THE BALLOON MAN

Sunday, July 27, 2008

While we owned the Drive-In Resturant we got involved with Ed McMahon Sr., Capitol Wrestling Promoters, out of Washington. (The Dad of Vince McMahon Jr).

We did this off and on for about three years. This was before the resurgence of the sport.

And I can truthfully say that we never lost a dime doing it. Not the biggest money maker but a steady one. We even sponsored it on the local TV station on Saturday afternoons!

The Colonel & The Mayor

We went all out to promote this show. We knew we had a winner, but not how big a winner!

We had Senators and Congressmen attend. Even had the Navy Color Guard from Washington present the Colors before the Show!

We had four standing room only shows!

To tell you the ruth we'd have been in trouble if the Fire Marshall had come on the last Show on Sunday. Even had a Press Party with the Champaign Foutain!

A Dykes Bros. Promotion 1970

This is without a doubt the biggest promotion we were ever involved with.

Jack Beck, from Philadelphia, was the Herrmman's Agent. We contacted Him and He said there was no chance they would show in a building with only 2500 seats. But Boston crapped out on them so they decdided to show Salisbury. What a break for us!

Tiny and Allan

This shot was taken in Rocky Mount, NC on the Great American in 1985.

Tiny Tim is congratulating Allan on the rising of a new big top.

God Bless Both of Them.

Pete's Birthday

Doug Ford and Us use to give Pete a Party every year on his Birthday.

Pete's stage name is Poobah. He's one heck of a fire eater, snake charmer and human block head!

You can still find him with Ward Hall's World of Wonders sideshow.

Coloring Book Pitch

Well here is yours truly hitting the hardwood with the prizes for the Cole Show coloring book pitch.

Most of the books, but not all of them, contain a magic star on the inside cover.

If yours has one you WIN!

This is either the late 80's or early 90's

The Circus Model Builders were having a Model Show there one weekend.

You'll notice the Elephant in the forground. That was JoAnne Wilson's Elephant and she also had her Dog Act there too. I can't for the life of me remember the rest of the show.

Bill also ran promotions for an indoor show in the winter.

This was in the early 90's.