Today we’d like to introduce you to Rusty Pliers.
Hi Rusty, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The character of Rusty Pliers started in the fall of 2009 at the Eckerts Millstadt Fanfarm. I was hired by a man named Smooth to come and do a magic and ventriloquism show. At that time Smooth was doing the Pig Race Show at the farm. Smooth is the type of performer that inspires you to want to do better. During one of his Pig Race Shows Smooth said “and next on the Grand Stage is Rusty Pliers and the Farmtastic Magic Show”. And that’s how the name began. After several years of doing the Farmtastic Magic Show, I then started doing the Pumpkin Cannon Show. In 2021 Smooth announced he was retiring from the Pig Race Show. In the fall of 2022 I inherited that show plus continued doing the Pumpkin Cannon Show. Well let’s just say the 2026 Fall Season is my 18th season doing shows at the Eckerts Millstadt Funfarm. At the end of the 2025 Fall Season I have performed 2,666 shows at the Eckerts Millstadt Fanfare.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Well nothing in our lives is ever smooth. The most difficult year for me would have been 2020. As covid was beginning to happen, I suffered 5 strokes in February 2020. Because of the strokes I could barely stand and walk, and was extremely dizzy. Then in March the world shut down, and we were all forced to stay home, and for me that was an excellent plan.
I spent over 6 months recovering with only one goal in my mind. I had to return to the Eckerts Millstadt Fanfare in the fall. The only goal I had was to return. It was that goal that really helped in my recovery. Starting in September of 2020 I returned to doing the Pumpkin Cannon Show. Sometimes when I was performing I was leaning on the Pumpkin Cannon just to be able to stand. It was an extremely long eight weeks, with just over 175 shows between Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Rusty Pliers Show LLC?
Due to the popularity of Rusty Pliers at the Eckerts Millstadt Funfarm, it has created an a demand in my performing Ventriloquism and Magic Shows. As Rusty Pliers I focus on ventriloquism entertainment for children. I perform at corporate events, libraries, daycares, churches, and any event that is focusing on children. In 2020 while recovering from having strokes, I was able to write my own children’s story and Coloring Book. The Story of Rusty Pliers Story and Coloring Book tells my story with my best friends Meatball and Waffles. The coloring book presents children with the opportunity to add their artistic expression to really amazing pieces of art.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
What has worked well for me is having friendships in the local Magic Club.
Contact Info:
- Website: rusty pliers.com
- Instagram: rustypliers
- Facebook: Rusty Pliers, Ventriloquis Magician
- Youtube: Rusty Pliers, Ventriloquist
