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The first IJA auction also proved to be a popular event, and raised $2,713 for the IJA treasury. Two tickets from American Airlines, another convention sponsor, took top-dollar honors. But bidders also walked off with Gatto numbers clubs, Jeff Mason's first diabolo, an original copyrighted Michael Davis prop, and several complete tuxedos formerly worn by Professor Confidence.

Photographers from Life Magazine led a media parade to the convention site. The Life photographer shot the Big Toss Up and a night-time torch juggling session.

Special interest groups attracted attention as well. The Jugglers for Peace showed a film of their most recent journey to Nicaragua . IJA affiliates and clubs met to chart their course for betterment of the art.

The business meeting provoked some ideas about. the future of the

organization, and people got a chance to meet the candidates for 1988-89 office. Eleven directors were elected that afternoon (see the accompanying story), and those 11 chose Kevin Delagrange of the · Rubber City Jugglers in Akron , Ohio , as their chairman.

The IJA convention provides a stage where all jugglers can shine in the eyes of those who appreciate them most. Conventioneers gave their People's Choice award to the Philippine Pride Jugglers, and four affiliates made special awards from their groups: Atlanta Jugglers Association Wild Style Award to the Philippine Pride Jugglers; Jest Jugglers Best Jest Award to Ryder Schwartz; Cascade Jugglers Woman of the Year Award to Renegade Rene'; and New York Jugglers Golden Leash Award to Denny Burnett, for trying to devil stick a full-size plastic water bottle!

The energy spent in Denver was well worth the energy gained. Tired and excited, jugglers left Denver for another year of relative solitude. And as they had so many times in the past, most vowed to return!