THE CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN

The circus comes to town May 15-16

HERNANDO TODAY STAFF REPORT
Published: May 8, 2010
On Saturday, May 15, Carson & Barnes Circus will raise its big top at the Hernando County Fairgrounds and present two days of fun, animals and thrills. The two-day event is a fundraiser for the Kiwanis and helps to support many of its local community projects. Carson & Barnes Circus provides a portion of its income to civic organizations for local use; in 2009, almost $500,000 was raised for local hosts.
Carson & Barnes has been in existence as a circus since 1937, with four generations of family ownership and operation and it is considered the largest tent circus in America. Their new tent is 500 feet by 400 feet with a height of approximately 50 feet. It is of international origin with portions manufactured in Brazil, Mexico and Italy and is partially motorized.
Adding to the excitement of the circus coming to town, morning setup is the most popular experience of all, as humans, elephants and technology will work side-by-side to erect America's largest circus big top. The public is invited between 8 and 10 a.m. Saturday, May 15 to watch as the circus tent is set up.
The circus has the second largest herd of elephants in the United States and Carson & Barnes support the Endangered Ark Foundation for the preservation of the endangered Asian elephant and other animals. They have a large and varied educational exhibit of over two dozen types of domestic and exotic animals. Open as a zoo on circus morning, it's free to everyone who wants to watch the animals be watered, fed and cared for.
Carson & Barnes has circus artists from around the world. The featured artist this year is Alex, the world-renowned "King of Circus Comedy," who will entertain with hilarious high bounding feats on the trampoline.
Tickets can be purchased at Chick-fil-A, Beef O'Brady's Ridge Manor, Up 4 Breakfast, Sweetbay Supermarkets, Superior BankBranches, Candlelite Fitness Center, Marucci's Furniture and Hernando Today.
Advance general admission tickets will be available at special discount prices for adults and children ages 2 to 11 before circus day.