Local illusionist Sammy Cortino says he'll set his own world record next week.
The 21-year-old plans to make 300 playing cards disappear and reappear in 90 seconds, using both hands simultaneously. He will be blindfolded the whole time.
The attempt will be open to the public in the City Hall lobby at 2 p.m. Aug. 6.
Cortino also will show live video of the event on his Facebook page, where he is listed by his stage name, Magic's Royal Duke Sammy Cortino.
The illusionist hasn't involved the Guinness World Records organization in his plan, but says he'll release video of the feat on YouTube and other websites in hopes they will recognize his achievement.
The Guinness Book of World records doesn't have a category for playing card manipulation, so no such record exists. A spokeswoman said Cortino could register a claim the organization will review. Then judges would decide whether to list Cortino alongside feats such as the most live scorpions held inside a human mouth and the fastest ever escape from a suitcase.
Cortino said the important thing for him is accomplishing the trick, which he's been practicing for six weeks. Making the official records book would be like a cherry on top, he said.
Instead of Guinness judges, Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright will preside over events, checking to make sure Cortino can't see through his blindfold and that the illusionist truly manipulates 300 cards.
Wright said he made sure there would be no fire or swords before agreeing to his part in the trick. He can't remember anything similar ever going on in City Hall.
"It's going to be the most impressive stunt ever conducted there, at least with the intention of being a stunt," Wright said.
Cortino is a broadcast and theater student at Appalachian State University. During summer break, he makes magic his full-time job.
He has been practicing magic since he was 6, although family legend has it that Cortino performed his first "disappearing quarter" trick when he was 2 and sitting in a booster seat.
His first show was at Hickory Community Theater, but Cortino has gone on to perform at Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock and the J.E. Broyhill Center in Lenoir.
"I'm always happiest when I'm on stage performing magic," he said.
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