Mark Lippard of Manic Expressions

1987 Most Profound

 AJA, Congratulations on 30 years of keeping juggling and the variety arts alive. WOW! Are we getting older??!
 
1985 in Atlanta was my first IJA convention ever and I was just blown away. The AJA did a fantastic job hosting this big event. The next convention I attended was the Groundhog Day Festival. It was icing on the cake - sweet, colorful, entertaining and extremely rewarding.
 
Winning a Phil award gave our team, the Manic Expressions, great joy and encouragement. The same year we received our Most Profound Award (1987), we were fortunate enough to win the IJA Team Championship. Winning both awards gave us the confidence to pursue juggling and entertaining full time.
 
I have made lifelong friends through the Groundhog Festival. I'm also encouraged by the new talent that continues to come to your event. Whether I'm attending the festival with my family or unable to come because of work or coaching our boys' basketball team, I'm always reminded that, when the first of February rolls around, it's Groundhog Festival time! And whether or not Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will always be juggling in Atlanta . Thanks for the fun and fond memories. Continue the success and God's best to everyone!

 Mark Lippard