Magic moment

Published on January 21st, 2008

Published on January 29th, 2010

Bernard empties sleeves in record-setting performance

By Christy Marsters

Kings County Register

A Canadian magicians’ record was broken in New Minas Jan 19.

Local magician Al Bernard shattered his goal of completing 40 tricks in 40 minutes, finishing 41 tricks in 35 minutes by clinging together several steel rings.

The event was meant to help commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Village of New Minas this year.

Chairman Maynard Stevens, organizing the anniversary celebrations, says this historic show was just another way of marking the uniqueness of the area. “It was interesting to watch and see if he could do the 40 tricks in 40 minutes. Lots of young people came out here to watch also, and that was great to see.”

Kings South MLA David Morse and Jungle Jim’s both sponsored Bernard’s initiative, amd donations were accepted during the show for the foodbank.

Breanne Buchanan was the official keeper of the tricks and times. “I’ve seen his shows before and I was sure he could do it,” Buchanan said. “I like seeing what tricks he’ll do next.”

Bernard knew this show was going to be different from typical presentations, when about 12 stunts may take up 40 minutes: triple the tricks would need to be performed, without interruption or help from the crowd.

The idea for this show started as a joke but it became clear, after testing out the theory a couple of times, 40 small stunts in 40 minutes were possible, Bernard said. “I started thinking I was capable of doing this.”

It was a pretty good crowd showing up at Cunty Fair Mall for the event too, Bernard said. “After my shows, people want to come up and give me some of their time for a picture or to say thanks, and I like to take the time to let them do that because I also think it’s important to thank them for allowing me to perform for them.”

Maria Rodrigues, nine, expressed her pleasure with the performance. “My favorite trick was the disk trick, where they changed colours,” she said. “It was pretty fantastic - especially ‘cause I’ve never been close to a magician or seen one before.”