University of Wisconsin Eau Claire - Periscope Yearbook (Eau Claire, WI)

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Folkfair ... by Rosanne Pfielsticker a Ro sphere at the French sidewalk cafe addins a certain flavor to the crepes The 1981 International Folk Fair gave its participants the opportunity to take a whirlwind trip around the world. About 35 countries were represented and they brought a truly international flavor to the festivities, the 15th in what has become an annual event. The fair was arranged in the form of a bazaar and visitors were invited to move at their own pace, partaking of foods ranging from Chinese egg rolls to Irish desserts. The foods were jourmet's delight, with the atmo-jre ing and the rollicking sounds of an ac-cordian drawing people to sample the Yugoslavian breads. For a more oriental flavor, mixed vegetables and rice balls from Japan and Chinese won ton were also available. The aeblcskiber, a pancake-like food from Scandinavia, proved as popular as the more familiar lefse found at the same display. If they tired of eating, visitors were welcome to have their fortune told by ancient and mysterious ways from the countries of China and Iran, view African native arts and clothes, have their name written in Japanese (a particular favorite of younger visitors), watch several types of folk dancing and view crafts from all countries represented. For the first time, Slovenska, the Slovenian Club of Willard, Wis., participated in the Folk Fair. The Chippewa Valley Gaelic League served Irish tea and a tempting variety of cakes and other desserts. The Italian American Club of the Eau Claire area demonstrated pasta-making and the craft of making Tombolo, or pillow lace. The fingers flew of the woman making the lace while it was difficult to determine if those making the pasta were enjoying practicing their craft or the red wine they fortified themselves with. Money collected from sales by the various groups at the fair is allocated to the International Festival budget and activities sponsored by each group. The International Festival Committee sponsored the fair. Photos by Bill Wicgand

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Avadon weaves magical wonders by Barb Ball II you like tricks, fantasy, illusions, or just plain fun, then the front row of David Ava-don's performance was the pace to be Advertisements had announced Avadon as Weaver of Wonders . an evening with one of the country's top sleight-of-hand performers. and how true it was. Mesmerizing the audience with his feats of magic. Avadon kept the attention of the audience elsewhere while his illusions looked totally spontaneous. He began his performance using ordinary decks of cards. Throughout his presentation. Avadon's theatrics became more complex and extravagant. His more baffling illusions included the six interlocking rings, inserting knives into an unsuspecting volunteer and escaping from seemingly impossible situations The illusions involving the six interlocking rings amazed and confused the audience. In this trick Avadon took six rings and magically Juggled them into a chain of steel rings It seemed as if the rings themselves melted into each other. Another fascinating feature of his act was when Avadon dressed as a monk and preached the holy gospel of acupuncture. This involved using a wooden plate which fit snugly around a reluctant volunteer’s neck and Avadon's thrusting two steel knives through the plate. The audience enjoyed the illusion, but the volunteer seemed a little shaken. Many think of Houdini when talking about an escape artist, but Avadon proved he was certainly good, too. With his fingers Bp d tightly together, Avadon got out of places that were seemingly impossible. Having students do the taping for him and seeing the obvious swelling and blueness of his fingers, one had to wonder how Avadon did the illusions. Avadon also fascinated the crowd with acts of levitation, mind reading and swallowing sharp needles. Promoting his Friday night performance, Avadon dazzled students with his magical expertise by appearing at various locations on campus. Many students were impressed by these short shows and showed up for the scheduled performance. The crowd at the performance showed their appreciation of Avadon by applauding his every move. The audience marvelled at the effect of Avadon's performance. The relaxed and carefree atmosphere was kept lightly by his wit and humor. He created dialogue based on the comments and reactions of the audience. David Avadon put a spell on the night and the people that watched his quickness and control over his illusions. Every one that was there will take some little bit of magic with them and Avadon will always be right along. As he magically appeared, let us hope he will one day reappear. 2)

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A whirlwind trip 'round the world PRANCE