Thursday, 27 June 2013 - 08:01
City Suspends Fire-Juggling Show
Every summer, fire-juggler Will Oltman has amused spectators in Holland’s city center in the last six years at the Street Performer Series.
Fire Juggling
Dave Herholz/Wikimedia Commons The expert entertainer is planning to juggle flaming torches this summer. But he may not be able to do it as authorities are stepping up on safety concerns. On July 1, the issue will be discussed in a meeting. Oltman is disappointed since he will have no participation in the gathering. Series coordinator Kara de Alvare, Director of Public Safety Matt Messer, Downtown Development Authority staff and Deputy City Attorney Vince Duckworth are likely to attend the meeting. “They’re refusing to let any of the performers (that use fire) participate,” Oltman said. “I don’t understand it. We understand our craft better than they do.” After inspecting Oltman’s act last Thursday, Director of Public Safety Matt Messer advised him not to juggle flaming torches for public safety as he is near the bystanders. “There’s no question about it, he’s really good at what he does,” Messer said. “I’m not saying he can’t juggle fire. I just think we should reevaluate it and have some type of safe zone or buffer zone (between him and the audience). He said a serious injury can occur if the torches land on one of the children watching and set their garments on fire. Oltman said he is aware of the safety concerns and is ready to cooperate. Messer wants all parties to reach a mutual understanding. “If the audience needs to be ‘x’ feet away from me, that’s fine,” he said. He is scheduled to perform on Thursday, this time, without fire. He teased that he might juggle ice cubes instead.
Dave Herholz/Wikimedia Commons The expert entertainer is planning to juggle flaming torches this summer. But he may not be able to do it as authorities are stepping up on safety concerns. On July 1, the issue will be discussed in a meeting. Oltman is disappointed since he will have no participation in the gathering. Series coordinator Kara de Alvare, Director of Public Safety Matt Messer, Downtown Development Authority staff and Deputy City Attorney Vince Duckworth are likely to attend the meeting. “They’re refusing to let any of the performers (that use fire) participate,” Oltman said. “I don’t understand it. We understand our craft better than they do.” After inspecting Oltman’s act last Thursday, Director of Public Safety Matt Messer advised him not to juggle flaming torches for public safety as he is near the bystanders. “There’s no question about it, he’s really good at what he does,” Messer said. “I’m not saying he can’t juggle fire. I just think we should reevaluate it and have some type of safe zone or buffer zone (between him and the audience). He said a serious injury can occur if the torches land on one of the children watching and set their garments on fire. Oltman said he is aware of the safety concerns and is ready to cooperate. Messer wants all parties to reach a mutual understanding. “If the audience needs to be ‘x’ feet away from me, that’s fine,” he said. He is scheduled to perform on Thursday, this time, without fire. He teased that he might juggle ice cubes instead.