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!


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Friday, April 30, 2010

FLASHBACK: Police Circus was St. Louis springtime ritual.
By Bob Kuban
Friday, April 30, 2010

Sometime in early June, Circus Flora will bring its one ring European-style circus to a location near Powell Hall. Recently, the Shrine Circus brought its magic to the Family Arena in St. Charles. Whether it’s a death-defying feat on a high wire or a bunch of clowns getting out of an old rattletrap, the circus offers entertainment that appeals to old and young alike.
But, at one time, circus promoters wanted to draw a new (and powerful) generation to the circus: teenagers. Most likely, teenagers were identified as an up-and-coming demographic who had money to spend on entertainment. Teenagers were buying records and going to movies. Why not the circus?
What would bring teenagers to the circus? Well, rock and roll for one thing.
For many years, the Police Circus was a springtime ritual in St. Louis. It benefited the St. Louis Police Relief Association and, for two weeks, Kiel Auditorium provided the space for some of the most phenomenal Big Top shows you can imagine. This thing had it all: three rings and lions, tigers, elephants, high wire acts, clowns, a live orchestra, the works.

The first part of each performance featured the many animal acts and aerial performers. The second part featured a variety show. One year, it featured Frankie Avalon, Bob Kuban and The In-Men, two of the stars from “The Addams Family” TV show, and The Four Little Step-Brothers, tap-dancing kids who knocked everybody out with their moves.

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