30-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Tradition continues in Park Ridge as Park District hosts annual family magic show
Dozens of families watched with laughter and amazement as doves disappeared and objects vanished – along with other interactive tricks – at 'The Great Family Magic Show' earlier this month in Park Ridge.
The late-morning event hosted by the Park Ridge Park District and held at the Centennial Activity Center on Jan. 19, drew about 65 guests, ranging in age from 3 to adult.
'We just enjoy having all of the families here at the Park District,' said Meghan O'Neill, the Park District's youth and special events supervisor.
While waiting for the main event to start, attendees were served pizza, snacks and small magic tricks provided at their tables. Children also received their own take-home magic kits to help keep the fun alive after the event.
'The kids get their own magic tricks to take home with them, and then the magician does a good 45-minute show. He even brings out animals that disappear; it's a lot of fun. I love that they're interacting, coloring, doing magic tricks at the table, and the families are just together,' said O'Neill.
The Great Family Magic Show has been a tradition in Park Ridge for about a decade. Under O'Neill's leadership for the past two years, the event has grown into a biannual celebration held in winter and spring, officials explained.
First-time attendees Elizabeth and Mike Hardey, of Arlington Heights, brought their two children, Luke, 5, and June, 3, to experience the magic show.
'We're excited to see the performance,' said Elizabeth Hardey. 'Park Ridge always does a great job putting together these events, so we're happy to be here.'
For Park Ridge native Mark Ishu, attending the magic show with his children, Ashur, 6, and Atorina,9, has become an annual tradition.
'The bottom line is that the kids have so much fun watching every single magic trick,' said Ishu. 'The excitement I see in their faces is so great that you just want to continue it. There's always new material with this magician, and I know the kids were super excited last time. I'm looking forward to seeing them in the same way this time.'
His children eagerly practiced magic tricks at their table while waiting for the show to start.
'Magic brings out imagination, and I think their imagination is pivotal to their development,' Ishu added.
Amy and Justin Larson, also from Park Ridge, attended for the first time with their sons, Austin, 4, and 3-year-old Dylan.
The show was 'something I thought they would like. They're into magic lately, so why not?' said Amy Larson.
As the show got underway, the children gathered near the stage, their eyes fixed on the magician. The magician also invited adult volunteers to join in, ensuring the experience was memorable for all ages.
'It's nice for families to come together and see the magician; they love it,' said O'Neill.
The event was made possible with support from local sponsors, The McGovern Group and Proper Rate, officials explained.
For the Park Ridge Park District, The Great Family Magic Show continues to be a cornerstone event, fostering community connections and sparking joy for families year after year, organizers said.
