Last Week in October

Here it is, almost November. Where is the time going to? This whole month was busy, but more so in the last week. I've been in several child care centers performing my Goofy Monster Magic show. Most of those were evening shows for their fall parties. These are fun events where the kids and their parents come and enjoy an evening of fun, along with a meal and in my case, a Great Scott magic show!

There were several private house parties as well. Halloween seems to have grown through the years. Now parents and kids get involved and get dressed up in character. I think many of the parents enjoy the costumes more than the kids -- if the truth were known. But it's all in fun. Case in point -- at one party last night, the host had dressed her dog in a pumpkin costume. Yes, its name actually is Pumpkin... My kind of humor.

Magic -- Rain or Shine!

This past weekend I was busy with shows all over Wisconsin. I entertained at several Birthday parties, Halloween parties, a country club and a pumpkin farm. All were inside -- luckily for me.


I was out to Woldvogel's Pumpkin Farm in Juneau  to perform a magic show for the families that visit over the weekend. They have a great place with so many wonderful family activities. You can, of course, pick your own pumpkin. There is also a 'train' ride, corn maze, 9-hole mini golf and other fun things to do. However, everything except my magic show was an outdoor activity.  So it dampened the turnout just a bit.

If your family is looking for some fun activity to do together, even if you already have a pumpkin, it's worth the drive out the Juneau to experience a day on the farm.  Be sure to visit their website to see  what special activity is happening. Do make the trip though. You'll enjoy it.

Fall is a Magical Time

Fall is definitely here. After the long, dry, hot summer, it is refreshingly cool and delightfully beautiful. Today, I am in my office working on a new routine. Practice, practice, practice. As I look out my window, I can see the leaves blowing and gently falling to the ground. The colors are exquisite this year. Truly a wonderful sight.

With the change of season, comes a new season of programs. School programs are back. I'm doing my "Magic of Dreaming Big" motivational program in several schools this month. Then there are the harvest events and parties. October is a big month for those. Everyone from daycare centers to country clubs are hosting parties this month. So I'll be at a lot of those. Mostly, these are private events. However on Oct 13, you can come out to Juneau, WI and see me perform my magic show at Woldvogel's Pumpkin Farm.
There's a bunch of family activities to experience while you're there. Take a look at their website to see what's available.

Minnesota Wedding Magic

Just back from Minnesota. This time I wasn't there to perform any magic. I was there to witness magic -- the magical birth of a new family. My nephew just got married. He and his new bride  had a wonderful ceremony in Forest Lake followed by a reception at one of the most unique venues I've every been to. The reception was held at a Library in St Paul. But this isn't your standard library. Its the James J Hill Reference Libray. Built in 1921, it stands three stories tall inside with books lining the marble walls and and floors. It truly is a beautiful space. The couple has great taste-- but an even greater love for each other, I believe. I wish them all the best in their new life together.

Having a Saturday off was unusual for me though. I had to plan this several months in advance to make that happen. Typically, I'm at two or three parties during the day and perhaps an evening show as well. Then Sunday I usually have a couple shows in the afternoon and evening as well. So, it was a whirl-wind trip. While some stayed overnight, my family traveled up and back in the same day so that I could be available for my planned shows on Sunday. Needless to say, it was a late night. We didn't get back until almost 3:30 am. But with a few hours sleep, I was refreshed and ready  to go.

It would have been nice to stay in the area and present one of my educational programs at a couple schools in Minnesota while there. However my son was along, and he needs to be at his own school. So, I'll have to make a separate trip up to St. Paul to present my program.

This year I added a program called "The Magic of Dreaming Big." I toured it through the library systems during the summer, and with a few modifications, it is now ready for Schools all over the Midwest. This is a fun, educational and motivational program of magic, music and ventriloquism. The main thrust is to help kids think seriously about their future--but have fun while doing it. I have no doubt it will become a favorite of schools. I know its my favorite to present.
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For information about a school presentation visit: www.scottobermann.com 

Summer Coming to a Close -- Reflection Time

Can you believe it? Summer is almost over. Many schools are back in session already, and the rest will be in full swing by the end of next week. Where did the time go? I've been so busy that I really didn't have time to keep track.

Soon we'll be pulling out the rakes and light jackets. But before you do that, take some time and think over this past summer -- all the things you did...and didn't do but wanted to. Savor the moments you had together with friends and with your family. Be genuinely thankful for the time you've had. Life is good!!

Did you go on vacation? Did you stay home? Either way, life is good. Did you get a new kitchen? Still making do with the one you have? Life is good either way. What's important, what you will truly remember about this past summer are the relationships that you fostered and grew. The times spent just sitting on the deck with your spouse, playing catch with your kids. Family game nights, and 'chillin' with your peeps (no I really wouldn't actually say that phrase in real life). Those are the best memories from summer.

Oh, I worked a lot. This was probably my busiest summer for performing. It was fantastic to get to entertain literally thousands of people this summer. I truly loved every minute of it. It's exhilarating. But home and family is the place for refreshment. And I cherish those moments any time of year.

Having said that, school is back and this year I have an all new school show to present. Its a modified version of my library program and deals with reading and goal setting. Follow this link to read more about the Magic of Dreaming Big school assembly program.

Party Magic in Brookfield

I get asked a lot about where people can come and see my show. The truth is, outside of my library programs, I don't do a lot of performances open to the public. The majority of appearances are for private parties, schools or banquets. Someone is getting married and wants entertainment during the reception. Your company is having its employee picnic, holiday party or employee appreciation banquet. School programs, church programs, or the venerable birthday party are all typical places where I perform.

Then I also get invited to home parties for adults. I was at one of these just recently in Brookfield. I had performed a few years back for the grandchildren of this couple, and they thought it would be fun to have a magician at their dinner party. It turned out to be a wonderful time.

Some people seem to think that a magician is only for children. And as I was being introduced, one lady said "Oh, I should have brought my grandson along."  Of course this occasion was all adults, and required a more sophisticated show. Fun, still clean -- but adult. I won't go into all the tricks I performed, but  suffice to say, there was plenty of laughter, lots of audience participation, and quite a few puzzled looks at what was happening during the show. In short -- we all had a great time. I think I won over a few skeptics and made a few new friends as well. I love my 'job'.

Magic in Racine was Hot Hot Hot

This past weekend was great, as usual. While Sunday was a beautiful day -- almost perfect, Saturday was a bit hot and muggy, as usual this year. Of course I took note of it because I performed outside for most of the afternoon. One of the 'gigs' I had was for a large company picnic down in Racine. The picnic was well attended. I would estimate 500 - 600 people. Wonderful people I might add.

I strolled around the grounds and performed closeup magic for as many as I could. But this company really knew how to throw a party. There were bounce houses, clowns, face painters and even a climbing wall. Oh, and there was this great magician as well (wink). What caught my attention most was the talent they had on their stage. In addition to the stage show I presented, there were several bands and solo performers who were employees or family of employees. Some really wonderful acts -- all volunteer!  One girl named Sydney Manning played a few songs from an album she recorded. Great stuff!

It was a hot and steamy day in Racine for magic. And I loved every minute of it. I ended the day in Shorewood, performing inside of  a Culver's. That was different--but it worked out wonderfully. The manager was celebrating a store anniversary -- also with a balloon artist and a face painter. Plus he had the fire department and police there to display equipment and talk to the public. It was a great event. That's a manager thinking outside the box. I think his customers really enjoyed the whole experience. As did I. Even if I ended up loading everything into my SUV in drizzling rain. It was a great day for Great Scott.

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