The Circus has Come to Penacook
The Kelly Miller Circus is now in Penacook, with shows at 2 and 5 p.m. today.
By Tony Schinella
July 4, 2011
Kelly Miller CircusThere are tigers inside the big top at the Kelly Miller Circus in Penacook on July 4. Credit Tony Schinella The Kelly Miller Circus of Oklahoma has ventured to New Hampshire for the first time this week, and has set up shop in Penacook, for two shows at 2 and 5 p.m. today, Monday, July 4.
The circus is a “traditional tent circus,” said Ringmaster John Moss, held inside at large tent, just like the old days, “where a circus should be seen … it has the right smell, the right feel …”
The circus is a “traditional tent circus,” said Ringmaster John Moss, held inside at large tent, just like the old days, “where a circus should be seen … it has the right smell, the right feel …”
Kelly Miller CircusCircus workers wash a horse before the Kelly Miller Circus show in Penacook on July 4. Credit Tony SchinellaIt will feature traditional fare and a slew of animals, including camels, tigers, ponies, dogs, and elephants this year.
The circus easily sets up in any location, from a shopping center to a school parking lot, like at Merrimack Valley High School today, and can set up as a “magical circus city for the day.”
The circus season began in February for the Kelly Miller team, Moss said, with tours in Texas, the Midwest, “and as far north and east as we can go.”
Kelly Miller CircusInside the big top at the Kelly Miller Circus in Penacook on July 4. Credit Tony SchinellaThe circus traditionally leaves every day and then travels about 50 to 60 miles to get to the next stop. Moss said the circus was in Laconia for three days, its first time appearing in the Granite State.
“It was great fun for us because we woke up in the same town three days in a row,” he said.
Moss said the circus had its last show at 5 p.m. in Laconia and was on the road by 8 p.m. Everyone arrived in Penacook at dusk and set up everything on the morning of July 4. The circus will be in North Andover, Mass., on July 5.
Kelly Miller CircusElephants take a moment to chow down at the Kelly Miller Circus in Penacook on July 4. Credit Tony SchinellaAs ringmaster, it takes Moss about 20 minutes or so to get ready for a show, dressing up in the traditionally top hat and tails.
When asked what the craziest thing people would see today, Moss thought for a moment and said, “A dog dressed as a lion … but I don’t want to give too much away.”
Tickets are $15, with a $2 upgrade for ringside seats, literally inches from the action.
Kelly Miller CircusPigs and ducks at the Kelly Miller Circus on July 4 in Penacook. Credit Tony Schinella(EDITOR'S NOTE)
I wonder who this menagerie belongs too?
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