TROY - Abracadabra!
This year's 33rd Annual Endless Mountains Maple Festival at Alparon Park in Troy will feature a new magic act.
The M & M Magic Show will be featured on both days of the festival, April 26-27.
According to Alparon Park Administrator Cathy Jenkins, Bobby and Danny Mehok from central Pennsylvania are the magicians. You can visit their website at pamagicians.com.
"They're extra talented and very humorous," she commented of the two young brothers.
She noted that she saw them when they were showcased at the state fair convention.
"They were excellent and we decided to book them for the Maple Festival," she said.
Jenkins noted that they mix in dancing and comedy into their act and imitate celebrities, such as Carrot Top.
In addition, a disappearing act is one of the feats they perform.
According to their description, the show includes live doves, audience participation, comedy for all ages and mind-blowing illusions.
The festival also includes the Bar C Ranch petting zoo on both days. The petting zoo includes "all sorts of things you can see and pet," according to Jenkins. She said some of the animals are "a little unusual" and uncommon. Reptiles are among the animals.
There will be an antique tractor display both days, located in the barns.
On Saturday only, the Battle of the Bands is returning, with eight bands signed up so far. It begins at 11 a.m. on the track. You can find the names of the bands on the festival website at maplefestivalpa.com.
Also on Saturday only, in front of the grandstands, a horse pull will begin at 10 a.m.
A new event, the Speed Open Horse Show, will feature a race around barrels, poles, a keyhole race, and a dash for cash, along with a 3-D barrel and pole event. It's sponsored by the Troy Area Horsemen's Association. It will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
On Sunday only, a car and bike (motorcycle) show will be held on the infield. Jenkins said this brings in more than 100 participants and is always very popular. The public votes on their favorite car and motorcycle on display.
Three times on Sunday, Wendy and the Renegades will present a concert on the free stage.
Also, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, a pancake eating contest will be held. A kiddie tractor pedal pull for kids will be held at 11 a.m. on both days.
All the events previously mentioned are included in the gated admission, which also includes Farm Museum admission. The cost of admission to the festival is $3, free for children under eight years old, when accompanied by an adult.
In addition, the festival features food and craft vendors, a pancake breakfast on both days, other food vendors, and maple products for sale.
The Monster Truck Show and Tuff Truck Contest will be held on Sunday for an extra fee. You can also pay to ride a mechanical bull both days. In addition, camel rides are returning for the event as well and require a fee. There is also a fee for the rides and games from Penn Valley Amusements, which will be featured both days.
You can buy tickets for The Monster Truck Show, featuring Monster Trucks and Megasaurus, on April 1. For more information for ticket locations, visit the festival website.
Eric Hrin can be reached at (570) 297-5251; or email: reviewtroy@thedailyreview.com.