COLON, MI (WTVB) – The village of Colon, formally recognized as the “Magic Capital of the World”, is marking the 100th anniversary of Harry Houdini’s death with a daring Halloween escape stunt this Saturday.
getty images
Exactly one century after the legendary illusionist passed away at Detroit’s Grace Hospital on October 31, 1926, professional “extricationist” Matt Kalita will attempt a harrowing tribute.
At 3:00 p.m., Kalita will be handcuffed and bolted inside an 85-gallon steel barrel filled with water, and challenged to escape before running out of breath outside of the FAB Magic Company.
matt-kalita-escape-artist
Beyond the harrowing water-barrel escape, the village is hosting a full roster of mystical and community activities to celebrate the historic anniversary of Houdini’s death.
Festivities kick off earlier in the afternoon with a traditional community costume parade marching down Main Street.
The historic Lakeside Cemetery, final resting place to more magicians than anywhere else in the world, will also take center stage as visitors will gather to reflect on Houdini’s final days in Michigan, including his legendary last stage performance at Detroit’s Garrick Theatre.
Other events Saturday include :
- Rope challenge: At 1 p.m. Kalita will offer a $1,000 reward to anyone that can tie him up so that he is unable to escape.-
- Free magic show: At 2 p.m. up-and-coming Michigan teen magician Leia Spade will perform a free show at the FAB Magic Annex in downtown Colon.
- More magic: At 2:30 p.m. a surprise guest will take the stage at the FAB Magic Annex
- Costume contest: At 6 p.m. trophies and prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in front of FAB Magic and Curly’s, all ages are invited.
- Trick-or-treating: From 5 to 8 p.m. throughout Colon.
In honor of Houdini’s death, Halloween also became known as Houdini Day in 1927, according to the Society of American Magicians.
In 1938, after receiving permission from Houdini’s widow, it would be changed to National Magic Day.
Comments