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I am working on a wrap up column for 2011, it was a great year. Along the way late this summer I starting doing a few new shots that I’ll add to my performances in 2012. The latest shot is 12 arrows at once! While performing at Denton Hill this summer a little boy in the audience asked me to please try 20 arrows at once. I didn’t have 20 but told him I’d do how ever many I had. Jake Chapman found my arrow case and brought me the remaining arrows, which made a total of 12. So I loaded all 12 in the bow and tried it… and hit my target. I have added this exciting shot to my show now on a regular basis.
Another new shot that’s already getting lots of attention is a mustard seed! I did this one this summer in front of 15,000 at Deerassic Classic, they had a video camera and jumbotron screens set up. When I do it at the typical sports show, I bring 5 volunteers from the audience and let them stand on stage to confirm the hit. With me, the thrower and the 5 volunteers that makes 7 sets of eyes on the mustard seed at various angles. At one of my last shows of the 2011 season I attempted to hit 3 mustard seeds with 3 arrows–from mid air and from behind my back. When the arrows struck the seeds the spotters all confirmed the hit… When I do this shot on stage I dedicate it to Rev. Stacy Groscup and cite Mathew 17:20.
Although my show has remained consistent for the past 26 years in the main themes, I want to keep raising the bar and challenging myself. The audiences appreciate the fact that sometimes on the smaller targets it takes a shot or two. When you do what I do, you can’t have a fear of missing or be afraid to try new things on stage. I know I’m going to hit the target even if it takes several attempts. I use a thrower the shows provide at each venue so that means these targets never fly the same two weekends in a row. This has helped keep my shooting sharp and my eyes keen. I never know where the target will go or how fast it will travel.
You can read more on my shows at www.frankaddingtonjr.com . I appear at major sports shows, hunting and fishing expos, and related events across the United States. In my off season I also do performances at Church events and camps. It’s a family message that promotes archery and the outdoors, as well as a drug free message. Seeing is believing, see you at the show!
Frank Addington, Jr.
