HANCEVILLE, Ala. – The Shirley Burden Public Library in Hanceville recently hosted Larry Darnell, who presented Mr. Larry’s Magic Show as part of the library’s kids’ programming.
Mr. Larry combined archaeology, paleontology and magic to spark children’s curiosity about history, reading and storytelling through interactive demonstrations and books.
The children weren’t the only ones who had a good time. The adults also had a good laugh at Mr. Larry’s antics, especially when he introduced his loyal puppet, Winston.
The show was held Aug. 7. Darnell shared that he is retiring, He said, “This is my last summer show. I do have schools that I do character education and reading shows in public schools, doing magic with all of it.”
Darnell has been doing magic shows for 45 years, but before magic he started doing children’s ministry back when his own children were young. “After I retired – I retired early – I decided this is really what I enjoy doing and decided to make this my full-time profession. And it’s now a full-time profession.”
He said he will miss doing shows and interacting with children. “I have such a blast. I will miss working with the kids so much, but it’s just time. And the hours and weight of equipment and gear you have to pull around. It’s a lot. I’ll be 75 next year.”
He continued, “I work all over Alabama, primarily in the metro area during the school year, doing schools. But then in the summer, I’ve always done libraries, and I’ve traveled all over the state and the Florida Panhandle. But I’m working the whole time – I never get to see the beach or any of that. So it’s just one job after another, but, it’s always been fun, I’ve always enjoyed doing it. So I can’t complain. It’s been a great life. Best job in the world.”
If you’d like to try and book Darnell before he fully retires, call 205-223-2953 or email Larrygdarnell@bellshouth.net. Visit www.mrlarrysmagic.com for more information.
