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Magicians Meet in Blowing Rock To Form Local Chapter of International Brotherhood

Charter Presentation
Roger Way, Territorial VP of I.B.M. Presenting the Charter; Gerry Hayes, organizer of the Ring; and Bill Spooner, past International President of the I.B.M.

On July 20, sixteen magicians and family members gathered for the initial meeting of Ring 392, a Chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.).

The Ring was formed in honor of Bill Spooner, a Blowing Rock resident, who has been performing magic for over seventy years. The I.B.M. is the largest organization of magicians in the world with over 10,000 members. There are Rings in 46 states, 36 countries, and on every continent except Antarctica.

Charter 392 Group Photo
Attendees at the Charter Meeting, July 20

The members of Ring 392 have varied interests in magic including magic for children, close-up, stage, illusions, and mentalism. In addition to performing magic, members have interests in collecting and studying the history of magic. Those attending this first meeting of Ring 392 have over 300 combined years of membership in the I.B.M.

The initial meeting of Ring 392 was held at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum. After the business portion of the meeting, each magician gave a brief performance for the group. The Ring members and guests continued their fellowship over dinner at the Green Park Inn in Blowing Rock.

The Ring will meet periodically throughout the year and is open to people who have an interest in the art of magic. Those interested in learning more about this opportunity may post a message at ibmring392@gmail.com.

Devin Lushbaugh presenting a magic trick to the group​.
Devin Lushbaugh presenting a magic trick to the group​.