The Bubble Man
By Lexi Amedio
Photo by Annie Matthews
The North Carolina Museum of Art is a mere 2 minute drive from my house, so logically, I’m there every time the temperature is above 60 degrees. Without fault, so is Ken Thomas, otherwise known as The Bubble Man.
The first time I remember noticing his presence was September of last year. I was rounding the curve of a walking trail, drained from what I remember being a very long week. Although I couldn’t see past the hill in front of me, I faintly heard the joyful squeals of children. I assumed a family was having a picnic, or maybe kids were riding bikes along the beautiful paths of the museum park. As I reached the top of the hill, I saw bubbles, and their source quickly became visible: The Bubble Man. He had a wagon full of supplies and was using a netted wand to create a cascade of bubbles surrounding the children around him. People were in awe and began ushering their loved ones towards the show. Kids were jumping as high as their little legs could lift them with arms stretched wide in an effort to catch the bubbles. The sun was beginning to set over the rolling grass hills and the smiles of the children and onlookers were radiating.
Although this experience provided me with instantaneous serotonin, it wasn't until I witnessed The Bubble Man’s magic several more times that I decided to do some research on him. According to a profile written about Ken Thomas by WTVD Raleigh in 2022, The Bubble Man travels around Raleigh providing bubble shows to the public completely free of charge. When questioned about the intention behind his shows, Thomas said “If you can do something small that gives joy to people, why not?” His selfless acts have done just that. The NC State grad even makes his own bubble tools, quite literally hand crafting joy.
To some, bubbles are seemingly inconsequential, but as evidenced by what I saw on those evenings at the park, they can be a catalyst for bringing people together. I saw people of all ages stop to sit and watch the show. I witnessed children lifting up their younger siblings who were just mesmerized by the colors and metamorphosis of shapes. I saw relief and temporary bliss spread across the faces of adults who let the scene truly envelop them. Some who were probably just going through the motions that day until they stumbled upon this beautiful devotion to being present. I think that the effect The Bubble Man had on these people, myself included, was absolutely anything but insignificant.
In a world that can be so overwhelming and confusing, sometimes the only thing we can do is try to show people a little extra kindness. Witnessing an individual doing something solely for the benefit of others is a rarity and a privilege.
If you live in Raleigh, I strongly urge you to pay Ken a visit at any of the local spots he frequents, but if not, I think there is something we can all take away from The Bubble Man and his benevolence.
