Not quite “man bites dog” but, as a header, it’ll do.

This weekend, Abbott’s Magic Get-Together marks the 68th year of get-togethers in Colon, MI. An article today in Sturgis Journal mentions:

This is the 68th year for the Abbott’s Magic Get-Together. Magicians from several foreign countries have arrived in preparation for the magic shows at Colon High School. Greg Bordner, owner-operator of the Abbott Magic Company, said he’s already thinking ahead to next year working on a list of potential performers.

Featured at this year’s get-together are more than 1,000 magic tricks, a new catalog and 300 copies of the just-released “Steward James Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks.”

The FAB Magic’s “Magi Celebration” takes place under the tent outside Clancy’s and will feature two all-star shows Friday and Saturday.

The Colon Chamber of Commerce is selling copies of a new Colon Magic Capital of the World souvenir license plate for $5. It has been a popular sales item for magicians.

As Tevye would put it, “Tradition.”

The article also interviews amateur magician/atom splitter Wayne Braun — who hasn’t missed a Get-Together in 28 years.

Check out the article if you have a moment.

I wish there’d had been added to that article just a little bit about the history of Abbott’s Magic. Of course, Abbott’s own web site doesn’t offer much in the way of history, either.