Welcome to The Wacko Show!

Magic was recently in the air at the Grand Terrace Library. Laughs mingled with expressions of awe and excitement as the children who comprised the audience of "The Wacko Show" used their imaginations to the fullest and richest extent. Once parents and children of all ages settled into the community room of the library, Wacko, comic-magician extraordinaire, made his entrance. Equipped with thick, bright orange glasses and an accompanying bow-tie, Wacko was a stage presence to be reckoned with. He made a table float, coins appear and reappear in seamless sequence, and brought to life a lovable and mischievous monkey puppet, all with the ease and effortlessness of someone who loves what he does. Wacko was the fourth performer in a series of six as a part of the library's "Excavate Something Big" Summer Reading Program and new to this year's lineup. As both the art of reading and the interactive nature of "The Wacko Show" encourage and rely upon the vigorous use of a child's imagination, Wacko was a perfect addition. In fact, imagination was a key theme throughout the show. Wacko's routine does not rely on big props or complex artifice to create its illusions, but rather on the alacrity of the audience to participate and be creative and open in their perception of the act. "I want the kids to start expressing their imaginations," Wacko said, while referencing a part of the show in which he was interacting with a "flea". The flea did not exist, but the children, in that moment of magic and to the success of the gag, believed that it did, something that wouldn't be possible if not for their imaginations. He continued, "The routine does make the parents go 'wow', but it lets the children lose themselves and be goofy." Events like these help to create positive associations between children and the library environment as well as encourage summer reading. However, the performances are open to anyone, regardless of participation in the Summer Reading Program. Library Assistant Jennifer Palma stated, "Not everyone can go on vacation, so it's fun to do something with the kids." After the magic show, a raffle was held, and a few lucky kids got to take home books, a t-shirt, or even a blow-up 'dino' toy. Though not everyone left with a raffle prize, everyone did leave with smiles on their faces and magic on their minds.