| By Chad Anderson, Globe Staff Writer
Lacombe Globe — Young Kyle Key is fast on his way to becoming a world-class magician, and he can only improve with time.
Key, a Grade 9 Lacombe student, attended the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians (PCAM) convention in Vancouver from July 31 to Aug. 3, and came home with the first place award in the juvenile category for close-up magic.
Fifteen other kids his age participated in the same event; they came from all over North America.
“There were people from Hawaii, Utah--everywhere,” said Key.
Key practiced and worked on his cups and balls routine--one of his best tricks--and wowed everyone with his abilities.
“It feels pretty good to win an international competition,” he said.
Next year, he hopes to attend the PCAM convention in Seattle, then attend the Sorcerers Safari magic camp in Toronto. At this year’s convention, a 19-year-old magician was awarded a free trip to the camp, and Key hopes it will be his own turn next year.
Key heard about the convention at Great Scott Illusions Little Shop of Magic in Red Deer, where he spends a lot of time perfecting his talents.
He and a group of fellow magicians made the trek to Vancouver to take in seminars and compete.
Since school is starting soon, Key’s performances will be limited to weekends for birthday parties and other functions.
In his seventh year as a magician, Key’s been admired by a lot of children. Many of them ask if he knows Harry Potter.
“I always tell the kids I went to school with Harry Potter,” he smiled. | |
GREAT magician... but cups and balls isn't his best trick... 
He does a killer Ninja Rings.