Houston sign spinners to show off their top "tricks" in Vegas

Calvin White jumps over his sign as he demonstrates his moves at the Danny Jackson Family Bark Park, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, in Houston. The Houston spinners are on their way to the 2017 AArrow Sign Spinners World Championship in Las Vegas this weekend. less Calvin White jumps over his sign as he demonstrates his moves at the Danny Jackson Family Bark Park, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, in Houston. The Houston spinners are on their way to the 2017 AArrow Sign Spinners ... more Photo: Houston Chronicle Photo: Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close Houston sign spinners to show off their top "tricks" in Vegas 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

You've seen them at many a busy Houston intersection. Those ubiquitous 20-something street hawkers with the athleticism and endurance to toss around a skinny six-by-two foot arrow-shaped sign for hours under the blazing sun.

Their moves -- or "tricks" -- are meant to draw attention to new subdivisions, apartment complexes, tax preparers and furniture stores having a big sale.

With their wide smiles and chirpy expressions, sign spinners feed off their audience: drivers and pedestrians who will sometimes offer up a bottle of water, Gatorade or even a cash tip.

Ten of Houston's best spinners employed by Aarrow Advertising are in Las Vegas for the company's 10th annual World Sign Spinning Championships. The two-day event will showcase 100 Aarrow sign spinners from around the world competing for a chance at winning a $5,000 first place prize.

Click play on the 360-degree video below to watch three Houston spinners show off some of their moves before the competition.

WANT MORE? Read more about how these spinners learned their tricks on our subscriber website, HoustonChronicle.com.



