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Saturday, May 25, 2013
Serving the communities of Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis counties, New York
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Lewis fair features one-man variety show, animal act

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LOWVILLE — Lewis County fairgoers are being entertained this week by a one-man variety show and animals both common and exotic.

“I am not the world’s greatest juggler,” said Kid Davie during a Tuesday afternoon performance. “I’m not even in the top 10.”

He is, however, a multitalented performer with quick hands and a quick wit.

“I know you think it’s hot,” Mr. Davie told his audience. “I live in Mississippi. This is a cool breeze.”

He did make one concession to the weather, though.

“If at any time you see me cry and I’m not sad, it’s the sun in my eyes,” Mr. Davie said while juggling four rubber balls.

The performer, who has spent more than 30 years at his craft, entertained a gathering crowd before the show by spinning plates on his fingers and also performed several illusions and sight gags, one utilizing a “pop” gun made of soda cans. He promised more magic in his 6 p.m. show.

Between his performances and wisecracks, Mr. Davie delivered positive messages to the younger set about the value of diligent practicing and a college education.

“When you know stuff other people don’t know, you know what you’re called?” he said. “A college graduate.”

Mr. Davie also has mime, fire eating, stilt walking and western arts in his repertoire, according to his website. He has had his own children’s television show, “Kidder’s Cartoon Castle,” and appeared on “The Late Show With David Letterman.”

A short jaunt away, fourth-generation trainer Laura Herriott was putting a variety of animals through their proverbial paces in her Animal Tales Show.

“I can present my animals to you in their spectacular performance and also explain what we do,” Ms. Herriott said.

She explained that whips are used to guide the animals, with cracking done only to get their attention and for dramatic effect.

“We never use the whip to scare or harm,” Ms. Herriott said.

The show began with a trio of poodles performing several tricks to the song “Who Let the Dogs Out?”

Dogs of several other breeds then got in on the act, and the audience was introduced to the troupe’s newest addition: 1-year-old zebra Zulu. “We’ve only had him for about three months, and he’s in training,” Ms. Herriott said.

She also introduced her family’s signature performance, a “storybook animal revue” combining animals from all over the world — a camel, horse, llama, Shetland pony and miniature horse — that normally wouldn’t be considered compatible.

“They all live together in harmony,” Ms. Herriott said.

Kid Davie will perform at 1, 3 and 6 p.m. over the final three days of the fair, while the Animal Tales Show will have daily performances at 2, 4 and 7 p.m.

Today is Senior Citizens Day at the fair, with Office for the Aging-sponsored activities, including free musical performances, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Other activities include FFA and safe tractor judging contests at 9 a.m., a draft horse show at 9:30 a.m., lawn tractor pulls at 11 a.m. and the Coleman Bros. midway opening at noon. There also will be a talent show at 6 p.m. and truck and tractor pulls at 7 p.m.

From 9 to 11 p.m., the midway will sell $20 “midnight madness” wrist bands that will be good until closing.

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