Aug 5, 2009 2 min read

Every year the Fayette County Fair offers several options in family entertainment. Whether it is enchanting magicians, daring animal shows or sidesplitting clowns, the Family Area of the fair has something for those who are young at heart or just plain young. Hilby The Skinny German Juggle Boy has joined the list of performers in the Family Area for the first time this year.

“We have been trying to get him for the last five years, but he has been booked solid,” said Bill Jackson, president of the fair board.

Hilby, who currently resides in Ithaca, N.Y., was born and raised in Berlin, Germany. During his travels across Europe and Asia, he learned how to juggle. He later put his talent to use in Hong Kong to earn money while juggling in the streets.

Today, Hilby travels around the country entertaining audiences with his juggling act that features audience participation, lederhosen (German knee-breeches made of leather) and plenty of laughs.

“It was great. It was a really fun show,” said Hilby, about his first performance at the fair. “I want to see people having a good time.”

Not only are Hilby’s acts entertaining, but they also add a certain element of danger. His performance includes balancing two swords on their blades and juggling a powered hedge trimmer, a bowling ball and a juggling pin at the same time.

His grand finale features him riding a tall unicycle while tossing around a juggling pin, plunger and large knife.

“It was a great show,” said Jill Anderson of Brownsville. “It was funny and entertaining.”

Hilby performs in the Family Area at 4:15 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. daily. Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy entertains his audience at the Fayette County Fair Tuesday afternoon by juggling five tennis balls. Robert Esquivel/Herald-Standard