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The first annual sideshow gathering was an historic event in many ways. Frank Kossa, the organizer of Inkin the Valley, agreed to add the event to the bill of his now 9 year old tattoo convention and along with the help of the directors of the newly formed Sword Swallowers Assosciation International (SSAI) brought together performers and showmen from all over the country. The event included display booths and performances by many notable sideshow entertainers, a new mass sword swallowing record, and the roasting of the venerable Ward Hall. It was my honor and privilege to perform and share space with all of those in attendance. I could easily go on ad nauseum about the entire event, but here are some personal highlights... |
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Jewels trusted me to pierce her into her angel costume - and was an absolute champ when it took me forever to get the hooks through. The full installation was gorgeous - but neither I or Scott had a free hand to get a picture, but the crowd took plenty. |
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| Being part of setting the new mass sword swallowing record (19 performers swallowing a total of 50 swords) was a great thing to be sure, but even better was the sword swallowing round table and simply getting to be around so many other sword swallowers... | |
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| And thus, obviously, the best part of all was meeting and spending time with people who share a similiar life and love of sideshow. | |
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Jan Gregor, author of Circus of the Scars |
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George the Giant |
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Harley Newman |
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Aye Jaye - read his book!! |
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Keith (Bindlestiff Circus) |
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Zamora, the Torture King |
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I forgot to get a picture of Ward Hall and myself, but he was very gracious. The man is a legend but he made a point to come over to me when I first arrived at the hotel, road weary and hungry, and to sit and talk with me over lunch. I cannot say how much I am impressed by Ward. Also, all of us who took the stage are indebted to Todd Robbins - the best MC I know of - whose presence was the glue that brought it all together. Just having Todd there seems to make everyone there be on top of their game. And from all of us who got to see his tribute to Melvin, thank you Todd, once again. And finally...MIDGET PORN STARS!!!! |
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