Magician shares love of farming and sleight of hand

Coast magician swapped his magician hat for his straw hat as his passion for magic grew into a new career opportunity

MAGICIAN: Craig Hubbard shares his love of magic at his Doonan farm. Picture: Caitlin Zerafa

FOR Craig Hubbard, magic is more than a wand and a hat.

Having founded and run Shambhala Farm in Doonan for the past seven years, the professional magician has combined his love of sleight of hand and his devotion to growing fresh organic produce.

"My previous profession, and I'm reigniting that profession, is my passion for magic,” Mr Hubbard said.

After working as a magician for 10 years travelling the world, Mr Hubbard decided a tree change was in order and when he moved to the area embarked on a different kind of magic.

"I put my magic hat down and put on my straw hat and started farming,” he said.

"I did that because I believe in the magic of growing food and the health qualities, and I do think it's really magical that plants can just grow straight out of the soil.”

Over the years he kept busy establishing the farm, selling his produce at farmers' markets and creating a yoga facility.

"I started to get a bug for doing more magic for the kids, and for my kids,” Mr Hubbard said.

Children were treated to a magical afternoon at Doonan's Shambhala Farm as they explored the magic of food growing with a farm tour and magic show. Picture: Caitlin Zerafa

On Wednesday, July 10 a new concept to explore the magic of growing food was launched at Shambhala Farm.

Children and their parents went along to the farm for a tour and learnt the cycle of food from seed to harvest.

"The kids got to learn what makes up a sustainable farm and an organic farm,” Mr Hubbard said.

Shambhala's own Peppa Pig was also a hit.

"Peppa Pig is a 12-month-old and an integral part of our sustainability,” Mr Hubbard.

"She will be here to dig up the ground before we plant and she'll eat a lot of the leftover produce and turn it into manure and compost.”

The afternoon finished with a magic show to entertain all ages.

"We've got some really fun colourful things for the kids and some really strong, powerful stuff for the adults.”

Mr Hubbard said they hope to continue this event into the future.

"I hope we can take some of the magic that we do back into the community.”

For events, visit their social media or website.

Originally published as Magician shares love of farming and sleight of hand