Excerpts from...
Families delight in comedy, magic

By JAMIE NORTH
Staff Writer

Children of all ages, and adults, were laughing and dancing in their seats Saturday at the Capitol Theatre during the 17th annual Comedy and Magic Spectacular.
"I thought it was a good show, and it was a big draw for Chambersburg," said Tracy Rush, who brought his son and daughter to the show. "I just really enjoyed watching my kids have such a good time. It's good for adults to get out with their kids, and this was a good family event."

The show, presented by the Chambersburg Exchange Club, featured four acts -- Boston magician David Oliver, Philadelphia ballon sculptor John Cassidy, Washington D.C. comedic magician Bob Sheets and the Baltimore family comedic act Kohl & Company.

All proceeds of the event benefited the ESCAPE (Exchange Sponsored Child Abuse Prevention Efforts) Parent-Teacher Center, which prevents child abuse and neglect by educating the community and providing programs and services to parents. Last year the event raised $25,000 for the center.

R.G. Smith was the show's producer and master of ceremonies....

The next act, Cassidy, a magician and balloon sculptor holds the Guinness World Record for the most balloon sculptures completed in one hour...

Cassidy then took audience requests for balloons such as a monkey, giraffe and dolphin...

Rush's children were pleased with Cassidy's act.

"My favorite was the balloons," said 6-year-old Karsen Rush. "I really liked the blue dog."

"I also liked the ballloon guy," said 6-year-old Kaitlyn Rush. "I didn't know how he could do something like that. It was neat."

Cassidy brought a mother on stage and made her a flower, a fruit basket hat, dog and road runner for her children...