in Conway, New Hampshire, there is an old time train that runs for tourists and for charter groups.  This fall, they did a run that was a benefit for the local hospital guild.  We were invited to come and juggle at one of the stops the train would be making that day, and my wife, our daughter and I were all free to do so.  As Rose is now 16, it is harder and harder to do gigs that include all of us, so that in itself made this show special.

The stop was near an open field surrounded by woods; a beautiful location for such an event.  There was a large tent set up with free freshly made donuts which in and of themselves were worth travelling across state lines for.  Because of the location, we had no electric, which meant no music.  However, that  was less of a problem than it might have seemed as a group of four medieval style musicians were also hired to be part of the event.  They were close enough that they provided adequate background music for juggling, but not so loud that we couldn't be heard. 

The train was filled to capacity, which means over 300 people arrived at 3:15.  Rose and I were ready, juggling multicolored clubs as they disembarked.  Getting their attention that way, we had many, if not most of the passengers' attention to start our 30 minute set.  Being outdoors, we were able to juggle fire devil sticks, fire torches and fire diabolo.  Nothing gets people to stop and pay attention better than a father and daughter playing with burning toys.  She and I also did a passing routine that we haven't done much lately.  It was so fun for us, and I hope for the audience too.  Sue is not a performer and doesn't want to be, but she had several conversations with folks in the crowd, which is much more her gift.

After our show, the passengers had some time to get donuts, listen to the musicians, claim some free books for kids and enjoy the beautiful autumn afternoon before the cry of "All aboard" rang out, and they left as quickly as they came.