Ring Master Chris Connors starts the show at the Cole Bros. Circus at the Wilmington International Airport as part of the 64th Annual N.C Azalea Festival. The circus runs until Sunday, April 10, 2011. By Alex PomplianoAlex.Pompliano@StarNewsOnline.com April 7, 2011 “Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages step right up to the Cole Bros. Circus,” announced ringmaster Chris Connors to a packed crowd as they erupted in applause. Just then, 12 tigers filled the ring led by trainers Juergen and Judit Nerger, and opening night of the circus had begun. Thursday evening commenced one of the Azalea Festival’s most anticipated events, the 127th annual Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars – so named because its dome interior replicates a celestial nighttime sky. Billed as “the world’s largest circus under the big top,” the circus boasts costumed characters, acrobatics, death-defying stunts and an international cast of entertainers with their trained and exotic animals. The show ran for more than two hours, including a 15-minute intermission when children were invited in the ring to ride the elephants, camels and ponies. Cameron Hite, 9, said her favorite part was when the female pirates barged the ring, climbed the ropes and performed dizzying display of aerial ballet. “I like their swirling on the rings,” Cameron said. The biggest thrills of the night came after the ThunderDrome entered the ring, and a family of three brave motor-bicyclists whirled around the steel globe in patterns at unbelievable speeds. The excitement from the ThunderDrome was the perfect buildup for the anticipated finale when the Human Cannonball, José Bermudez, slid into the “World’s Largest Canon” and was shot out across the Big Top to the other side where he gracefully landed on a net. The Cole Bros. Circus will continue through the rest of the weekend. read more at: http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20110407/ARTICLES/110409689/1155?Title=127th-annual-Cole-Bros-Circus-of-the-Stars-bigger-than-ever# 
Asian elephants thrill the audience. Other animals in the show include horses, ponies, llamas, pygmy and Nubian goats, tigers and even a rare watusi. (Heinz Kluetmeier, Daily Press / April 7, 2011)
posted by otownrog on April, 8 2011 
“My grandmother and grandfather worked for the Clyde Beatty/Cole Brothers Circus. When I was a kid, I used to travel with them. I’d ride elephants bareback, I’d work with the clowns, sell concessions, help put up the tent, all that stuff. My mom still works in the office of the circus and she was telling me about the struggles it was going through. If something’s about to shut down, or is in danger, that’s a good story to tell. I’d hate it if there was no real memory of this circus. I’d been working as a reporter (The Salisbury Post and The Independent Tribune in Charlotte, in N.C.) and gotten into film production. So we went to Wilmington, where they had a one-week long run, and filmed them there.” The film captures the world that circus people live in and the pressures (immigration issues for the performers and crew, fuel costs) facing such a troupe in the 21st century. Showtime is 1:30 p.m. at the Athens Theater, tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for kids. 
StarNews photos by Mike Spencer
4:30 p.m. today began one of the Azalea Festival’s more anticipated events, the 127th annual Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars – so named because its dome interior replicates a luminous and celestial nighttime sky. The event still holds onto aspects that makes the circus a representative family pastime. It features costumed characters, aerial ballet, death-defying stunts and exotic animals – the most unique being a Liger. Covering over an acre, jaunty ragtime music lured families toward a large yellow-and-orange tent on the grounds of Wilmington International Airport. Marketing director Debra Houston said attendees continue to grow annually in number, so this year they had to get a new tent for a larger capacity; it is 55-feet high with the dimensions of a football field. “Every year in Wilmington it just gets bigger and bigger,” said Houston, motioning toward the few unclaimed seats high in the stands. It began with a booming voice. “Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages step right up to the Cole Bros. Circus,” announced ringmaster Chris Connors to the roar of thunderous applause as 12 tigers rushed the ring led by trainers Juergen and Judit Nerger. 
From that point on there were camels, elephants, acrobatics, slapstick, and everything one should expect at a proper circus. The excitement from the ThunderDrome, mentioned earlier, was the perfect buildup for the anticipated finale: José Bermudez, the Human Cannonball. Dressed in white, Bermudez waved to the audience and then slid into the “World’s Largest Canon.” A timpani rolled and the ringmaster counted down. 5…4…3…2…1. Mackenzie Sosie, 10, sat next to me, covered her ears but kept her eyes glued on the cannon. The peopled gasped as Bermudez was shot out across the Big Top to the other side where he gracefully landed on a net. I asked Sosie if she was scared and she shook her head. “It was loud,” she responded, adding that the animals were still her favorite part. The Cole Bros. Circus will continue through the rest of the weekend. Also expect to see protestors there as well. Armed with PETA signs, they promised to be at entrance of ILM Airport an hour before each performance . 
MIKE NAUGHTON ELECTED PRESIDENT OF SHOWFOLKS OF SARASOTA CIRCUS FANS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, TENT #122 Sarasota, FL, 
Carnival workers assemble a carousel Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Eustis. The Lake County Fair opens at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 7, and closes on April 16 EUSTISL FL, Thursday, April 07, 2011 THERESA CAMPBELL Staff Writer theresacampbell@dailycommercial.com Elephant ears, corndogs, funnel cakes, carnival rides, 4-H exhibits, livestock shows and the chance to see racing pigs. It's all part of the fun that begins 5 p.m. today when the 90th annual Lake County Fair opens its gates. A beef breeding show kicks off the livestock activities at 6 p.m., while Lee Ann Noel Band will entertain with two free performances tonight and Friday at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. "It's all good, clean family entertainment," C.E. "Happy" Norris, fair manager said. The fair will run through April 16, with weekend hours of 1 to 10 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m. weekdays. He believes the fair has something for everyone, including 35 carnival-style rides and a variety of "fair cuisine" that Norris admits that he can't resist. "I do like the elephant ears and caramel popcorn," he said, adding food vendors also will be at the fairgrounds with pizza, barbecue foods, sausage sandwiches, fried veggies, and even deep-fried candy bars and deep-fried Twinkies. "It looks like we're going to have good weather," Norris said, pleased by nice weather forecasts, which he hopes brings out the crowds. More than 66,000 people attended the fair in 2010. "We're hoping around 70,000 this year," Norris said. Some 600 animal exhibits -- goats, steers, poultry, rabbits, swine -- will featured throughout the fair, along with a horticultural show, fine arts, creative arts, photography exhibit, talent show, pageant, and open-mic nights. During the fair's beginning 90 years ago, it began as an event to entertain and educate the local residents, and the exposition grew to provide an atmosphere for county residents to compete on a local level with their crafts, exhibits and livestock. Nine decades later, the mission hasn't changed. Lake County Fair continues to promote agriculture while entertaining folks at the same time. IF YOU GO WHAT: The 90th annual Lake County Fair WHEN: Today through April 16. The fair is open 5 to 10 p.m. weekdays; 1 to 10 p.m. weekends. WHERE: 2101 County Road 452, Eustis 
Carnival worker Randy Kuhlman assembles the Power Surge ride Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Eustis. The Lake County Fair opens at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 7, and closes on April 16. 
Carnival workers install the ferris wheel Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Eustis. The Lake County Fair opens at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 7, and closes on April 16. 
Carnival workers set up a lemonade stand Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Eustis. The Lake County Fair opens at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 7, and closes on April 16. 
Carnival workers John Mullins, left, and Steve Simmons hang prizes in the Tubs of Fun booth Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Eustis. The Lake County Fair opens at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 7, and closes on April 16. 
Carnival workers assemble a ride Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Eustis. The Lake County Fair opens at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 7, and closes on April 16.
Carnival worker Sunshine Hinshaw washes toys ducks while setting up her game booth booth Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Eustis. The Lake County Fair opens at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 7, and closes on April 16. 
Penny and The Gazillionaire perform in Absinthe at Caesars Palace.
Photo: Tom Donoghue/DonoghuePhotography.com/Absinthe at Caesars Palace. Next up: a four-man balancing team in Under Armor. I mention the logo gear because it humanizes the act. Cirque acrobats, by comparison, wear one-of-a-kind costumes and perform to otherworldly new age music. You forget Cirque performers are human—they make it look so effortless. But because the Absinthe men wear Under Armor, like me, I’m forced to contemplate how hard it would be for me to do what they do. Very. Enter the first emcee: The Gazillionaire. He takes the stage in whirlwind of karate kicks and insult comedy. He’s a likable, svelte, extra-dynamic Tony Clifton. After working up the crowd, he turns the show over to a mixed aerialist team. Unlike’s Cirque pose-driven choreography—get in a difficult one and hold it for applause—the Absinthe pair is about speed and movement. It’s fast. It’s sexy. It’s proceeded by Gazillionaire’s awesome one-liner: “The most gorgeous brother & sister act in the world!” Then a striptease inside a balloon, then a bondage-inspired en pointe aerialist and then a Cirque parody starring the Gazillionaire (in a Borat-approved neon green bathing suit) and a girl named Penny. Let’s talk about Penny: I don’t know who she is or where she comes from, and I’ve only seen her do one three-minute sock puppet monologue, but I think she could be the funniest woman in Vegas. Sorry, Rita.
Photo: Tom Donoghue/DonoghuePhotography.com/Absinthe at Caesars Palace. 
Elephants participate in the annual pachyderm parade marking the arrival of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus to Baltimore March 28. Karen the elephant recently tested positive for tuberculosis, but a follow-up test was negative. (Gene Sweeney Jr., Baltimore Sun / March 28, 2011) By Laura Vozzella, The Baltimore Sun April 6, 2011 An animal-rights group contends that an elephant performing in Baltimore with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus poses a health risk to the public because she has tested positive for tuberculosis, but circus and government health officials say the animal is no threat because she does not have an active form of the infectious disease. Karen, a 42-year-old Asian elephant, tested positive for TB in a blood test but negative in a follow-up test known as a trunk wash, which involves taking a culture of saline solution run through the animal's trunk. The positive blood test was enough to get Karen barred from entering Tennessee with the rest of the circus back in December. But it appears that health officials in that state, where TB was transmitted from another elephant to nine employees at a refuge in 2009, were taking a stricter stance than required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which calls for quarantining elephants only if they have an active case of TB. Elephant-to-human transmission of TB is a very new field of study — that it occurs at all was only officially established in 2009 by a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study, prompted by the outbreak at the Tennessee refuge — and experts are still trying to determine the best way to deal with the problem, said Dr. William Schaffner, chairman of the Department of Preventive Medicine at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and one of the authors of the CDC study. "This is a large gray area," Schaffner said, borrowing a line from one of his co-authors, Rendi Murphree, an epidemic intelligence service officer at the CDC and a visiting scholar at Vanderbilt. The USDA is holding a meeting in Kansas City this very week to discuss the matter. "Could an elephant have a positive MAPIA [blood] test and a negative trunk wash and still be infectious? Is that possible?" Schaffner said. "That's where the current scientific discussion lies. How reliable is a negative trunk wash test? That is a legitimate area of discussion. There are people that say every elephant with a positive MAPIA should be held back under infection control precautions — quarantined, if you will — and treated. Others say it's not necessary." Even given all the unknowns, Schaffner thinks that there is little risk of a spectator at the circus becoming infected from an elephant. "If you're at a circus, you're at a great distance from the elephants," he said. "You do not have genuinely prolonged contact with them. You're there for two hours of the show. That sort of exposure should not put people at risk." He added: "I would let my grandchildren attend."read more at:http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/bs-ae-elephant-tuberculosis-20110406,0,6958500.story?track=rss 
Circus performers at the the opening of Gondolania at the Villagio Mall By Ross JacksonQatar--gulf-times.com The official opening of the Gondolania indoor theme park in the Villaggio Mall took place yesterday with a parade of 25 international circus performers. Gondolania officials unveiled their roller coaster’s unique sound and light show that is synchronized with the ride. A sequence of different sound and light shows will take place during the three-minute ride, creating a spectacular ambience throughout the park. The indoor park features a variety of rides and attractions including a spinning roller coaster that takes riders almost to the ceiling before plunging 19m underground, the only 4D cinema in the country, a bowling alley, a go-kart circuit, a ‘drop tower’, bumper cars, carousel, a Ferris wheel, a kiddie train, video arcade and party rooms. The park also offers restaurants, cafés and a food court, as well as merchandise shops throughout the theme park. The 22,000sq m park had a series of soft openings for a full year, as only some of the attractions were in place. The residents of Qatar have been able to use each section as it became available. According to Fun Fair Company CEO Michael Koborsi, the park represents a $40mn investment and is showing a profit just one year since the first rides opened. The company behind Gondolania claims that the park currently attracts 3,000 to 5,000 people a day during the week and around 12,000 people on weekends. Koborsi doesn’t plan to stop there as more attractions are in the pipeline, including a yet bigger and go-kart circuit and Tagadesko, a spinning giant musical wheel. 
Ramon Esqueda wears a tuxedo at night and cleans up after elephants by day. Tom Peel / Indiana Gazette Apr 7, 2011. By BILL ZIMMERMAN billz@indianagazette.net The Indiana Gazette Ramon Esqueda wears a tuxedo at night and cleans up after elephants by day. And that's only a small part of Esqueda's workday as the elephant trainer in Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which will present eight shows tonight through Monday at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex. On Wednesday, Esqueda was tending to Susie, Minnie and Bunny, the largest members of the circus' menagerie that includes 18 dogs, 10 cats, eight exotic birds and six horses. He feeds, grooms and exercises the three Asian elephants before presenting them under the spotlight before thousands at night.read more at: http://www.indianagazette.com/a_news/article_ece581fc-a6cd-5e2c-90e1-6d004a025404.html 
STARRING ROLE: Circus performer Pipi-Ayesha Evans is busy preparing for a 50-day tour of Nepalese schools built by Sir Edmund Hillary's Himalayan Trust STACEY WOOD 07/04/2011 from:www.stuff.co.nz Pipi-Ayesha Evans is used to being in high places, but performing on the roof of the world will be a new experience for the Wellington circus performer. A stiltwalker, acrobat and trapeze artist of more than 10 years experience, 34-year-old Evans is one of four performers travelling to Nepalese schools this month in association with Sir Edmund Hillary's Himalayan Trust. The trust built its first school in Khumjung, one of the most inaccessible parts of the Himalayas. This year Khumjung School turns 50 and, to celebrate the milestone, four comic performers led by "clown doctor" Jean-Paul Bell will head out on their Roof of the World tour to visit 25 of the Himalayan Trust schools scattered around Nepal. Bell is well known for taking his physical comedy to war-torn countries such as Afghanistan and East Timor. He believes laughter is important to people in tough environments. "Humour can have an effect similar to an out-of-body experience, where you look down from the position you are in and embrace the absurd and the ridiculous. Comedy in these situations is more like an extreme sport." The four Australians and Kiwis will begin their journey in Kathmandu, where they will prepare and acclimatise ahead of the 50-day journey. They will travel across the country, visiting schools and performing comedy in the morning before running theatre workshops in the afternoon. Evans, a trustee of Wellington Circus Trust, has been performing highwire aerial acts, and strutting on her 1½ metre stilts for more than 10 years. She has performed in Shanghai and Hong Kong before, but never Nepal. "It actually fulfils a number of dreams for me. I've been wanting to go to Nepal for a long time, and the idea of travelling, performing and teaching to fairly under-privileged kids, as well as the most amazing mountains - it's perfect." The Nepalese children will learn juggling skills and magic tricks, as well as how to craft props such as juggling balls. Evans hoped the tour would give them skills they could use to learn a craft, as well as dazzle them with circus tricks. 
MUMMY'S GIRL: Katie Holmes with Suri, who turns five on April 18. from: www.stuff.co.nz 07/04/2011 Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are reportedly planning to stage a £13,000 (NZ$27,500) circus at their home for daughter Suri's birthday. The tot turns five on April 18 and her parents are determined to treat her to a lavish party. They have decided to give the bash a circus theme according to British newspaper The Sun, and have arranged for elephants and giraffes to be brought to their Beverly Hills home. Suri can't get enough of the story Alice in Wonderland at the moment, so her mother and father have also organised actors dressed in outfits from the classic tale to be present. "Suri loves Alice so they're going to deck out their home exactly like the fantasy," a source told the publication. "They want to make it extra special for her." Among the guests who will be joining in the fun are David and Victoria Beckham and their sons Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, eight, and six-year-old Cruz. Earlier this week, Holmes downplayed plans for Suri's special day. She said she was in the process of planning a series of treats for her daughter, who had already asked if she could have her friends over to play. "This is my favourite day of the year, so we're going to have a little tea party," she told Ryan Seacrest. "She wants a piñata and her girlfriends to come over for swimming. And we're going to make a cake together." 
