WESTLAKE, Ohio – It was a new chapter for the Westlake Porter Public Library when it hosted a magic show in its new pavilion across the driveway from the building’s front doors.
It was a beautiful, sunny day on August 11th when Rick Smith Jr. began his performance, which included plenty of humor and audience participation.
His techniques captivate and enthrall the audience. All age groups were enchanted and fascinated.
At least 100 spectators crossed the “cobblestone” path to reach the pavilion. Local residents, who paid $125 per cobblestone, donated a total of $30,000 toward the cost of the pavilion.
Julie Fenton of Westlake brought her children (from left: Lucy, Elizabeth and Jack) to see magician Rick Smith Jr. perform at the Westlake Porter Public Library Pavilion.Linda Gandee, special for cleveland.com
Magic show attendees filled the green lawn to see Smith, who is considered “Cleveland’s premier magician.”
Smith had great fun inviting some of the older children to stand next to him while he performed mostly card tricks.
These sleight of hand tricks easily astonished many people, as he moved very quickly from one trick to the next.
His hands were incredibly fast and he would “throw” cards to highlight his tricks, such as chopping vegetables by throwing cards.
Smith’s biography mentions several records for throwing cards at speeds of up to 92 miles per hour. He has even been listed in the Guinness Book of Records since 2002.
“I was a baseball player and we’re from Cleveland, so we go to different Cleveland baseball games. I played baseball until a few years ago, after which I had an elbow injury that required surgery. That had to do with both baseball and card throwing,” Smith said.
“So I quit baseball.”
Smith says he “works a lot” and performs at many schools and events.
For more information or to book Smith, visit Rick Smith Jr Illusionist & Event Entertainer, mail him at PO Box 470169 Broadview Heights, OH 44147 or call him at 440-821-9549.
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