April 2010 in Review

April is now behind us . . . back on April 8th we lost an amazing animal trainer. Derrick Rosaire passed away after a brief battle with cancer.  Derrick leaves behind two sons, a wife and a family of the best animal trainers in the business.  Our sincere condolences to the Rosaire family.

April is the month of spring break and all the events that welcome in the beginning of spring.  We had events throughout the east coast including Power's Great American Midways in Staunton, VA as well as Asheboro, NC.  We also had Rockwell Amusements close to home in Taunton, MA.  In typical April fashion the weather was both with us and against us.  We saw record high temperatures and record low temperatures all in the same week. Cabin fever prevailed on the warm sunny days as families shed their sweaters and sweatshirts and line up for the first pay one price wristbands for the season.

One of the most exciting events we have had this year occurred on April 17th.  Jade Kindar-Martin became the first high-wire artist to cross  the new Wembley Stadium on the high-wire 150' above the floor of the stadium and 500' across.  That type of extreme high-wire performance is known as a
sky-walk. It has been 35 years this year since Evel Knievel made his attempt at jumping thirteen buses at the original Wembley Stadium and that was not far from Jade mind as he made his preparation for this historic event.  This event was pre-match entertainment for the Saracens Rugby team and was sponsored by Domino's Pizza.  The match had record attendance not only for the Saracens, not only for a rugby match at Wembley but record attendance for a rugby match in general throughout the entire Guinness Premiership League.  Both the Saracens and Dominos were thrilled with all the media coverage of the event which was considered a huge success.  This is yet more proof that Jade's sky-walks are a proven draw for audiences.  This is the perfect event to sell through those extra seats in a stadium, to draw audiences to a festival or to bring media attention to a company or product.  Sky-walks are inspirational to audiences and show nothing is impossible! 

Coming this winter Accipiter Enterprises, birds of prey show will feature and all new opportunity for resorts, hotels, golf courses, etc.  The event is the Bird Strike Force, a bird of prey abatement/educational show.  This provide and educational and entertaining show to patrons and guests and at the same time encourage wintering birds to move along.  No birds will be harmed in the process but the mere presence of the owls, hawks and falcons is reason enough for the mobs of feathered friends to find a new hang out, providing a more relaxing atmosphere overall.  This show will be geared towards those resorts in the warmer climates where winter birds can become a nuisance and possibly even a health hazard.

A couple more RED HOT ROUTING SPECIALS to report!  The Magic of Lance Gifford and Company has July 12 to August 1st open for the Northeast.  Includes fabulous illusion show with magician, assistant and animals!  Lance has his own stage and will let the purchaser use the stage for other shows/presentations during the event such as music and awards presentations.  Lance also can include Granny's Racing Pigs as well as Karaoke if the purchaser is interested.

The second RED HOT ROUTING SPECIAL is a fantastic deal for any special event in the Midwest!  Maximum Velocity actions sports show is presenting their street course show on June 20th in Colorado Springs.  They need to route the show in and out with the starting and ending point being in New Hampshire.  If you are along the way we can bring you the show with NO MILEAGE FEE!  Maximum Velocity was recently featured on ABC's Extreme Home Makeover as well as New Hampshire's Chronicle.

As we enter into the outdoor event season I wish to remind all those planning to attend and event to keep a few things in mind.  One wear comfortable shoes, you will encounter all types of terrain at fairs and festivals, from paved walkways to grass, gravel and maybe even mud. You will also encounter crowds and stomping feet of all sizes.  It is not a good place for heels, flip flops, sandals, and alike.  Trade in your fashion sense for a good pair of sneakers!  You and your feet will thank me for this advice.