Palatine Resident Places in Major Contests at 19th Yo-Yo & Skill Toys Event

The 19th Annual Yo-Yo & Skill Toys Convention in Burlington, Wisconsin; with spinning and action toys drew spectators and participants from 3 states this year.

Lawson Kosulic, high school student of Palatine, placed second in two divisions at the convention: an age Division with the Ladder Style Yo-Yo Contest. The American Yo-Yo Association has sanctioned this contest format. Tricks included Brain Twister, Eiffel Tower, Around the World, Elevator and classics. Lawson also placed second in the Freestyle Division, which is a 3-minute original performance and show with yo-yos to music. The audience has a vote along with the judge's vote. Judge and audience comments highlighted his positive stage presence and subtle playful style when performing the yo-yo tricks.

Before the Sunday afternoon contest people gathered outside in front of the Spinning Top & Yo-Yo Museum, with welcome sunshine, performing yo-yo tricks and having friendly hula-hoop competitions. The 1 pm Sunday Skill Toy Contestants, both kids and adults; came from three states.

Contests included yo-yos, Diabolos, cup'n balls, Japanese Kendamas and Looping Yo-Yo Trick Contests.

Contestants won yo-yo DVD's, Yo-Yo Factory's "bind" advanced yo-yos and yo-yo carriers, Duncan's off-string and free-hand yo-yos, spin tops and Wizzers; and there were door prizes for everyone both days. More than $400 of prizes were given over the two day event to contestants and participants.

"The interaction between kids, teens, adults and retired people is ageless and awesome as they play together using classic skill toys. This unique event is with Real Items, Real People, in Real Time, for Real Fun!" said Judith Schulz, event founder and director.

The annual "classic fun and family event" is presented by the non-profit, education Spinning Top & Yo-Yo Museum, 533 Milwaukee Avenue, Burlington, Wisconsin. Information is on the website www.topmuseum.org

Convention website: http://www.topmuseum.org/12.html

Contest, trick lists and rules: http://www.topmuseum.org/36.html