Harper students wowed by juggler of chain saws
The sight of Mad Chad Taylor performing feats such as juggling three chain saws at once was the highlight of the Harper College Hullabaloo fall semester kickoff.
Hundreds of students convened on the campus’ quad on Thursday, checking out student clubs and organizations and taking in the antics of comedian and juggler Taylor, whose credits include “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Spider-Man 3.”
Riding a unicycle, Taylor juggled two-knifes and an apple while taking bites of the apple. He electrified the crowd by juggling three stun sticks. Then with the crowd of 300 students in a frenzy cheering “chain saws, chain saws, chain saws,” Taylor fired up and juggled three of them at once, warning the crowd not to try this at home. Taylor topped off the 30-minute show by juggling a chain saw and an apple while on a skateboard balancing on a small barrel.
“If you really want people to put two hands together, you gotta be willing to risk one of your own,” said Taylor, whose chain-saw feats are listed in “Guinness World Records.” He has juggled everything from working video cameras and cellphones to flaming tennis balls, tickling and terrifying audiences from Berlin to Tokyo, according to Taylor. Chad a Guinness World Record holder is known as the Evel Knievel of comedy.
The Hullabaloo event showcased dozens of Harper clubs and organizations, from the Astronomy Club to the Student Senate, in an effort to further boost on-campus student involvement.
Student Jalen Little, who heads up the College’s Campus Activities Board, said an earlier edition of Hullabaloo is what initially sparked his interest in campus life.
“It helps you find future passions, and gives you the opportunity to make connections,” Little said. “It’s a gateway to discovering what you want to do as a person.”
The event also boasted tarot card readings, live music, giveaways and free food.
Students registered to vote and signed a pledge to complete their Harper education.
“It’s a great way for people to bond,” said student Devarshi Patel of Schaumburg, event director and vice president of the Campus Activities Board.
Ÿ Daily Herald photographer George LeClaire contributed to this report.