An Afternoon Of Allakazam Is Almost Here!

The phones are ringing off the hook, the emails are flying in, the local newspaper is calling for a press release! I'd say it's official: people are extremely excited for our Afternoon of Allakazam event with Mark and Nani Wilson on Saturday, April 4th from 1-4 PM. If you haven't pre-registered, please do so soon; there are still a few seats available. Remember, this event is limited to only 100 people, and you must pre-register in order to attend. Remember, this is a FREE event with all materials needed for the tricks taught by the Wilsons supplied at the door, and they are yours to keep. I personally can't think of two better people to teach magic than these two! Mark and Nani will be available for all questions and answers for what we guarantee will be an afternoon that you'll never forget. And, did we mention, this is a FREE event? That's right; it won't cost you a dime! We'll also have a special prize drawing and more surprises from Mark and Nano in store! What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than with two of magic's biggest legends and most beloved performers! I've said this before, but I guarantee this is an experience you'll never forget. You can reserve your seat by phone at 800-407-4040 or 559-266-5150 or via email at sales@hocus-pocus.com.

RECYCLE YOUR MAGIC

We all have them: Special rooms, closets or drawers, and maybe even storage facilities overflowing with magic effects that we never use. Well, what if you could recycle all those unused effects? Well, now you can; exchange your unwanted magic for brand new magic!

It only happens once a year: Trade-In Days are here again!

Have we got a deal for you! We've all done it: we've bought some tricks we thought we just couldn't live without only to find out that they just didn't fit our style or we just couldn't use it in our act. Hocus Pocus has come to your rescue with our fabulous Trade In Days Event! Here's how it works:

1. Put together a list of the items you would like to trade for in-store credit. Please state the condition of the items and if they are complete with instructions.

2. Email your list along with your telephone number to sales@hocus-pocus.com and we will review the items you send us. If we're interested, we will email you within 24 hours and make you an offer. If you accept, simply send the merchandise to us and receive your in-store credit to use any time you wish! It's that easy!

PLEASE: No books, DVDs, videos, packet or pocket tricks. We are specifically looking for mid-sized to larger items. We are always looking for Collector's Workshop pieces, older pieces, collectibles, or whatever you can't use!

IMPORTANT: PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR LIST FOR CONSIDERATION ON OR BEFORE MONDAY, MARCH 30th AT MIDNIGHT.

So here's your chance to turn that old stuff into new! Please feel free to contact us by email, sales@hocus-pocus.com or toll-free at 800-407-4040 or 559-266-5150.

What have you got you lose? Who knows; that magic you can't use just might be what we are looking for and you can recycle it into store credit for future purchases. Remember all lists must be submitted no later than MONDAY, MARCH 30th at midnight.

On the home front, I'm taking off a little early today to spend the evening with my family, and I'm looking forward to spending the entire weekend in the yard exercising my green thumb. The weather here is absolutely beautiful and the weekend forecast is projecting high 70s to low 80s. There is a lot of work to do, but I enjoy every single second of it. However you decide to spend your weekend, make it a good one!

Until next time,

Paul

Lights, Candles, Action!

A couple of weeks ago, my good friend, Paul Romhany, contacted me regarding a magician he had met in Canada named Zoran Krezic. Paul was excited about a magic effect that Zoran had created. Wanting to get his product on the market, Paul immediately suggested he contact us, which he did by phone. I was surprised when Zoran told me that, rather than send pictures or even a video demo, he wanted to show it to me personally. Imagine believing in a product so strongly, Zoran was willing to drive 2.5 days from his home in Vancouver, BC all the way to Fresno, California! That's exactly what he did. Monday morning, bright and early, Zoran, his wife Zdravka, and son Tony arrived here at Hocus Pocus. Within minutes, Zoran was set up to perform his Lit Candles Mystery:


Zoran presents his Lit Candles Mystery


No one saw the finale coming!

Everyone on hand gathered around the stage to watch Zoran perform this miracle. Everyone, including Mike and myself were completely fooled. So much so that Mike didn't even want to know how it was done! I must say that I see hundreds if not thousand of magic products come through these doors every year, but I have not seen anything of this caliber, quality, craftsmanship, and uniqueness in the last 20 or so years. Zoran is not only a master award-winning magician, but he is also a master craftsman the likes we haven't seen for a long time. While this is not an inexpensive prop or one that is suitable for every single performer out there, I urge you to take a few minutes and watch the online video right here!

My only regret is that I can't show you how it's done or the fine machining and craftsmanship along with all the steps Zoran has thought out with this incredible effect. We enjoyed our visit with Zoran and his family. Nicer and down-to-Earth people like them are a rarity in this day and age. I look forward to this new relationship with Zoran and his family, and I'm excited and honored that he chose Hocus Pocus to be the exclusive dealer to carry the Lit Candles Mystery. And just a tip: he's already told me about the next effect that he'll be releasing soon. I can't wait!



Other news here at Hocus Pocus: this coming Monday, my good friend, Bruce Calver, will be here to lecture. If you haven't seen Bruce before, you are truly missing out on one of the most practical performers out there. Bruce has something for everyone in his lecture, whether you perform close-up magic, mentalism, or stage magic; Bruce has something just for you. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. The lecture is Monday, March 23 at 7:00 PM here at Hocus Pocus. Tickets are $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door. I hope to see you here.



Calling All Allakazamers! Where will you be Saturday, April 4th 1-4 PM?

The excitement is certainly building for our Afternoon of Allakazam event with Mark and Nani Wilson on Saturday, April 4th from 1-4 PM. So many of you have already signed up, and if you haven't please do so soon. Remember, this is limited to only 100 people, and you must pre-register to attend. Everything that you'll need for the tricks taught will be supplied to you at the door, and remember, this is a FREE event. As excited as I am about this event, Mark and Nani are even more excited to be here and meet all of you and share their experiences, knowledge, and Mark is excited about teaching you several magic effects. We'll have a special prize drawing and more surprizes in store! What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than with two of magic's biggest legends and most beloved performers! I guarantee this is an experience you'll never forget.

On the home front, our oldest son, Cole, just called to inform us that he has just gotten a job working for an accounting firm. This was quite a long process as the firm was narrowing down the prospective employees. It went from 40 applicants to 20 to 10 to 5 to 4, and then Cole! We're very excited and proud, so Betty and I will be leaving tomorrow morning to visit Cole and celebrate his success.

So, it's time to wrap it up. Try to make it to the lecture if you're in the area Monday night, and make sure to sign up for our Afternoon of Allakazam.

Until next time,

Paul

A Guided Tour

Many of you have requested photos of the inside of Hocus Pocus. So this week, by popular demand, we've decided to give you a guided tour. Below, you'll find several photos (that you can click to enlarge) of just what you'd see if you paid us a visit. Hope you enjoy all of them.


Inside warehouse hallway to Betty's office


Sideshow posters and magicians' caricatures


One view of the warehouse, Karen's view


Another shot of the warehouse


Sideshow banners circle the warehouse walls


More warehouse and sideshow banners


More sideshow banners


Rare and original Johnny Meah sideshow banners


More sideshow banners and an old Hocus Pocus sign


More sideshow banners


And even more sideshow banners


Magician automaton in the showroom


FeeJee Mermaid inside my office (thanks, Doug Higley)


Baby Chupacabra


Shelves of used magic in the showroom


Just one view of illusions in the showroom


Spirit Cabinet with a surprise inside


Posters and collectibles


A view from Mike's office


Betty's office


Disneyland's Haunted Mansion Growing Portraits inside Betty's office


Pinhead and his victim greets you as you enter the showroom


Antique Punch & Judy and antique magic adorn the showroom floors


Performance stage for lectures, shows, and events


More props along with Harry Blackston Jr's tuxedo and Mark and Nani Wilson's Allakazam Hat


Outside my office with hundreds of autographed 8X10 photos of our friends


Ken's office with more autographed photos and caricatures


Inside my office with many collectibles, including Mark and Nani Wilson's original Lester Lake guillotine


Corner view from my office


The opposite corner view of my office with more collectibles and original Doug Henning costumes


Wall of various collectibles, including my now-famous and ever-growing ball and vase collection on the top shelf


Vintage magic sets adorn my office, including those I grew up with


More vintage magic sets and characters


Across from my office with more collectibles


Another view of the collectible shelves


More illusions, including Mark and Nani Wilson's Magic Dancing Doll illusion


Lots of magic everywhere you look


One last look from the showroom floor


I'm lucky to be surrounded every day by all this great stuff

Believe it or not, there is more than what we've shown you here today. Hopefully, you've got an idea of what it's like here at Hocus Pocus.

Magic University Update

Magic University is rapidly filling up with founding members. This exciting venture with Mark and Nani Wilson is the first of its kind ever offered. Mark has generously offered the following free lesson for your viewing pleasure. This will give you an idea of the quality and the ease of instruction you can look forward to once you join Magic University! Remember, your chance to become a Founding Member and receive all the extra benefits of doing so is an offer available for a limited time. See our web site for details.

You are cordially invited to an Afternoon of Allakazam!



Last week, we told you about an exciting event happening here at Hocus Pocus on Saturday, April 4th. Mark and Nani Wilson will be here to host an Afternoon of Allakazam. From 1:00-4:00 PM, you'll be able to hear how it all began. Then Mark and Nani will teach you several effects that you can perform instantly and all the supplies necessary will be provided at the door. I personally can't think of two better people to teach magic than these two! Mark and Nani will be available for all questions and answers for what we guarantee will be an afternoon that you'll never forget. And, did we mention, this is a FREE event? That's right; it won't cost you a dime! I've been talking to Mark, almost daily, and he is very excited about coming here and has several special surprises for all in attendance. Seating for this special event is limited to only 100 people, and you must make reservations in advance. You can do so by phone at 800-407-4040 or 559-266-5150 or via email at sales@hocus-pocus.com. As of today's date, we are almost 50% full, so don't delay! We look forward to seeing you here for this very special and momentous occasion.

Until next time,

Paul

Arachnophobia!

arachnophobia - a·rach·no·pho·bi·a (ə-rāk'nə-fō'bē-ə, -nō-)
n. An abnormal fear of spiders.

That's what everyone has here at Hocus Pocus! Not really. Tarantula is the magic word around here. Ever since we announced the pre-orders for this brand new effect, the orders have been pouring in! Late yesterday afternoon, the wait was over as hundreds of Tarantulas arrived in our warehouse! All morning long, it's been pack and ship, pack and ship, Tarantula, Tarantula, Tarantula. Not since Jim Rosenbaum's Gecko, last year's and still one of this year's best-sellers have I seen such a frenzy for a new product. I must say that after checking it out today, Tarantula is a very ingenious secret weapon/gimmick that once mastered, you'll carry with you all the time. If you are one of the few who is not familiar with what Tarantula is, do yourself a favor and check it out HERE as well as the online video! Not only can you get it at a great discount right now, you can also get a free package of Mesika's Invisible Thread Loops. Now that's a pretty cool deal!


Tarantulas, tarantulas everywhere!


Just one side of the shipping table with boxes ready to ship Tarantula

An Afternoon of Allakazam



What if you could spend an afternoon with Mark and Nani Wilson? What if, during that afternoon, you could reminisce about their early days on the TV show, The Magic Land of Allakazam? What if you could see them perform again? What if you could take a few private lessons with these legends of magic? What about a Question and Answer session? And more! Wonder no more; on Saturday, April 4th Hocus Pocus will host an Afternoon of Allakazam! What better way to learn about our art than from magic's most beloved magic couple! No one has contributed more in their career in the art of magic than Mark and Nani Wilson. Imagine the historical significance of an event like this and to be able to sit, talk with, share, and learn from them. There will be something here for everyone that day, and I guarantee that this event will be something you'll never forget! And the best part? This event will be absolutely free to attend, and any materials needed for the lessons taught will be supplied. However, seating will be limited to only 100. For more details and to reserve your seat now, contact me directly at sales@hocus-pocus.com or call me toll-free 800-407-4040 or 559-266-5150! I hope to see you here. More information will be posted on the web site later in the week.

Now, it's back to Tarantulas. So many to ship, so little time. But have no fear; they'll ALL go out this afternoon.

Until next week,

Paul