This Small Ontario Village Is Home To Canada's Largest Magic Organization
The largest magician association in Canada was founded in a small Ontario community one hour from Toronto. It has made worldwide achievements and is a significant player on the world stage of magic.
The Canadian Association of Magicians was founded to allow Canadian magicians to compete at the World Championship of Magic under the Canadian flag. Joan Caesar founded it in 1997 in the village of Elora, Ontario, Canada. In 2018, another historic event occurred in Seoul, South Korea, when Canada was announced as the host for the 2022 World Championships of Magic.
The World Championship of Magic (FISM) has never appeared in North America in its 75-year history.
As you can see, Centre Wellington Township is a small place with big magic secrets! Let's take a look.
The Canadian Association of Magicians (CAM) was founded in Elora, Ontario
On March 15, 1997, the Canadian Association of Magicians was founded in Elora, Ontario.
Since its inception, the purpose of CAM has been two-fold: to help Canadian magicians compete at the World Championship of Magic (FISM) and to help educate and advance the art of magic for Canadian magicians.
CAM is a growing association with magicians across Canada. Its official publication is Northern Peeks and its membership site offers exclusive content for magicians.
The magical community is growing in Canada, and there's no better way to connect with like-minded wizards than by meeting up with other magicians.
JUMP AHEAD: What is FISM?
What better place to find an organization of magicians than a small Ontario town nestled on the banks of the Grand River?
This is beautiful Elora.
Elora is an hour's drive from Toronto and has long been known as "Ontario's most beautiful village" with its limestone cliffs, gorge and several prominent natural landmarks.
It's also rumoured to be home to a few magicians. 😉
Founded by Joan Caesar
Joan Caesar founded the Canadian Association of Magicians.
She started CAM to provide Canadian magicians with the opportunity to compete at the World Championships of Magic (FISM) under the Canadian banner.
Before CAM was founded, magicians in Canada couldn't compete for the coveted "Grand Prix" or "World Champion" title.
FISM represents magician societies worldwide, and every three years, the World Championship of Magic produces the largest international magic competition and convention.
CAM has become the largest magician association in Canada and one of six North American societies recognized by the FISM World Championship of Magic.
Watch: Meet Joan Caesar
Canada and Canadian magicians have a long historical reputation in the art of magic. Many of the recognizable thought-leaders throughout history have been Canadians:
Here are a few accomplished Canadian magicians:
Dai Vernon "The Professor"
Doug Henning
Jay Sankey*
Greg Frewin*
Shawn Farquhar
Shin Lim
The Evasons: Jeff & Tessa*
Darcy Oake
Matt Johnson
Carisa Hendrix*
Martin Nash
Billy Kidd
Chris Ramsay
David Ben
Wes Barker
Eric Leclerc
See more famous Canadian magicians here.
*These are magicians who have joined us in Fergus, Ontario at the Fergus Grand Theatre
Canadian magicians meet and assemble from coast to coast. These days many of these gatherings are virtual. Within Ontario, the following cities have meetings and events for magicians: Hamilton & Brantford, Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Ottawa and Windsor.
There are over 105 magician societies worldwide. Six in North America:
Here are the six North American magician member societies of FISM:
Academy of Magical Arts http://www.magiccastle.com
Canadian Association of Magicians https://cammagic.org
Club De Magie Du Québec https://www.festivaldemagie.ca/le-club
International Brotherhood of Magicians https://www.magician.org
Society of American Magicians https://www.magicsam.com
Texas Association of Magicians https://www.taom.org/assoc
What is FISM?
The FISM World Championship of Magic (Federation Internationale des Societes Magiques, or International Federation of Magic Societies) is the "Olympics" of magic.
The FISM World Championship of Magic is the biggest, most prestigious magic competition globally. People from all over come to compete in different categories, ranging from stage magic and close-up magic to mentalism (mind-reading).
The competition winner gets a trophy, cash prize, and a ton of exposure in the magic industry.
Winning a "Grand Prix," can be a game-changer for many magicians: it can lead to great contracts, cruise lines or tours, not to mention tons of international exposure.
The competition is typically held every three years but was postponed due to COVID. Initially scheduled for 2021, the event will be in Quebec City in July 2022.
If you're interested in attending as either a performer or spectator, check out their website at www.fismquebec2022.com
To learn more about FISM, visit: fism.org
Big Accomplishment for Canada: World Championship Of Magic Appears In 2022
Canada is hosting the World Championships of Magic for the first time in history, and we couldn't be more excited! This five-day contest and magician convention welcome competitors and spectators from all over the world!
This historic moment for Canadian magicians has been a long time coming.
Since its founding in 1948, the FISM World Championship of Magic has been held throughout Asia and Europe, but never in North or South America.
At the 2018 FISM in Busan, South Korea, after years of work from a small team of Canadian magicians, Canada had won the bid to host the next World Championships.
It was a proud moment for Canadian magicians.
Despite a delay due to COVID, on July 25 - 30, 2022, the World Championship of Magicians takes place in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada and is expected to draw over 3000 magicians.
We're honoured to have been chosen for this momentous occasion and excited to share Canadian hospitality with the world. To learn more about FISM visit: fismquebec2022.com
It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime event for Canada and the world of magic. Don't miss out!
Takeaway
The Canadian Association of Magicians has helped make history in the world of magic. The non-profit organization has members from coast to coast and was founded in Elora by Joan Caesar on March 15, 1997.
The association aims to advance, promote, and elevate the art of magic across Canada. In 2018, a historic decision was announced in Seoul, South Korea, that Canada won the bid to host the FISM World Championships.
The World Championship of Magic (FISM) happens in Quebec City on July 25-30, 2022. During its 75 years, FISM has appeared throughout Europe and Asia but has never appeared in North America. This historic accomplishment results from the hard work of Joan Caesar, Renee-Claude-Auclair and a small team of Canadians.
The Canadian Association of Magicians and its founding in Elora, Ontario, makes Centre Wellington Canada's Most Magical Township. Learn more about CAM here.
Have you visited Elora & Fergus?
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