The 1993 International Jugglers Association Festival

July 20 - 25, Fargo, North Dakota

 

Looking ahead to this summer's 46th IJA Festival in Fargo, North Dakota, we recall that the IJA has already been to Fargo - and found it historic!

 

Thirteen years ago 475 people trekked through mid-July's heat to attend the IJA's 33rd Annual Festival there. Rolling up Interstates 94 and 29, disembarking at Hector Airport and the Amtrak station, they spilled out over the Great Plains and put on a show the locals still talk about on cold winter nights. The most remarkable thing about Fargo 1980 is the large number of performers, competitors and participants who are now internationally renowned. Fledgling French-Canadian comic Michel Lauziere kept the crowd in stitches with a three ball routine best described as "minimalist." Who can forget "Garbinsky and Judovitch," Fred Garbo and Randy Judkins, who pulled clubs from violin cases to execute a symphony of passes? Allan Jacobs and Sandy Brown, backed up by Sam Kilbourne on drums, introduced many to club swinging for the first time. Peter Davison did the (then) impossible, keeping five clubs aloft for an astounding 3:27 to become numbers champion. He and his associates in The Magnificent Material Movers, Barrett Felker and Kezia Tenenbaum, won three first places and a second to dominate the championships. Alan Howard was just a juniors juggler then. Also-rans in the seniors competition included Mark Nizer, Robert Nelson, Robert Peck and Waldo. Dave Finnigan was a new prop vendor and volunteer workshops coordinator. The IJA also held its first joggling races on the astroturf there. The historical importance of Fargo I extends far beyond what anyone in 1980 could have imagined. There's no telling what legacy Fargo II will leave, but the lesson of history is not to miss it!

 

 

SPECIAL GUEST - Gregory Popovich, a former Soviet Circus and Ringling Brothers Bamum and Bailey star now performing in Las Vegas. will be the lJA's special guest for Friday and Saturday of Fargo festival week. Popovich is most renowned for his extraordinary feats while standing atop a free­standing ladder. He will give a workshop, appear in the Cascade of Stars show and receive an IJA award.

 

SPONSORSHIP

The IJA's 46th Annual Festival is hosted by the International Jugglers Association in cooperation with the Fargo Civic Auditorium and Centennial Hall, North Dakota State University (NDSU), Larry Olson (festival spokesperson, president of Plain People Entertainment Agency). Fargo's First Assembly of Jugglers (an IJA affiliate). The festival coordinator is Ginny Rose. For general festival information call Richard Dingman.

 

IJA REGISTRATION

Pre-registrations are due by June 15. and a $5 late fee will be charged on any forms postmarked after June 15. See the registration form for options and prices. On-site registration will take place at the Fargo Civic Center. Daily admission and individual event tickets will also be available at the Fargo Civic Center. There will be no admittance to the juggling area until you have registered. For more information on registration contact Bob Mahler.

 

JUGGLING FACILITY

 The Fargo Civic Memorial Auditorium and Centennial Hall are located in the heart of downtown Fargo, within a few blocks of excellent restaurants, shops and stores, banks, medical facilities, nightly entertainment and a host of attractions in both Fargo and Moorhead (just across the Red River). The Civic Center has more than 30,000 square feet of climate-controlled space, and will be open 24 hours a day for juggling. Juggling will be in the 19,000­square-foot Centennial Hall, and the championships and Cascade of Stars show will be held in the 11,000-square-foot, 3,300-seat auditorium. Workshops will be in the 7,000-square-foot lower level exhibition hall.

 

HOUSING & CHILDREN'S HOUSING

Single and double rooms are available in Pavek Hall and Thompson Hall on the campus of North Dakota State University. The facility provides TV rooms, lounge areas, study rooms and coin-operated washers and dryers. Each floor of the high-rise facility has eight suites. Each suite includes two double rooms sharing a foyer with telephone, shower and bathroom. Single accommodations will be provided in private rooms or suites as space permits (only 37 single rooms available). Rooms are not air-conditioned, but air exchange systems keep these suites quite comfortable. Towels, bed linens and blankets are provided.

 

Children under age 18 may sleep in their parents' room at no charge (no bed), but bring bedding for them. Please indicate on your registration form how many children will be staying in your room. Or, children may stay in an additional room at a discount price (see registration form).

 

If you have pre-registered, you may check in and pick up your room keys at NDSU's Pavek Hall between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. before going to the Civic Center. If you are arriving after 10 p.m., please indicate this on the registration form so we can make special arrangements.

 

You will not be able to get a room at NDSU until you have registered. If rooms are still available when the festival begins, you may register at the Civic Center upon arrival.