RUMFORD - A series of events Oct. 25-31 marks Magic Week in Maine, and Rumford is the state's capital of magic.

Scot Grassette, a Society of American Magicians deputy for Maine and a Rumford resident, set up a display at the Rumford Public Library focusing on books, newspaper clippings and other historical items, and a large photo of Dr. James William Elliott, a Rumford native who is the reason Rumford is the state's capital for magic.

Elliott, 1874-1920, was a friend of famed magician Harry Houdini and was a well-respected card magician who traveled the world performing his skill with cards.

The International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 362 of Bangor, and the Society of American Magicians Assembly 174 of Portland, declared Rumford as the state's magic capital because of Elliott's skill and fame.

Last week, Grassette performed and spoke about Elliott before the Rumford Historical Society and this week, on Oct. 25, he and several local young people who have taken up the mysterious art, will perform a magic show for residents of Rumford Community Home.

One of the goals of the Society of American Magicians is to provide entertainment for people with disabilities and others who would not otherwise be able to get to a theater for a performance.

At last week's Rumford selectmen's meeting, the board declared Oct. 25-31 Magic Week and Town Manager Jim Doar signed the proclamation.

Grassette, a longtime magician and performer, hopes to eventually hold regular magic shows at the former Methodist Church on Franklin Street.

He has been renovating it for several years.

He also leads a local magic group for area youngsters.