Photos: A Morning of Magic in Fuerst Park

A crowd of children and families filled the stage and seating area in Tuesday morning as the final Tuesday event of Novi's Sizzling Summer Arts Series got underway. 

Eugene Clark of Oxford mixed jokes and audience participation with his slight of hand as he put on The Amazing Clark Magic Show. He kept children and adults laughing as he made knots disappear, ropes change their lengths, and balls magically disappear and reappear in the hands of his audience-picked assistants.

Seven-year-old Eric Johnson of Novi was among those chosen to take the stage and help with the act. Despite being a little nervous at first, he said being on stage "felt great" and called Clark's performance "awesome. I liked every trick." 

His mother, Beth Johnson, said the show was one the family didn't want to miss, as Eric and twin sister Emma have gotten into magic after receiving a magic kit as a Christmas present this past year.

"They just put on their own magic show yesterday," she said.

The Amazing Clark ended his program with candy and magic card giveaways and spent time afterward with a group of children eager to learn how to make their own cards magically disappear.

Clark, who performs roughly 300 shows every year throughout Michigan and neighboring states, has magic in his blood. His parents were both magicians, so continuing the family tradition was natural to him.

While his shows aim to delight and amaze the audience, Clark believes he gets as good as he gives.

"I feel like I've never worked a day in my life, because I'm doing what I love," he said.

The show was hosted by Novi's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department.