Watch stuff disappear at magic auction this weekend

Magicians BJ Hickman (auctioneer, left) and Markus Steelgrave (cashier/runner, right) "What do I hear for an opening bid for this colorful man's pocket handkerchief?" (Photo by Bill Hoagland)

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. -Magicians, whether hobbyists, collectors, or professionals, look forward to the annual "Three Club Magic Auction," a fund-raiser for the nonprofit local affiliates of The International Brotherhood of Magicians and Society of American Magicians in Nashua, Manchester, and Portland. Magic enthusiasts, members and non-members, are welcome to attend.

"I love everything about magic," according to magician and "auctioneer" BJ Hickman, "so our yearly auction, although a long day, is a great opportunity to visit with fellow magicians, update the act, and watch young magicians buy up what they can use to amaze and entertain. And it's fun. Where else would you hear, "What do I hear for this case of rubber chickens?" Hickman was the original organizer of this yearly auction to raise money for the clubs some 25 years ago.

Mike Aranda (jediwakko@msn.com for more information) has organized the auction for the last several years with Hickman assisting as auctioneer the day of the event. It's scheduled for ​ this​

Sunday at the Holiday Inn, Woodbury Avenue in Portsmouth. Viewing is from 9-10 a.m. followed by the bidding.

Simultaneously, planning is under way for a second auction where Hickman will also serve as auctioneer for his third year, just prior to a magician's convention, The Oceanside Magic International, on Cape Cod. This auction of magic tricks, books, posters, and various magic memorabilia is also open to the public and is scheduled for Thursday night, April 14, 2016 at The Red Jacket Beach Resort in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts. For more information, or for people who have items to sell at this auction, contact info@oceansidemagic.com.

While every attempt is made not to give away trade "secrets" during the viewing and auctioning of the items, instructions are often included and the original owners of items are usually present to assist and share the working and presentation of some of the effects. Related sound equipment, costumes, prop tables & cases, books, posters, and other memorabilia is also often included.

For more information on the "Three Club Magic Auction" in Portsmouth, NH, contact Mike Aranda (jediwakko@msn.com), or BJ Hickman (BJ@BJHickman.com) or call 603-742-4010. For the Cape Cod auction and/or The Oceanside Magic International magician's convention, contact Angelique Steelgrave at info@oceansidemagic.com.