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Magician Russell Davis wowed several children with his magic tricks at the Helena Summer Reading kickoff event at Helena City Hall on Wednesday, June 7. (Reporter Photo/Keith McCoy)

By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Plenty of laughs could be heard bellowing through the Helena City Hall Council Chamber on Wednesday, June 7, but it wasn’t because of a city council meeting.

June 7 marked the kickoff of the annual Helena Summer Reading program with programs at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. with Magician Russell Davis.

Approximately 89 kids attended the morning show and another good crowd in the afternoon as both were equally entertained by Davis’ magic tricks.

Davis has performed magic professionally the past 30 years beginning in 1987 but his obsession for magic goes back even further.

“I began performing magic professionally in 1987 but I actually became obsessed with magic back in 1970 at Huntsville High School where I was involved in a magic club,” Davis said.

At the beginning of the show, Davis reiterated to the children that reading was very important because reading is how Davis was able to learn to do his magic tricks.

Later in the show, Davis impressed children and adults alike with tricks that ranged from pulling a rabbit out of a bookmark, a large card magic trick with a frog, tricks featuring a ring and a string and string pulling, an invisible ink prank, a card guessing prank, balloon animal making and more.

In addition to the tricks, Davis kept the laughter going by telling jokes and doing funny stunts as part of the show.

Siblings Sebastian and Pamila Molina attended the show and both shared what their favorite part of the show was.

“My favorite part was the illusion board that makes the nose and hand look funny,” upcoming third grader Sebastian said.

“Even though I’m in fifth grade I still love magic tricks. My favorite part was the ring on the string trick,” Pamila said.

The theme for this year’s Summer Reading program is “Build a Better World” and registration is free. The program will last six weeks and participants will be eligible for prizes the more books they read.

The remaining schedule for the summer reading program is as follows:

–June 14–McWane Science Center Program–10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

–June 21–Midsummer Movies at the Library–10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

–June 28–Visit with the fire department–2:30 p.m.

–July 5–Visit with the police department–2:30 p.m.

–July 12–Summer reading Wild West Show close out celebration –2:30 p.m.

In addition to the summer reading program, the Jane B. Holmes library will also host “Story Time with Ms. Jennie” every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 a.m.

To view and purchase photos from the Helena Summer Reading Kickoff, visit Shelbycountyphotos.com.

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