THE BALLOON MAN

Circus is back on at fairgrounds

2-day event set for June 18-19

By TONY EVANS Express Staff Writer
After losing a nonprofit sponsor and canceling performance dates, the Carson and Barnes Circus will come to Blaine County after all.
The Carey Rodeo Association will host the European-style big-top circus at the Blaine County Fairgrounds in Carey for four two-hour shows on June 18 and 19.
"It's a difficult thing booking a circus. Finding a place to park for two days is not easy," said Sasha Fry, a spokeswoman for the Carson and Barnes Circus and a former trapeze artist from Oklahoma. Fry's grandmother was a wire-walker. Her grandfather was a horseback trick rider.The family-owned Carson and Barnes Circus is celebrating its 75th anniversary tour this summer with additional dates in Pocatello and Rupert.
"Dropping two days from our tour was not an option," Fry said. "The circus travels with animals and they have to have some place to go."
Those animals include three elephants and an assortment of camels, pygmy hippos and horses and ponies. About 75 people travel with the circus, including performers.
Tickets for the circus will cost $20 for adults and $10 for kids. Elephant and camel rides will cost $6.
The circus will take place under a big-top tent and feature performances by trapeze artists, contortionists, clowns and others.
"This is kid-friendly family entertainment," Fry said.