Days were filled with workshops, leisurely meals and shop talk with

friends. Some earned the IJA-endorsed Jugglebug achievement awards for mastery of props, while others tried out new props they purchased from a score of vendors who displayed their wares. The evenings included all the major events - welcome party, championships and a better-than­ever Extravaganza Public Show.

 

The now-traditional Field Day gave jugglers a chance to see demonstrations by some other manipulation specialists. Representatives of footbag, skip-roping, BMX bicycling and boomerang organizations showed up to share their skills. Hundreds of curious citizens dropped by for the fun, and a local radio station broadcast live from the site all afternoon. On another day, several jugglers headed up to the mountains to give a benefit show for children at the Easter Seals Handicamp.

 

There were a couple of new wrinkles as well. Many jugglers spent an afternoon doing street shows on Denver's 16th Street downtown pedestrian mall. Championships enjoyed corporate sponsorship for the first time - The IJA Butterfingers U.S. Individual Championship, IJA Baby Ruth Teams Championship and IJA Planters Numbers Challenge. The Lucas Cup was unveiled for the first time. Albert Lucas brought the custom-made silver trophy he had designed for the IJA, and presented it to the 1988 IJA Individual Champion, Jeff Mason, and last year's winner, Benji Hill.

 

There were new numbers passing events for balls, rings and clubs. No previously existing numbers records were broken, but Owen Morse set a new world record of 11.9 sec. in the 100 meter joggling event. A full slate of women's races was also run for the first time. Sponsorship from Life Savers filled everyone's pockets with that famous roll candy, and Jack Kalvan became the champion numbers Life Saver juggler by successfully juggling seven rolls at a time.