-Up event at 10:15 p.m. Thursday.)

Your dad helped organize the first Get-Together in 1935, so it has been a part of your life since birth. Is it true there are third- and fourth-generation Bordners involved in the Get-Together?

“My son, Drew, has helped out for a number of years and yesterday, my 9-year-old grandson, Bryce, got involved helping out for the first time. That makes four generations and it’s something to be proud of. The Get-Together is obviously important to us and it’s good for the whole community. It’s an event that doesn’t involve politics and it appeals to people of all ages, literally. Who doesn’t like magic?”

You made the cover of the 2024 program. How did that happen?

“They apparently ran out of famous people. Kidding aside, it’s Abbott’s 90th year of business so that’s a pretty big deal, and I happen to be president of the business. We had a few years when they did not have the Get-Together … World War II and during COVID, of course, that’s why the number of Get-Togethers and Abbott’s number of years in business don’t match.”

Where is there a full schedule for the 2024 Get-Together?

“ www.magicgettogether.com ”

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Get ready for some magic