Families, kids and grandpas come from around the USA to take part in 4 days of play and ageless fun with yo-yos, gyroscopes, diabolos, spinning gizzzmos, cup 'n balls, Kendamas and other skillful toys. An exhibit of 2,000 yo-yos and memorabilia begins the fun. Kids and grandparents are heading for downtown historic Burlington, Wisconsin this next weekend to celebrate and play together with traditional toys. Contests, workshops, demonstrations, meeting experts and champs, yo-yos shows, and lots of prizes fill the weekend of March 4, 5, 6, and 7, 2010.
"It is the 15th Annual Yo-Yo & Skill Toys Convention, where everyone is a kid again," said Judith Schulz, volunteer director.
Thursday and Friday impress everyone with a special exhibition of 2000 Yo-Yos and Memorabilia, Etc. The "Etc." includes a walking tour, an I Spy Hunt for fun, meeting a yo-yo collector and a short demonstration of 3 classic yo-yo tricks. Admission is $5/person and the exhibit is open from 2-6 pm, plus 7 pm on Friday. Other times can be arranged for large groups.
Saturday’s fun includes contests for the most rock-the-babies trick, the longest walk-the-dog trick, and the longest sleeper. Prizes, of course, are awarded for each contest. The American Yo-Yo Association sanctions an official Looping Contest in the afternoon. This contest is also offered again on Sunday.
There are 19 things to do in the morning session. See the exhibit, try the I Spy Hunt, make a cardboard Boomerang to keep, see yo-yo tricks, take part in the “Show-what-
Demonstrations and hands-on time with Diabolos and Eskimo Yo-yos are part of the morning session. The session fee is $19 per person.
The afternoon Session has 24 things to do including time to see the exhibit of 2000 items! Try the I Spy Hunt, enjoy yo-yo demonstrations including the fancy free hand style.
There are quick yo-yo contests with fun prizes. Other contests are the Cup & Ball, Kendamas, paddleball, and the most hop-the-fences, a classic yo-yo trick.
The Yo-Yo Looping Contest challenges anyone to take part to see who can loop their yo-yo the longest without moving their feet. This contest is sanctioned by the AYYA. Another “show what-you-know time is for beginners and experts. The McBride Roller Coaster trick will be demonstrated also. Participants share their yo-yo stories from how they learned to yo-yo to accomplishments and even a yo-yo joke or two. Participants meet experts and collectors throughout the day.
Odd yo-yos are demonstrated, a surprising gizzzmos will be heard that sounds like a bird, and participants learn a gyroscope trick. Shy prop challenges spin into the air in a contest format.
Door prizes and special drawings occur throughout the weekend.
Sunday’s fun begins in the morning with a Meet and Greet with collectors, yo-yo players, champions, and everyone who wishes to attend.
The Hula Hoop contest and Paddle Ball Contest is held at noon. At 1 pm the Main Contest begin, sanctioned by the AYYA. Prizes include official patches, Lucky's Guide to Yo-Yos Book, and a $50 Cash prize for the Freestyle Division.
A Diabolo contest is also held during the afternoon. All spectators and participants receive a door prize.
The Sunday International Looping Contest always has everyone’s attention, as it is a site to see, with everyone looping their yo-yo at the same time toward the center of the group.
Two quick contests are held for fun. Anyone can take part against Champion Barry North in a Looping Contest, and anyone can challenge Judith Schulz for the most hop-the-fences.
The event is for ages 8 to 108, and admissions are per session. Space is limited, so advance reservations and tickets are suggested.
The Yo-Yo & Skill Toys Convention is at the non-profit, educational Spinning Top & Yo-Yo Museum, 533 Milwaukee Avenue, downtown historic Burlington, Wisconsin, USA. Details are at ww.topmusuem.org with information available by calling 262 763-3946. Parking is free.
