Magic News

Houdini Days Cancelled for this Summer

The Green Bay Gazette reports
this morning some expected but still disappointing news.

The Houdini Days Magic Festival has been on and off since Chris Cochrane –
organizer of the incredible event – was critically injured in an automobile accident on the
final day of last year’s very successful event.

?This is a phenomenal event I would like to see continue ? but personally and
physically, I won?t be able to (do it this year),? said Mr. Cochrane. The car
accident crushed both of his legs; requiring operations, 17 screws, two metal
plates, a steel rod and constant rehabilitation. He has at least moved from his
wheelchair to using a cane.

?To put on a world-class level festival like this takes approximately a year
to plan,? Mr. Cochrane said.

In the run-up to last years festival, Mr. Cochrane spent almost every waking
moment promoting, organizing, re-organizing, scheduling, cajoling, and creating.
His efforts were tireless and it seemed unreasonable to expect him to keep up
the pace this year when he needed to dedicate his energies toward rehabilitation
and combating the incredible pain.

Still, we were selfish and hoped against hope it could be done.

If there was anyone who could pull it off it would be Mr. Cochrane.

Mary Ann Wepfer, marketing director of Appleton Downtown Inc., which
co-sponsored the event for the last two years, shared our sentiments. “It was a
very positive experience, and I feel the businesses enjoyed Houdini Days and the
people it brought downtown,” she said. “We hope that in future years, we can
bring Houdini Days back.'”

A scaled-down tribute to the master of illusion ? Halloween with Houdini ? is
planned Oct. 29 at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel.

With wrists and ankles shackled, Mike Schroeder of The Comedy Magic of Mike
(Cochrane?s former partner in The Comedy Magic of Mike & Chris) will be
submerged in the Radisson?s swimming pool trying to free himself before he runs
out of breath. The event also will feature the magic and escape artistry of last
year’s first prize winner Trevor Motycka,Marv Roth, Bruce
Hetzler, Danny Magic, Lou Lepore, Lee
Haushalter, Stephen Weis and Nate Nygren. Proceeds will benefit the
Fox
Cities Children?s Museum.

Mr. Cochrane issued a public
statement on the Houdini Days website:

It is with my deepest regret that I must cancel the 2005 Houdini
Days Magic…

The Green Bay Gazette reports
this morning some expected but still disappointing news.

The Houdini Days Magic Festival has been on and off since Chris Cochrane –
organizer of the incredible event – was critically injured in an automobile accident on the
final day of last year’s very successful event.

?This is a phenomenal event I would like to see continue ? but personally and
physically, I won?t be able to (do it this year),? said Mr. Cochrane. The car
accident crushed both of his legs; requiring operations, 17 screws, two metal
plates, a steel rod and constant rehabilitation. He has at least moved from his
wheelchair to using a cane.

?To put on a world-class level festival like this takes approximately a year
to plan,? Mr. Cochrane said.

In the run-up to last years festival, Mr. Cochrane spent almost every waking
moment promoting, organizing, re-organizing, scheduling, cajoling, and creating.
His efforts were tireless and it seemed unreasonable to expect him to keep up
the pace this year when he needed to dedicate his energies toward rehabilitation
and combating the incredible pain.

Still, we were selfish and hoped against hope it could be done.

If there was anyone who could pull it off it would be Mr. Cochrane.

Mary Ann Wepfer, marketing director of Appleton Downtown Inc., which
co-sponsored the event for the last two years, shared our sentiments. “It was a
very positive experience, and I feel the businesses enjoyed Houdini Days and the
people it brought downtown,” she said. “We hope that in future years, we can
bring Houdini Days back.'”

A scaled-down tribute to the master of illusion ? Halloween with Houdini ? is
planned Oct. 29 at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel.

With wrists and ankles shackled, Mike Schroeder of The Comedy Magic of Mike
(Cochrane?s former partner in The Comedy Magic of Mike & Chris) will be
submerged in the Radisson?s swimming pool trying to free himself before he runs
out of breath. The event also will feature the magic and escape artistry of last
year’s first prize winner Trevor Motycka,Marv Roth, Bruce
Hetzler, Danny Magic, Lou Lepore, Lee
Haushalter, Stephen Weis and Nate Nygren. Proceeds will benefit the
Fox
Cities Children?s Museum.

Mr. Cochrane issued a public
statement on the Houdini Days website:

It is with my deepest regret that I must cancel the 2005 Houdini
Days Magic Festival.

Two days ago, my doctor informed me that my recovery from my car accident
will take longer than originally hoped. With both of my legs shattered in the
Labor Day accident, they are now held together with plates, rods, and 17 screws.
Future operations look very probable and the prospect of a 100% recovery is now
in some question. In the near future, I will be experiencing extremely intensive
physical therapy to being the long process of learning to walk again.

I am sad to admit that I just do not have the strength to focus on both my
rehabilitation and organize the Festival at the same time. I believe that the
positive benefits that the Festival provides for the public, future magicians
and the magic community are incredible. It is my sincere hope that the Festival
will occur in a future year.

Once again, I am very sorry. Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

Chris Cochrane

Houdini Days Organizer

Mr. Cochrane, there is no to apologize.

We are grateful for all you have done for Magic and include you and your
family in our prayers.

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