THIS BLOG IS DEDICATED TO MY TWIN BROTHER, BILL DYKES (1943-1995). WE WERE NOT ONLY BROTHERS BUT PARTNERS IN BUSINESS AND BEST FRIENDS! AND TO ALL THE "BUTCHERS" THAT HAVE PASSED ON TO THE BIG LOT IN THE SKY!


CIRCUS NOW OPEN!

2014 Convention

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Saturday, January 24, 2009

LONESTAR RODEO-SALISBURY, MD (January 24, 2008)

A horse is helped up after a run during the Lone Star Rodeo at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Friday. (Megan Raymond photo)
January 24, 2009
Rodeo rides into town
Visitors come to watch bull and bareback riding, barrel racing, clowns
By Earl Holland, Staff Writer
SALISBURY -- The Wicomico Youth & Civic Center's Normandy Arena was transformed into Texas on Friday as riders from the East Coast were pitted against some of the toughest bulls and broncos.
The Lone Star Rodeo Company's Still Standing Tour was in full gear as the cowboys and rodeo clowns in the show looked to wow the first of two crowds this weekend.
The show -- which also features bareback riding, rodeo clowns, barrel racing and a best-dressed cowboy and cowgirl contest during Friday's intermission -- will have one more show tonight.
Tim Stenger of Berlin, who was attending his first-ever rodeo, said he decided to come to the show because his friends wanted to. As the show progressed, his interest started to peak.
"It's like a man vs. beast-type of situation," he said. "The broncos are interesting because it's a little more fast-paced, but the bull riding is my favorite."
The Lone Star Rodeo, which is family-run, travels from Maryland to Florida and has held shows at the Civic Center for a decade.
Kristen Conn of the Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism department said what makes the rodeo special is a variety of reasons.
"It's one of the nicest events because it's one of our more affordable shows," she said. "It's also pretty exciting because it allows people to see a lot of animals like this unless you live in areas like that."
Erin Pearce of Pocomoke City attended the show with her family said she was also fascinated with the bull riding.
"It's interesting to see how long the riders can stay on before falling off," she said. "I don't know how the riders do, but I wouldn't."
Stenger said that after watching the competitors, he feels he could hold his own on the as a bull or bronco rider.
"I would love to do something that," he said. "Maybe they could incorporate that into next year's show."
eholland@dmg.gannett.com
from the Salisbury, MD Daily Times 01/24/09






RINGLING CONCESSIONS FROM THE PAST

1936
1930's

1950's


1950's

From the Howard Tibbals Photo Collection
at the Ringling Museum, Sarasota.


BILLY MARTIN'S COLE ALL STAR CIRCUS (2009)




Friday, January 23, 2009

Thursday, January 22, 2009


Be sure to check out the new link I just put on the sidebar.

BOB COX #1

Good Morning!I thought it would be interesting to show you what one of my contributors, Bob Cox,
does for a living now in Mexico.
As you can see He conducts tours in Mexico.
Looks like a very interesting job!
Bob was a seat butcher and concession man on many US circuses.
Among them many of the Beatty Corporation (ACME) Shows.

BOB COX #2







BOB COX #3







Wednesday, January 21, 2009







TIME LAPSE FROM THE SOUTH FLORIDA FAIR

from the PALM BEACH POST







S & S AMUSEMENTS FLOOD 7/23-24/08

Thanks Jack Silar for sending these photos of Every Showman's nightmare.
S & S Amusements underwater at Fernwood, PA July 23/24, 2008.





Thanks again Jack!
We look forward to more material and photos from you.




Tuesday, January 20, 2009

HENDRICKS BROS CIRCUS 1996 #1

Thanks to Fred Hoffman for another beautiful set of Photographs,
These were taken in Vineland, NJ in 1996 by Fred.
If I'm not mistaken I beleive this spot was booked by Bill Elbirn



HENDRICKS BROS CIRCUS 1996 #2


Seat Wagon

Canvas Spool w/donicker


HENDRICK'S BROS CIRCUS 1996 #3




Fred Hoffman Photos


Monday, January 19, 2009

CIRCUS ROSAIRE POSTER (FROM MIKE NAUGHTON)

QUEEN'S THEATRE (UK)

RINGMASTER-CHARLEY VAN BUSKIRK

From: Mike Naughton

LEIBELING BROS CIRCUS (JAN 10th) LARRY SNYDER

Larry and Nancy were on their way home from Gibtown last Saturday when they stopped in
at a Flea Market near Orlando to take a look at Tommy Leibel's Show.
Since it's been awhile since I was around or saw Tommies show I'm afraid to lable anyone in these pictures except for Tommy and His oldest son Tony.
Poor Guy needs a "gin pole"

"NOSY"


LEIBELING BROS CIRCUS (JAN 10th)












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