Magicians from all over New England will come together to buy and sell used magic props, books and collectables during the Great Northeast Magic Auction on Sunday, Nov. 3, at the Fox Run Mall in Newington, New Hampshire. From professional to beginner, and everyone in-between, this is a highly anticipated event that happens each year. Some of the more senior magicians may be downsizing their prized possessions while active performers are looking for the perfect item to fit in their show. This year, newbies and non-magicians who are trying to find their way in the magical arts, are welcome to attend with no magic affiliation needed, although a simple oath of secrecy is required to enter.
The Great Northeast Magic Auction, (known as NEMA, and originally known as the Three-Club Magic Auction), will carry on the traditional magic auction that started in late1970’s at the late Paul Hevey’s Magic Theater. The auction then included the Maine Society of American Magicians Ralph Greenwood Assembly, New Hampshire’s International Magicians Black Richard Ring 166, and SAM’s The Granite State Magicians of New Hampshire. Since then, it has been an annual social event where local magicians catch up to buy and sell from each other. New Hampshire magician BJ Hickman has been – and continues to be – instrumental in the auction’s success since the start. The auction reaches out to magic organizations all over New England and also includes non-affiliated magicians and new magicians as well.
Anyone new to magic will be asked to raise their right hand and promise to not expose any secrets to the general public that they may have learned. There will be representatives from local magic clubs if anyone is interested in becoming a member.
This year Maine takes over the auction and has formed an independent group called the 3 of Clubs whose sole responsibility is organizing and running the annual event. Maine Society of American Magicians president Randy Begin has been involved with professional auctions since he was a teenager and brings his expertise in running and managing auctions, to help raise money for the local magic groups.
A portion of the proceeds go to local clubs involved.
Often items that can be expected to go for sale include cups and balls, linking rings, production boxes, books, DVDs and a variety of items found online, but sold at discount prices at the auction. There will be many items that are out of production, hard to find items and collectables. There will be comedy magic, magic for kids, magic for mind reading and mentalism. There will be items for close-up, parlor, and stage along with items you can carry in your pocket to show a friend at school or work. Many notable New England magicians attend and when a rare or collectable item goes for a high dollar, it always generates a round of applause for the winning bidder.
Seller set up time is 8-9 a.m. Viewing time goes from 9-10 a.m. and the auction will run from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. There will be no lunch break time. People are free to bring a lunch, also food and drinks will be available in the room as well as options at the Fox Run Mall Food Court.
There is an $8 entry fee for all attendees and a 10% buyer’s premium.
The Fox Run Mall is located at 40 Fox Run Rd., Newington, New Hampshire. The auction will take place at the store front next to Sages Entertainment. For more information, contact Scot Grassette at 207-418-8656 or email info@49franklin.com or find Great Northeast Magic Auction on Facebook.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is found on our FAQs. You can modify your screen name here.
Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve.
Join the Conversation
Please sign into your CentralMaine.com account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe. Questions? Please see our FAQs.