I never imagined a magic trick could save a life. 

But after decades of performing the Mr. Yuk Magic Show, I’ve seen how a little wonder can leave a lasting impression. Kids remember the giggles, the surprises and most importantly, the message. 

For 50 years, I’ve blended magic and poison-prevention for children. Not because I wanted to be a magician, but because I wanted them to remember. You can’t lecture 4-year-olds about poison safety. But if you make it fun, colorful and engaging, they’ll carry that lesson with them for life. 

I don’t try to fool them. Little kids are literal. If something disappears, they’ll say, “It went up your sleeve.” So, I don’t aim for mystification — I aim for joy. I bring out spring snakes, inflatable wands, silly props and a stuffed rabbit named David Hopperfield. I ask them to help me make the magic happen. And when they do, their faces light up. That’s the moment I live for. 

Every year, I tweak the show — adding a new trick or swapping out a prop. I’ve got banners that say “Caution: Magic Zone,” and a six-foot wand that’s always a hit in class photos. But the heart of it never changes: teaching kids to be smart, safe and to have fun doing it. 

I’ve seen thousands of kids over the years. Some still have Mr. Yuk stickers on bottles at home. Some remember the exact tricks I did. That tells me the message stuck. 

And that’s the real magic. It’s not about the disappearing scarves or misbehaving wands. It’s knowing something I did helped a child stay safe. That’s why I keep going. If I can leave a little wonder in their hearts and a little wisdom in their heads, then I’ve done something that matters. 

Kurt Trautmann is a licensed pharmacist working per diem at University of Vermont Health – Alice Hyde Medical Center. He has been with us since 1997.