P. T. BARNUM'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

Bethel adopts a circus atmosphere to celebrate P.T. Barnum's 200th birthday

Vinti Singh, Staff Writer Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Rosalyn Donofrio, of Bethel, cuts the cake at a town party for the native son P.T. Barnum's 200th birthday outside the Bethel Municipal Center on Monday, July 5, 2010. Photo: Michael Duffy / The News-Times

BETHEL -- More than 1,000 people attended P.T. Barnum's 200th birthday celebration Monday evening in front of the Bethel Municipal Center, an event that featured an animal
menagerie, reminiscent of the Bethel native who founded the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
"People (who went to the circus) were used to seeing barnyard animals, but not animals from around the world," said Ted Krogh, who brought his camel to display. "We all try to emulate him. He was in the business of making people smile."
Barnum was the man who brought the world Tom Thumb, the Fiji Mermaid, the Bearded Woman and other oddities.
Monday's event included live music, acrobat performances, belly dancers and clowns, and a cowboy ninja. People walked around wearing red foam noses and tried walking on mini stilts.
http://www.newstimes.com/local/article/Bethel-adopts-a-circus-atmosphere-to-celebrate-566283.php#photo-3

Bethel residents Rebecca Wild and Kendra Belleflew, both 10, jump for joy while the band plays at the celebration of P.T. Barnum's 200th birthday at the Bethel Municipal Center on Monday, July 5, 2010. Photo: Michael Duffy / The News-Times

Jen Cody, 18, and Andrew Baumgartner, 16, of Bethel honor the circus with clown noses at the birthday celebration of P.T. Barnum's 200th birthday at the Bethel Municipal Center on Monday, July 5, 2010. Photo: Michael Duffy / The News-Times

The celebration of P.T. Barnum's 200th birthday at the Bethel Municipal Center on Monday, July 5, 2010. Photo: Michael Duffy / The News-Times

P.T. Barnum sculpture David Gesualdi, left center, points out a structural detail to home owner Paul English, left, in the room of Barnum's birth, during a tour of the house on Monday, July 5, 2010. Mary English is right center, and Terri Kowwicz, is next to her. Molly Layda, 8, is with her grandparents, Richard and Pat Layda of Newtown. The P.T. Barnum house was on Richard Layda's paper route when he was a boy. Photo: Michael Duffy / The News-Times

Big Apple circus might set up show in Manville, NJ

PAMELA SROKA-HOLZMANN • STAFF WRITER • July 1, 2010
MANVILLE — The circus could be coming to Manville this fall if an application to site it at the Rustic Mall property is approved.
Borough Council members Wednesday voted 3-1 in favor of a resolution that would allow the circus to bring its show to the borough. Councilman Rich Onderko voted against the resolution and Councilmen Ed Komoroski and Lou Fischer were absent from the meeting.
Since the circus is requesting temporary use on private property, Borough Administrator Gary Garwacke said the next step would be for Big Apple Circus representatives to gain approval from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Scott O'Donnell, vice president and general manager of the Big Apple Circus, said the site plan approval has been finalized and the circus is in the process of finalizing its application before the board.
http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20100701/NEWS/100701019/Big-Apple-circus-might-set-up-show-in-Manville/

Circus in New Milford continues Tuesday and Wednesday

Monday, July 5, 2010
NEW MILFORD -- Circus Vidbel, presented by Faith Church, continues its three daily shows Tuesday and Wednesday, with proceeds to be donated to the Hope Foundation for Kids, a scholarship fund for the Danbury area.
The circus features aerialists, jugglers, music, magic and, of course, clowns at 600 Danbury Road.
Tickets are $10 each. Shows are at noon and 3 and 6 p.m. For more information visit http://www.faithchurchct.com/.

Fifi in the big top.

Photograph: Daragh Mc Sweeney/ Provision

Edward Fossett (Otto the clown) Fiona McCann (Fifi) and ringmistress Marion Fossett outside Fossetts Circus in Mallow, Co Cork. Photograph: Daragh Mc Sweeney/ Provision

Fiona McCann is transformed from journalist to Fifi the clown by Edward Fossett, in preparation for her stint at Fossett's big top

Clowning around at the circusThe Irish Times -
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Realising many people’s childhood fantasy, Fiona McCann runs away to join the circus, but discovers after only one day that being a clown is a serious business
I’VE RUN away to join the circus. In contrast to childhood fantasies, alas, I’ve only run away for the day, and it involves a train to Mallow rather than hitching a ride alongside some exotic stranger on a coloured wagon passing through town. None of this detracts, however, from the fillip of excitement as the bright blue Fossett’s tent looms into view and I take in the scurry of circus folk transforming Mallow Racecourse for tonight’s performance.
I’m becoming a clown for a day, following in a long circus tradition that stretches back to the legendary Joseph Grimaldi, which leaves me with some pretty big shoes to fill (kaboom-tsssh!).
It’s a task that would seem monumental were it not for the on-hand assistance from some of the best in the business: after all, the Fossett family has been in the circus game for six generations now, tracing their legacy all the way back to one George Lowe, a Mallow man who honed his skills as a performer on Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show.
Read more at:
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/features/2010/0707/1224274179973.html

FROM THE UK---

Sarah-Jane Wild with Not Roy the snake

Circus causes controversy in Belper

06 July 2010 By Laura Hammond
A visiting circus which includes acts by live animals has prompted a mixed reaction from people in the town.
Peter Jolly's Circus, which held shows for five days on land off New Road in Heage, has become well known for its use of animals in its performances, prompting distaste from animal rights activists around the country.
Campaigners claim it is unnatural for the animals to be kept in captivity and be made to perform, but owner Peter Jolly said the animals were well kept, well treated, and well trained and that the activists were just trying to stir up trouble.
Mr Jolly said: "They say these things but they've never been to the circus to see what it is we do. I'm very open about it.
"We have checks virtually every week. We're not doing anything wrong.

"At the end of the day people vote with their feet, and the amount of positive comments we have about the circus far outweigh the criticisms."
Jolly's Circus, which spent time in Heanor the week before coming to Belper and will move to Alfreton next, uses dogs, horses, llamas, a camel, a zebra, birds, a donkey, a goat, a long-horned cow and several snakes in its acts.
One of the acts involves an 'exotic dance' by some of the animals, in which the zebra walks around the standing camel and llamas.
Mr Jolly said the animals were on stage for no more than five minutes at a time and that they only performed simple tricks which were no different to those performed by other animals in captivity. The animals are put out to graze when they are not in the ring, and only come in when they are needed for the twice daily shows, when they are rewarded with treats when they walk in the right direction or put their front legs onto a low podium.
He added: "If you were cruel to the animals you'd get the completely opposite effect. They would not do what you asked them to."
Craig Redmond, from the Captive Animals Protection Society, said: "Most circuses now feature an all-human cast, removing the need to keep animals confined for long periods and transport them around the country.
"We would encourage people to avoid all animal circuses and wait until one of the many amazing all-human shows arrives in town."
Government body DEFRA has completed recent study which found no evidence that animals used in the circus were better or worse treated than animals in other captive environments.

ALLAN C. HILL'S GREAT AMERICAN CIRCUS 1985 #1

These pictures were taken during the 1985 season.

Don Prevost was show manager and his wife managed the office.

Dick & Bill Dykes started the season as concession managers.

But we left half-way through the season.

Show Office

Here's the concession wagon.
We had an excellant crew that season.
Bobby Wyman in the wagon, along with Bill.
Butchers were "Juggie" Prevost, Fast Eddie, Low Pockets,
Jose Diaz and others that came and went.
Dick Dykes, novelties with Harry Fee assistant.


Show had a strong midway with mechanical rides,

pony rides and elephant rides along with a snake pit show

Generators and Electrical

Seats

ALLAN C. HILL'S GREAT AMERICAN CIRCUS 1985 #2

Cook House

Tim Frisco had the bulls at the beginning of the season.

"Bath Time"

The Back Yard

Doris' Trained Goats

Dick Kholriser's entourage

ALLAN C. HILL'S GREAT AMERICAN CIRCUS 1985 #3

Eddie Steeples Bears

Doris Schalpacker (Excuse my spelling) & Dick Kohlriser
waiting to go on

and now comming out!

Look Out!

Here comes Eddie with the chimps!

Tiny Tim doing an interview.

"ALL OUT AND OVER!"

LAUREL, DELAWARE'S 4TH OF JULY FESIVAL #1 (FROM HOWARD DICKERSON)

These pictures were taken Saturday Night, July 3, 2010.

The midway here is that of Sherwood Amusements, an

Essex, MD based carnival.

By the way you can see Parade and Festival pictures

not shown here on Howard's web site...

www.delmardustpan.com

a link is provided on my side bar blog lists.

Most of the games and food joints are owned by tye carnival.
Of course the Festival also consisted of local stands and exhibits.
Firworks were presented and a BIG Parade.
A real Old Fashioned 4th!

Wayne Chambers' Balloon Dart.

Wayne is an old friend, we've been on many shows together

over the years.

LAUREL DELAWARE'S 4TH OF JULY FESTIVAL #2 (FROM HOWARD DICKERSON)