WESTVILLE – Christopher Bontjes has been a magician since he was a youngster. Now the Danville man wants to share his love of magic – and some of his tricks – with area youth.

He will do that at a presentation at the Westville Public Library, 233 S. State St., at 10 a.m. on Friday. The event, which will last 30 to 45 minutes, will include a magic demonstration and information on starting a local group of the Society of Young Magicians.

"I think everybody has some interest in magical things ... and would like to be able to do things that are beyond the normal," Bontjes said.

Bontjes – who got interested in magic through his parents – said he performed his first magic show at age 4. Now, Bontjes performs at private parties and charity events, and his 10-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter also have performed at functions.

Bontjes is a life member of the Society of American Magicians, and currently serves as president of the local assembly and as regional vice president for a body that has oversight of groups and members in nine states. He has been interested in starting a local Society of Young Magicians group here for youth for a while.

"We don't have an assembly here," he said. "We need at least six young magicians" to do so.

Bontjes said that society is an international organization for youth, ages 7 to 17, dedicated to promoting interest in magic as a wholesome hobby that will help develop self-confidence and skill, the ability to speak in public, discipline and a sense of service to others.