Hanson Family jugglers perform at Newton Public Library

Unicycles, spinning plates and juggling balls and clubs are just a few of the items that were used when the Hanson family, of Kanawha, came to town Tuesday to perform their tricks at the Newton Public Library.

The family of seven who once performed alongside the Harlem GlobeTrotters, made their way to Newton to perform for an audience of youngsters.

More than 30 children and parents who had registered to attend filled one of the library’s meeting rooms.

Mark and Christa F. Hanson and just four of their children, Matthew, Christa B., Luke and Caleb all performed.

Christa B., 22 and the oldest child, kicked off the show with her unicycle, which she began learning how to ride when she was 7 years old. Christa B. not only taught herself to unicycle but she also taught herself multiple tricks, one of those tricks she demonstrated was jump roping while on her unicycle.

“I was determined to teach myself how to ride a unicycle and I ended up wining first place in a national competition in 2008,” Christa B. said. “Now my two favorite things are reading and riding my unicycle.”

The family of many talents is centered around juggling. Mark demonstrated several juggling acts. He had the children roaring with laughter at times and clapping in amazement at other times.

Mark juggled like a lion, a sea lion, a giraffe and how other animals, and he also demonstrated his most unique talent of all — being the fastest three-ball juggler in the world with 520 catches in two minutes, according to the Guinness World Records.

Mark started juggling at age 19 and found out quickly the hobby was not an easy one. He even failed several times at events when he was young. However, Mark continued to pursue juggling and hopes his children will learn from his perseverance.

To top off the show, the four children put on several acts, including passing clubs to one another while moving across the room and even passing the clubs to one another while riding on unicycles.

The family also talked to children about making their world a better place. Topics included picking up trash at local parks, helping those who don’t have food and helping those in other countries who don’t have clean water.

The Hanson Family travels surrounding states to perform and commented that the children at Newton’s library were one of the best audiences. At the end of the show, entertainers allowed the children to try their hand at juggling with scarves and spinning plates.

To see where the family performs next, visit the hansonshows.com.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com