Founded by Mike Stratman, this event owes its longevity to the dedication of IBM Rings 236 in Champaign, 239 in Springfield, and Ring 48 in Peoria, who have kept it going strong for 49 years. It’s incredible to think it’s been that long—here’s to keeping up the great work!

The story of how this event began goes back more than 50 years. Before the Get-Together came about, Ring 14 in Decatur and Ring 48 in Peoria were the only downstate Rings in Illinois. Ring 14 was the biggest, drawing members from Decatur, surrounding small towns, and even Springfield and Champaign-Urbana.

In 1976, Illinois TVP Ben Tallman decided to add two new Rings in the state, chartering Ring 236 and Ring 239. This move caused Ring 14 in Decatur to shrink, as it lost some outstanding members from Springfield and Champaign. Members of Rings 236 and 239 then began attending and supporting their own groups.

After losing a few members from his Ring, he decided it would be a great idea to start a small convention just for the Central Illinois Rings, hoping to bring magicians from the downstate area together for a reunion. And with that, the Central Illinois Get-Together was born.

On February 21, 1977, the first Central Illinois Get-Together was held at the Sheraton Inn in Decatur, IL. The event featured four IBM Rings from Decatur, Peoria, Champaign, and Springfield, along with guests from the Quad Cities Ring and the SAM Assembly in Danville. This one-day convention gathered 80 magicians from across the Central Illinois region.

Performances at the first convention were given by selected members from each of the Rings. Afterward, the IBM Rings in Peoria, Champaign, and Springfield agreed to host the event on a rotating basis, a tradition that has continued for 49 years, except during the COVID years.

A big thanks and congratulations to Ring 239 for sponsoring this year’s convention. Their stellar lineup is sure to make it one of the best get-togethers yet. We also appreciate Champaign and Peoria for their ongoing support in keeping this tradition alive.

We’d like to thank Mike Stratman, former President of Ring 14, former TVP for Illinois, and past International President of the IBM, along with others who helped start this wonderful tradition.

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Dave Matrisch
Vice President
International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 239