THE BALLOON MAN

Circus life comes to Temecula

Circus Vargas, "America’s Favorite Big Top Circus"

Saturday, April 2nd, 2011

Ashley Cook Special to the Valley News

The peacock blue and gold tent sitting in the parking lot of the Promenade Temecula is a "Big One." Circus Vargas is still in town with its aerialists, acrobats, comedians and more. Through April 11, America’s Favorite Big Top Circus will be bringing area residents "an artistic journey, encompassing the cultures of the world," according to a recent news release.

Leo, Maximus, and Getti Garcia perform in “The Ultimate Globe” family motorcycle act at Circus Vargas. From here, Circus Vargas will head to Ontario Mills Mall, April 14 through 25; San Bernardino off Interstate 10 at Waterman Avenue, April 28 through May 2; and then Victorville at Mall of Victor Valley, May 5 through 9. "This show tours 10 months out of the year in California," Leo Garcia, a Circus Vargas acrobat, who performs with his wife, Getti, and 9-year-old boy, Maximus, in "The Ultimate Globe" family motorcycle act, said in a recent interview. "We have a huge following, which is why we can tour one state. The quality of the performers and overall appeal give us a really good turnout." The Garcias also have another son, who is almost a year and a half, named Xander. He performs with his father, mother, and brother in the motorcycle globe act too, and is the youngest to ever do so. Xander recently set a world record for this accomplishment. Leo said Getti was the only woman in the world who rides in the globe.

Jon Weiss, Circus Vargas host, balances a ladder on his chin.

"I started performing the globe when I was 15 years old," she said in an email interview. "I grew up in the circus the same way my husband did. I am a second generation circus performer, and grew up performing all sorts of acts. My brother-in-law taught me how to do the globe. I was an acrobat growing up in the circus. I also perform a hula hoops act." the rest of the story: http://www.myvalleynews.com/story/55372/