UC is sponsoring Asheville Magic Festival May 1, 2 & 3

[Mike Ratledge]

UnitedCardists.com is again sponsoring the 2nd annual Asheville Magic Festival the first weekend in May in Asheville, NC. A wide variety of magic shows, close-up magic and new up and coming Magicians as well, like my friend Duckie (Eric Stevens) amongst many others..

In September (Hot Springs Arkansas) they included Jay Scott Berry, Michael Amar, Maxwell Blade and at least a dozen others. This year's headliners include Ice McDonald, Ariann Black and a wide variety of different Magicians.

Members can buy a "Golden Ticket" for $149 for front row seats at all performances on the website including lectures and $99 for the Presto Pass - without lectures. http://Ashevillemagicfestival.com

[nECr0MaNCeD]

Awesome. I wish I could be there. I really like the poster. It wouldn't be a bad idea to design and have a UC "staple" deck to have on hand for these things. I for one would donate to help make it happen as well as back a KS for it. Just a thought.

[walrus]

Damn Mike, you continue to take this place to new heights. Good for you. You took this place out of unfriendly ashes and made it a forum to behold.

[Mike Ratledge]

TL;DR / executive summary - skip next...

I wanted to distinguish us from the crowd, and each little step has been done with the support of the Friends of UC. It has my name on it, but even the uusi "hot-edge" decks in the prize pool for our Deck of the Year contest were bought by the "Wall of Heroes", and my thanks continue to go out to each of YOU who helps make this a better place for all.

Jason Brombalow sent the signed Run "Bankroll" deck when I first asked for DotY prizes, and I wasn't trying to be mean by not selling the second MailChimp deck I got. I have done what I intended, made UC the ultimate authority and reference for contemporary decks, and every one who contributes helps make it all work together. Again, my sincere thanks for each one of you who helps me make it a better place!

When I read the post back it does sound a little elitist - in my mind, anyway. Basic tickets for single performances start at $10, and if you have never attended a magic festival, you are never able to take your eyes off the action for fear of missing something. I plan to continue to expand horizons, and thoughts, ideas and help are always appreciated. I can't do this all on my own, and the mods all make me look good as well, because they consistently make UC look better.

We're up to 1300 members, now - and headed toward our 100,000th post this year. I "pruned" more than 800 names out of that or it would be over 2000, but 800 silent "users " who either never completed their sign-up or didn't post a message after 6 months were just taking up space. Those 1300 who ARE in the more list are active, not just numbers.

[Mike Ratledge]

It was a darned unbelievable weekend!

"Keep the Magic Alive!" - Eric Stevens (shown hamming it up with my wife Donna)

Another pix with his lecture notes, and the 2nd Annual Asheville Magic Festival promo card, another with Ariann Black during her second set. Finally, at the costume ball gala Saturday night.