THE BALLOON MAN

Circus Imagination Brings “Big Top” With “Big Thoughts” To Fair

The Circus is Coming

Join Mashery under the SXSW Big Top!

By Chris Furguson

 Visitors to the 2012 California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta may meet a young man in a ringmaster outfit as soon as they enter the fairgounds.

 The ringmaster, Caton Hegwer, is looking for children to be part of one of the new  daily attractions to the 2012 California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta, the “Circus Imagination.”

 Circus Imagination, which Hegwer runs with his wife Carolina, is a traveling children’s circus act the encourages the participants to use their imaginations.

 “Parents state being more than pleased with the idea of some face-to-face fun that regenerates the notion of educational and safe enjoyment away from screens and remote controls.,” said a release by the couple.  “Aiming to maximize their full creative potential by strengthening their confidences, the major triumph of Circus Imagination is still the fact that it does not end when the show is over.”

 “Its inspiration to play outside and use your inventiveness is taken home by every child.”

 Up to thirty kids may participate in the act, all featuring colorful costumes that fit over the kids’ regular clothes.  All the costumes are designed and by Carolina.

 While the volunteers are dressing, Hegwer tells a story about his father, who went to a big circus and was inspired to create a circus in his backyard using some friends and some old Halloween costumes.

 The 100% safe show also encourages the audience to participate by applause and vocalizing gasps, oohs and aahs.

 Acts within the Circus Imagination include Tina the Tightrope Walker, Sandow The Strongman, Clarence the Clown, Marco the Lion Tamer and his Ferocious Animals, “Believe It Or Not,” The Butterfly Ballet, Champagne Sisters, Dead Eye McBang the cowboy or Calamity Oakley the cowgirl, The Amazing Animal Parade and Zazelle, The Human Cannonball.

 All acts feature the children pretending to do circus acts, so safety isn’t a concern.

 At the end of the show, Caton encourages the children who participated and the ones who watched to not watch television or play video games when bored.

 “They waste your time and your brain,” added Hegwer.

 DVDs of the show are available for participants and parents are encouraged to film their kids’ performances.

 At the Circus Imagination is located near the North entrance behind the pony rides.  They perform throughout each day at various listed times