Twin Falls kids learn magic from the pros

By Blair Koch, Times-News correspondent
Published August 28, 2010, in the Times-News MagicValley.com
http://www.magicvalley.com/news/local/twin-falls/article_ccce173a-1ab7-57be-8757-777ee2800a46.html

TWIN FALLS, IDAHO—Unfazed by having to perform in front of her peers, Nikki Mongetta confidently took the floor.

One hand clutched a green handkerchief, tied to a yellow handkerchief of the same size.

With sass, Mongetta told the five other kids taking part in Friday’s Magic Camp that she would change the colors of both. Then, to cheers from her audience, she slid her hand across the silky material, turning green to blue and yellow to red.

The trick was just one of a variety of illusions the six children learned at the camp, part of this weekend’s MagicFest in Twin Falls. The kids will demonstrate what they learned today at 1 p.m. at the Magic Valley Mall and during the 7 p.m. Art of Imagination magic show at the College of Southern Idaho’s Fine Arts Center.

This is the second year for MagicFest, a fundraiser benefiting the Twin Falls Kiwanis Club and the Twin Falls Community Foundation, but the first year a youth activity was scheduled.

“For a number of logistical reasons we were not able to pull off the kids event last year,” said Brian Higgins of Success Martial Arts, where the afternoon camp took place. “But we thought adding something the kids could be a part of was important and this year made sure it happened.”

However simple the tricks he taught appeared, Nelo the Magician — also known as Olen Foreman of Twin Falls — explained that behind every great magician is someone who spends long hours practicing and preparing.

He was inspired at 22 years old to take up magic by his father-in-law. Now 59, he’s been performing and honing his craft for nearly four decades.

“The timeless element to magic is the wonder of it. I believe that a lot of adults are still kids at heart,” Foreman said. “Magic shows are something that are enjoyed equally by both adults and children.”

Camp participant Thomas Collins has studied the art of magic for a few years. The 12-year-old said he got hooked after seeing his friend perform a coin trick from a kit purchased at a dollar store.

Collins soon had many magic kits and books on the subject.

“I can make tissues disappear,” he said.

While Collins said he enjoyed learning some new tricks Friday, he doesn’t think his hobby will grow into a profession.

“I’m more into science and chemistry,” Collins said. “But magic is still fun to do and see.”

So how did these kids change the color of their handkerchiefs?

They’re not saying. They may be novices, but they know that spilling the secret ruins the show.