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36th Annual Convention

July 19 - 24, SUNY / Purchase

by Gene Jones, IJA President and Convention Chairman

As planning for this year's 36th Annual Convention nears completion, the excitement is beginning to mount. Correspondences are arriving in record numbers from around the world indicating that this summer's juggling extravaganza should certainly surpass all attendance records.

The Guinness Book of Records has been notified and will be standing by to document such an occurrence for their next publication.

In addition to being a convention of quantity, the Annual Convention will also be a convention of quality. Bearing in mind all the suggestions made at Santa Barbara last summer, Rich Chamberlin and I have attempted to accommodate diverse needs and desires of all factions of our membership.

Special arrangements have been made to provide housing on Sunday, July 17 and Sunday, July 24 for those who wish to extend their convention experience. Although the meal plan does not begin until Tuesday dinner, the gymnasium will be open for a full schedule of open juggling beginning on Monday morning. To answer as many questions as possible in this limited space, the following is a breakdown of convention details:

THE WELCOME PARTY - To be held Tuesday, July 19, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in the lobby and patio areas of the gym:- Wine, soft drinks and cheese will be served.

WORKSHOPS - This year's schedule is the most extensive ever. Workshops will begin Tuesday evening and run from 1-6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, with morning workshops Thursday and Friday. A special 'warm-up' workshop will be held each morning. Highlighting this year's workshop schedule is Lottie Brunn's appearance on Thursday.

CHAMPIONSHIPS For the first time, all championship competition will be held at night, with the exception of the Numbers Competition Thursday afternoon. The evening time slot will allow competitors to properly warm up, free up time for the expanded workshop schedule and encourage attendance by the general public. The Juniors, Teams, and U.S. Nationals will be held in the 1,400 seat Theatre A. Joggling and Unicycle Races will be on the college's athletic field and adjacent roadway.

PUBLIC SHOW - This year's show wilI be in the beautiful 1,400 seat Theatre A, which offers ideal staging, lighting and acoustics. The Summerfare Festival will provide lighting and sound crews, in addition to staffing the theatre and box office. Summerfare is helping to promote the Public Show through their press agent and various major media sources in the New York metropolitan area. This year's Public Show has a budget which guarantees that all performers will be paid. IJA members who preregister will receive a $2 discount on tickets. No discounts wilI be available after July 4, since the show is almost certain to sell out. The IJA will purchase a limited number of additional tickets to insure that all registered jugglers get a seat. ~

HOUSING - There are a number of choices: Double occupancy, single occupancy and economy singles. Economy singles are slightly smaller than regular singles. Three and four room suites are available, some with private baths. Assignments will be made on a first come, first serve basis. There are a limited number of suites and economy singles, so register early! Linens and towels are provided.

FOOD - A healthy variety of offerings with vegetarian entrees. A box lunch will be served at the Saturday picnic following the parade. Refreshments will be available in the gym.

CAMPING - Camping in the area is not abundant, but there are possibilities. For camping information, contact Rich Chamberlin.

SWIMMING - The pool in the gym will be open 10 a.m.-noon and 9-11 p.m. daily (except for Friday and Saturday nights) beginning Tuesday evening.

FILM NIGHT - A special evening, courtesy of Karl-Heinz Zeithen, who has edited together 90 minutes of historic juggling films from his superlative collection. A cocktail party and dance will follow the films.

VIDEO POLICY - Last year the Board of Directors voted unanimously to prohibit filming and flash photography at the Championships and Public Show. There are no other official restrictions, though we urge all persons with video equipment to be considerate of other jugglers and ask their permission before filming.

JUGGLING AREAS - The gymnasium building houses a 30,000 square foot main gym, a large high ceiling workshop studio, and numerous handball courts ideal for practice. Also in the gym building are a health food restaurant, a bowling alley and swimming pool. The gym is surrounded by a patio and large grass lawn with tennis courts adjacent to one side.

BENEFIT SHOW - This annual public service event will once again be organized and hosted by former IJA President Bill Barr.

SPECIAL GUESTS - A number of top professionals have already confirmed their attendance at one or more events. Don't be surprised if some of the very best begin to practice next to you!

EXHIBIT SPACE - Exhibit tables are available for $25 per day or $100 for Tuesday through Sunday. All exhibitors will receive two chairs and one table. Double booths are available. Rates will be slightly higher for exhibitors who do not preregister.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS - There is one restriction that must be noted: No scuff soled shoes or black soled sneakers will be allowed in the main gym. Please bring proper footwear.

ADVANCE REGISTRATION AND QUESTIONS All reservations should be sent to - IJA Convention, Kenmore, NY 14217. You will find registration blanks for both the convention and competitions on the following pages. SEE YOU THERE!