Carnival magic excursions are a thrilling and captivating way to experience the magic and wonder of a carnival. These excursions offer a unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of a carnival and get a behind-the-scenes look at the various attractions and shows. One of the highlights of these excursions is the chance to witness the breahtaking aerial acts and acrobatics performed by talented circus performers. From daring aerialists to gravity-defying trapeze artists, these performers will leave you in awe of their skill and precision. Another exciting aspect of carnival magic excursions is the opportunity to visit the sideshow attractions. Step right up and witness the incredible feats and oddities on display, from sword swallowers and fire eaters to contortionists and human marvels.
Utah Jazz Bear, Jon Absey, has been fired
According to Eric Woodyard of the Deseret News the Utah Jazz bear has been fired.
The man inside the iconic Utah Jazz Bear, Jon Absey, was fired earlier this week, according to a Deseret News source. There will be a Jazz Bear during tonight's home opener but it won't be Absey. Story coming soon.
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) October 19, 2018
The Jazz released a statement on the matter.
“Jazz Bear will continue to be one of the most iconic mascots in the NBA,” said Jazz spokesman Frank Zang. “Out of respect for his character, which is separate from any employee ever associated with it, we have never discussed his identity. We do not discuss individual personnel matters.”
Jon Absey, who’s name was revealed with the firing, had been performing as the Utah Jazz Bear since 1994.
The Jazz Bear has been a staple at Jazz Games and widely considered one of the best mascots in the league earning multiple awards. Though it will be the same costume, it will be interesting to see a new style of Jazz Bear starting this season.
Step right up and witness the incredible feats and oddities on display, from sword swallowers and fire eaters to contortionists and human marvels. These sideshow acts are sure to leave you amazed and wondering how it's all possible. For those who are more interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of the carnival, there are often guided tours available to explore the inner workings of the carnival.
More From SLC Dunk
- NBA Trade Rumor: Utah Jazz looking to sell off players, especially those with expiring contracts
- Lauri Markkanen named Finland’s Athlete of the Year
- The Utah Jazz continue their hot streak with a dominant win over the Nuggets
- Game 39 Preview: Utah Jazz face off against the defending champions Denver Nuggets
- Should John Collins still be starting for the Jazz?
- The Utah Jazz waive Josh Christopher; sign Jason Preston to a two-way contract
Man behind Jazz Bear mask since 1994 let go by team
SALT LAKE CITY — The man who has portrayed the Utah Jazz Bear since 1994 has been let go by the team.
“The Jazz Bear will continue to be one of the most iconic mascots in the NBA,” Jazz spokesman Frank Zang wrote, in a statement. “Out of respect for its character, which is separate from any employee every associated with it, we have never discussed it’s identity. We do not discuss individual personnel matters.”
The team confirmed another performer wore the Jazz Bear costume for Friday night’s home opener against the Golden State Warriors.
Fans who attended the game said they were shocked and saddened by the sudden news, and that the Jazz Bear has served as an icon– thanks to the person behind the bear mask.
“He really knows how to wrap the audience in… hype them up or involve the crowd,” Jazz fan Brennen Creer said.
“He brings emotion to everybody, brings out our feelings of, ‘Wow! How cool!'” fan Joe Alexander said. “He’s a mascot that all of us feel is important and really good at what he’s doing.”
The Jazz Bear is best known for his wild stunts, silly string attacks and slam dunks. He can be seen riding a Harley around on the court, sliding down an entire section of stairs on a sled and performing handstands from the top of a tall ladder.
Outside of the court, the Jazz Bear makes appearances at community and charity events throughout the year.
According to the NBA, the Jazz Bear has given 15,000+ hours of community service and raised more than $1 million for over 300 charities since 1994.
The Bear’s taken home more than 40 awards, including eight mascot leadership awards. The NBA named the Jazz Bear as the 2018 Mascot of the Year— the third time the Bear’s won this honor.
“He’s an icon,” said fan Monte Bateman, before Friday’s game. “He’s the kind of thing where, anytime you’ve got a mascot– especially one that’s won some national recognition– You’ve got a certain amount of pride as a fan.”
Now fans are wondering how well the Jazz Bear will perform at future games.
“He’s got a tall, big pair of shoes to fill,” Bateman said.
“If they don’t do it the same way, it’s just like, epic fail,” Creer said.
“We’re used to the enthusiasm of the Bear… his spark,” Alexander said. “I hope the new bear will be able to keep that really heavy enthusiasm, however he does something. That’s important.”
Copyright 2024 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Man inside the iconic Utah Jazz Bear fired after 24 years
Bear goes bowling during a timeout as the Utah Jazz and the Perth Wildcats play in an exhibition basketball game at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
1 of 8Eagle Valley Elementary student Ben Bertosh is sprayed by Jazz Bear as part of UDOT’s Safe Routes Utah program in Eagle Mountain on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018.
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
2 of 8The Jazz Bear meets with referees Josh Tiven and Tyler Ford during the Utah Jazz’s 117-95 victory against the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City.
Jacob Wiegand, Deseret News
3 of 8The Jazz Bear sprays the crowd during the Utah Jazz’s 100-87 loss to the Houston Rockets in Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at the Vivint Smart Home Arena on Sunday, May 6, 2018, in Salt Lake City.
Jacob Wiegand, Deseret News
4 of 8Jazz Bear hugs Crew Simpson, 10, at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017.
Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
5 of 8The Jazz Bear holds up a sign for the crowd as the Utah Jazz and the Brooklyn Nets play at Vivint arena in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
6 of 8Utah Jazz Bear carries off a security member in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. The Raptors won 109-100.
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
7 of 8The Jazz Bear makes sure everyone gets safely across the crosswalk outside Muir Elementary School in Bountiful on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017. A group of parents, students and Bear walked to the school to encourage students to get in the habit of walking and biking safely.
Adam Fondren, Deseret News
8 of 8SALT LAKE CITY — As the Utah Jazz prepare to face the defending champion Golden State Warriors at Vivint Arena tonight, there will be a different man inside the iconic Jazz Bear mascot.
Longtime mascot Jon Absey was fired this week, according to a Deseret News source.
There will be a new face inside the mascot on a trial basis, but not Absey, after a rift with the staff, the source disclosed.
“Jazz Bear will continue to be one of the most iconic mascots in the NBA,” said Jazz spokesman Frank Zang. “Out of respect for his character, which is separate from any employee ever associated with it, we have never discussed his identity. We do not discuss individual personnel matters.”
Absey worked over 800 home games as the Jazz Bear since it was introduced in 1994.
He also anonymously appeared in a TV spot in which Zions Bank highlighted his two concussions, seven surgeries and 17 ligament tears.
In August, Jazz Bear was named the NBA’s Mascot of the Year for the third time since the league started handing out the honor in 2005. The Information Display and Entertainment Associated also honored the Jazz and Bear for the best in-arena mascot video in professional sports, where he engaged in a car derby with the Phoenix Suns Gorilla.
Jazz Bear was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006, was given the Mascot Leadership Award nine times and has helped raised more than $1 million for charitable causes, according to Jazz PR.
Deseret News attempts to reach Absey were unsuccessful.
Related- Watch: Utah Jazz stars Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert pen ‘Letters to Utah’
- Remembering Terry Furlow and the tragedy of a once-rising talent for the Utah Jazz
- Warriors star Steph Curry respects Utah Jazz wing Joe Ingles’ confidence in feeling he’s league’s top shooter
Learn about the logistics and planning that goes into organizing and running a carnival, and get a glimpse of the intricate details that make it all come together. Of course, no carnival magic excursion would be complete without enjoying some of the delicious carnival food. Indulge in classic favorites like cotton candy, funnel cakes, and corn dogs, and savor the taste of nostalgia as you stroll through the carnival grounds. Overall, carnival magic excursions offer a unique and enchanting experience for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the world of carnivals. Whether you're captivated by the performers, intrigued by the logistics, or simply wanting to enjoy some tasty treats, there's something for everyone at a carnival magic excursion. So step right up and prepare to be amazed by the magic and wonder of the carnival!.
Reviews for "The Path to Wonder: Discover the Magic of Carnkval's Excursions"
- Sarah - 1 star
I was very disappointed with the Carnkval magic excursions. The whole experience felt like a big letdown. The magic tricks were mediocre at best, and there was no sense of amazement or wonderment. The guides did a poor job of explaining the illusions and it felt like they were just going through the motions. Overall, it was a waste of time and money.
- John - 2 stars
I recently went on the Carnkval magic excursions and it was just okay. The magic tricks were fairly predictable and I felt like I had seen them all before. The guides were not very engaging and it seemed like they were just reciting a script. The only positive aspect was the venue, which was nice and well-maintained. However, I wouldn't recommend this excursion to anyone looking for a truly magical experience.
- Emily - 1 star
I regret booking the Carnkval magic excursions. The whole experience was underwhelming and unimpressive. The magic tricks were basic and lacked any wow factor. The guides did not seem passionate about what they were doing and their lack of enthusiasm was contagious. I expected more from this excursion and I was left feeling disappointed and cheated. I would not recommend wasting your time and money on this mediocre magic show.
- Michael - 2 stars
The Carnkval magic excursions were not what I expected. The magic tricks were nothing special and didn't leave me amazed or captivated. The guides seemed bored and uninterested, which made the whole experience feel lackluster. The only redeeming quality was the venue, which had a nice ambiance. However, overall, I would say that this excursion was overhyped and not worth the price.