When it comes to being entertained, today's kids can be just as demanding as adults. Just witness our evolution from one-dimensional 1960's shows like Romper Room and Mr. Dress-Up to the stunning special effects of the movie, Jurassic Park, or the computer wizardry of video games. Or, run down the smorgasbord of events scheduled for the first annual Mississauga International Children's Festival, running this Friday through Sunday at Meadowvale Theatre and at neighbouring West Credit Secondary School. The event is expected to attract about 20,000 people. 

The wide list of performers takes in music, dance, magic, crafts, and story telling. But, while kids' tastes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, Brampton magician Ron Martin finds such time-honoured illusions as the "Linking Chinese Rings" and "Partitioning The Lady In The Cabinet Into Three" remain the staples of his show. 

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"You get a lot of hi-tech in movies and television, but a magic show is a live performance, and the kids are 3-feet away. They get to walk right on stage and become involved," said Martin, who appears at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Sunday at the West Credit Secondary School Atrium. 

 

Martin has been performing magic for 25 years now. And, he strives to create an sense of awe in his crowd, through his own enthusiasm, rather than through the high-tech props now available. 

 

"I started when I was a kid, and I can still remember back to the very first time I saw a magic show and asking, 'Wow, how did he do that?' 

 

"I don't like to use the term 'trick', or say 'I fooled you.' I'm not there to trick you, I'm there to entertain and amaze you," said Martin .

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