Silverwood Entertainment

Ice Shows, Mad Mike, and Magicians... Oh My! Each summer, entertainers from around the world come to share their talents at Silverwood Theme Park, impressing guests with sleightof-hand, skating prowess, or simply making them laugh and smile.

If anything, taking in a show or two is a good way to catch your breath before you (or at least your friends or family members) head back for more coasters, water slides or

the more than 65 other rides and attractions.

Entertainment manager John Jachim said there are several great options for fun this year.

"Nick Norton - Live."

Silverwood's resident magician returns with even more impressive tricks and illusions, along with a touch of comedy this year. Look for plenty of audience participation, a few favorite scenes from the past and plenty of opportunities to wonder how he did that.

Norton performs every day but Wednesday and Thursday in the Theater of Illusion. Showtimes are 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. daily, plus 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Mad Mike

Jachim said Mad Mike was at Silverwood several years ago, and everyone is happy to have him back. He also may be seen doing tricks in other areas of the park.

Mad Mike will perform comedy and magic daily except Tuesdays. His usual spot is the

High Moon Theater, but on Wednesdays and Thursdays he'll visit the Theater of

Illusion. Showtimes are 1:45 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 4: 45 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.

"Winter Wonderland"

Silverwood Theme Park and Rosstyn Ice Shows will again produce one of the best ice

shows in the Northwest. Two crews of skaters will ensure that there's a show

every day through Sept. 1, and showtimes are 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily plus a show 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday.

The lineup includes plenty of music with choreographed routines, an exhibition of solo, pairs and ensemble skating, and lots of costume changes.

All of the skaters have received high levels of national or international acclaim, and some have other talents, including Gabriel Monnier, who can back flip on ice; Melody Moal who blows fire; and Tommy Curtain, an accomplished plate spinner.

Other skaters include Russian national champion Valentina Oschkina; Katerina Kovolova and David Szurman, who represented the Czech Republic in the 2002 Olympics; and world-class skaters Jan Evenly and Trevor Buttenham.

Old No. 7 - The very first ride in the park, a historic steam locomotive, is another family favorite. It takes travelers on a 3.2 mile loop through the park and in the nearby countryside. It's relaxing, and there's even the opportunity to spot area wildlife including a herd of bison.

A highlight of the hourly train trip is the appearance of a duo of dimwitted bandits, who never seem to handle keeping a trainload of guests all at gunpoint.

Luckily, any money collected voluntarily goes to the Wishing Star Foundation. At

the end of last season, the bandits, via Silverwood, presented over $20,000 to this group.

Garfield - everyone's favorite cartoon feline will once again be spotted roaming the park, often with his canine pal Odie.

Daily entertainment schedules may change; park visitors can check the status of shows at the main entrance.