SENIOR TIMES - FEBRUARY 2019-1 a living. An example of one of his doomed attempts at making a buck were adult tricycle races. However, his luck changed when he brought a few her- mit crabs to a Florida bar as a way of at- tracting people to the watering hole four decades ago. Soon, word of the innocent, free and exciting fun of hermit crab racing spread, and Morgan and his running deca- pod crustaceans were a hit. Morgan said he enjoys traveling and meeting new people. Mostly, however, he relishes the opportunity to "create fun" for gathered crowds. At the Columbus Pet Expo, people of all ages are welcome to participate in the hermit crab races, which are free of cost. He said that people often name the hermit crab they choose for the competition, while spectators clap and cheer to encourage their favorite crustacean to run the fast- est. According to Morgan, some of those monikers have been downright funny. Morgan described the at- mosphere during the hermit races as "total involvement. People yell to urge their hermit crab. They go crazy in a fun way." Certainly, hermit crab races are not the place to go for peace and quiet, he said.
FEBRUARY 2019 Volume 38 - Issue 2
FEATURING INSIDE
OHIO'S FOREMOST NEWSMAGAZINE FOR BOOMERS & BEYOND
At The Centers ....................................10 At Your Service ...................................10 Crossword Puzzle ...............................11 Flashback 50s ........................................9 Hall of Fame .........................................9 Introductions ......................................10 Postcard From Columbus ....................4 Smart Collector ....................................2 Tinseltown Talks...................................5
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WWII Pilot's Surprise
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page 7
Usher shows off dance moves
KEEPS THESE SENIORS TRAVELING
Pet shows to entertain Columbus
See PETS , page 6
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Travel Trending
the bar business in one way or another all his life, he said. Over the years, he has created countless gimmicky offerings as a way of earning by Tami Kamin Meyer He might have started as a professional clown with Ringling Brothers in 1970, but today, Johnny Peers refers to himself as a "straight man." Peers and his foils, 15 dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds, will bring their own brand of zaniness to the Columbus Pet Expo when it hits town March 8-10 at the Ohio Expo Center. Johnny Peers & The Muttville Comix is a com- edy troupe without parallel. Their brand of slapstick comedy delights fans of all ages as the dogs perform challenging and hilarious tricks while Peers plays the straight man role. Peers, 66 years young, is no stranger to the life of a carnie." As a child, he trav- eled across the country with his father as his dad sold cotton candy at festivals. Today, Johnny Peers and his crew of canines criss-cross the United States in Peer's travel trailer. They sleep where Peer parks the vehicle after a day of driving city to city for their numerous performances. The troupe has appeared all over the United States, including at Disneyland, Busch Gardens, The Big Apple Circus, the Royal Hanneford Circus and even The White House. I've always loved dogs," said Peers, whose canines range in age from eight months to 12 years. He described the per- formance as a "comedy show with a bunch of dogs where everything seems like organized chaos." In fact, he likened it to shows that epitomized those of the Borscht Belt, summer resorts in the Catskill Moun- tains especially popular with New York City Jews between the 1920s and the 1970s. During those years, many Borscht Belt resorts hosted performances of Jewish comedians and mu- sicians, giving rise to the nickname. Think comedian Henny Youngman joking, Take my wife. Please!" While Peers and his pups are a popular draw at the Columbus Pet Expo, they are but one of the dozens of acts to perform during the three day celebration of all things animal. Another crowd favorite features Jim Morgan and his infamous crab races. Morgan, who founded the Na- tional Crab Rac- ing Association in 1979, naming him- self Commissioner for Life, travels the country with approximately 100 hermit crabs. Morgan, 77, has been in
Johnny Peers & The Muttville Comix page 9
American Bandstand
BRING YOUR GRANDKIDS & THE WHOLE FAMILY!
The 24th Annual
All American Columbus Pet Expo
March 8, 9, 10 2019
FRIDAY IS SENIOR DAY
sponsored by Senior Times SENIOR TICKET HALF PRICE! For a FREE FRIDAY SENIOR TICKET go to www.columbuspetexpo.com/seniortimes Ohio Expo Center - Bricker Multi-Purpose Friday: 1-8 Saturday: 10-7 Sunday: 11-5 Fun pet entertainment * pet competition & shows seminars * new product sales * demonstrations
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