THE BALLOON MAN

Jordan Circus comes to Port Huron




Members of the "Flying Campas" perform high above heads on the trapeze Tuesday during a presentation by the Jordan World Circus inside McMorran Main Arena. / MELISSA WAWZYSKO/TIMES HERALD
By AMY BIOLCHINI
Times Herald
Mar. 7, 2012
Lions, tigers and bears took center ice at McMorran Place Tuesday afternoon.

The three-ring Jordan Circus visited Port Huron for two packed shows.

After the lights dimmed, the audience cheered in excitement as a spotlight illuminated a cage of two lions and three tigers.

The big cats were put through their paces, as a lion tamer had them walking the plank and jumping through flaming hoops.

Acrobats dangled from hoops and long silk strands hung from the ceiling of McMorran’s main arena, swinging back and forth to a musical routine.

The performers pushed their acts to the brink as they juggled swords, flaming batons and balanced themselves on seemingly mad towers of chairs that stretched far into the air.
Ginny VanBuskirk of Port Huron brought her daughter, Ginny Nestle, and granddaughter, Paige Nestle, 7, both of Kimball Township, to the show Tuesday. It was the first circus experience for the whole group – and they were enthralled.

Paige and her friend Mashyla Jamie, 5, of Port Huron, were both celebrating their birthdays at the circus. The girls couldn’t tear themselves away from the exotic acts in the middle of the arena.

Two black bears nearly stole the show as they lumbered to the center ring to show off their tricks. Their act was followed by four motocross riders who wowed the crowd by circling each other in close quarters in a large spherical cage.

 

Trainer Billy Morris shows off the talents of Elephants Betty, Vicki, and Tori on Tuesday during a presentation by the Jordan World Circus inside McMorran Main Arena. Children and adults alike said they enjoyed the show. / MELISSA WAWZYSKO/TIMES HERALD
During the intermission, people clamored to get a picture with a black bear, hop on a back of a pony, pose for a picture with a snake and take a ride on the back of an elephant.

Marysville brothers Cameron Toles and Chase Toles, ages 6 and 4, respectively, marveled at the two elephants who towered over them.

“I liked the first part when the tigers went through the fire,” Cameron said.

The boys were brought to their first circus Tuesday by their grandmother, Gail Toles, of Marysville.

Gail Toles said she remembered attending her first circus on Water Street in Port Huron when she was a young girl, and wanted to give her grandsons the same magical experience.