History of the Jamboree - the Northwest’s premier Magic Convention
The idea for the Magic Jamboree occurred to illusionist Stan Kramien in 1987 when he was driving by the historic Grange Hall near his home and show headquarters in rural Brush Prairie, Washington. The plan was to hold a one day magic convention for magic enthusiasts with lectures, close-up performances, a magic dealer’s and swap area, all culminated by an evening magic show on the Grange Hall stage. That first year, over 100 people attended and were entertained by such names as Jay Marshall, Karrell Fox and Mike Caldwell, who were all longtime friends of Stan.
Over the years, the Jamboree grew. It soon outgrew the Grange Hall and moved to a variety of venues including several hotels, an Armory building and finally, the Big Top Ranch in Newberg, Oregon, owned by Stan’s son, Rick Kramien and his family.
The magic “names” who appeared at the Jamboree over the years reads like a “Who’s Who” of the art. They include: Harry Blackstone, Jr., Shimada, Marvyn and Carol Roy, Mark and Nani Wilson, Johnny and Pam Thompson, Mac King, Mike Caveney, Stan Allen, Juliana Chen, Ali Bongo, Daryl, Jerry Andrus, Glenn Falkenstein and Frances Willard, Billy McComb, Milt Larsen, John Carney, Mark Kalin and Jinger Leigh, David Williamson, Larry Jennings, Tom Burgoon, Johnny Ace Palmer, Tina Lenert, Abb Dickson, George Johnstone, Roberta Griffin, Fukai and Kimika, Dave Womach, Ardan James, Mark Evans and many, many more.
The 25th “final” Jamboree was held in 2012. Stan Kramien passed away in 2015, just a few weeks before his 90th birthday. Over the past decade, many previous attendees and those who heard about the legendary event have asked if there would ever be another Jamboree?
For 2022, Rick Kramien, his family and friends are bringing back the Northwest Magic Jamboree. The time is right for another down-home gathering of magic fans. The Big Top Ranch in Newberg, Oregon is being readied with a completely new, fully-equipped theatrical stage including new draperies, lighting, sound and special effects to present what promises to be the greatest Jamboree, ever.
But some things won’t change: the Kramien family’s hospitality and the attendees having fun while enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery, fabulous magic and friends from around the world.
We hope to see you there!