Sunny Convention Spotlight and IRS Tax Exemption

By Gene Jones, IJA President

New York, NY

 

Spring is always a time of renewed hope and increased activity. Warmer weather entices birds and squirrels from hibernation as buds appear on the trees.

 

The juggling world is very much a part of this seasonal phenomenon, as street jugglers magically appear in parks and avenues of all major cities. For the International Jugglers Association, it is a time of hard working preparation for the Annual Convention.

 

This year, the juggling world looks West to Santa Barbara, CA, for what appears to be the most luxurious and enjoyable convention ever.

 

The combination of excellent facilities and accommodations along with fine food and a resort styled setting should provide an environment diversified enough to satisfy serious jugglers as well as those who desire a relaxing vacation.

 

With all the basic arrangements completed, we are now concentrating on the finer details of convention operations. This year there will be numerous additions and improvements imple­mented, such as ride boards, handouts listing activity times and locations, an expanded work­shop schedule and vacation travel information sheets.

 

The banquet will be a festive event featuring musical entertainment and possibly some special surprises. John Luker, convention co­chairman, has arranged for the parade to be held in nearby Isla Vista where the community is very excited about welcoming us. Bill Barr has volunteered to direct the Benefit Show on July 14, while Luker will be coordinating the Public Show with yours truly.

 

There will be two Public Shows this year, both on Saturday, July 17. This provides an expanded opportunity for performers. Those who are interested in appearing in the Public Show should send notification to PO Box 29 along with information describing your act.

 

The championships will once again be staged and supervised by Greg Moss, who promises to improve upon the excellent job he did last year. This year, a large trophy will be awarded to the winner of the U.S. Nationals, and we are adding a new event in the category of track and field - unicycle juggling races.

 

There will be two unicycle races: a 100 yard sprint and a 100 yard obstacle course. Both will be held Thursday, July 15 along with the joggling foot races.

 

John is determined that this year's movie night will be the smoothest ever. He is an audio­visual expert as well as an established juggler and is in the process of lining up top quality equipment to use. Anyone planning to bring films to movie night should contact John.

 

Advanced registration has already begun and it is not only economical, but also pragmatic for all convention goers to take advantage of early registration. Advance registration is already very heavy, and lodging is limited, so we urge you to act quickly.