THE BALLOON MAN

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Pope Presented With a Lion Cub (From Mike Naughton)

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

BILLY MARTIN'S COLE CIRCUS ALL STARS

MEDINA: Circus entertains with jugglers, animals and clowns
By Rikki CasonE-mail RikkiThe Journal-Register
MEDINA — With the month of January under way, it is time once again for an annual area favorite. The Billy Martin’s Cole All-Star Circus will return to entertain Medina on Friday at the Wise Middle School gym. This year, two 90-minute shows will be performed at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
“It’s the 21st annual,” Martin said of performing in Medina. “The show has gone over terrific this year — very very good.”
At this year’s show, audience members will get to see several new acts, including aerialists, the Valla Duo. Martin said that Batman will make a special appearance, and children can even get their picture taken with him.
According to Martin, back by popular demand is Slinko, a cirque-style variety act from Las Vegas and Brett Marshall, a BMX rider. Martin said that other acts will include jugglers, acrobats and unicyclists.
The circus will again benefit the Jade branch of TWIG Association. TWIG President Ellen Tynan said that each year, the circus brings an average $1,400 to benefit Medina Memorial Health Care Systems. Tynan said that this year’s funds will go to improve the North Wing of the hospital, which is where the nursing home is located.
“They have fun different acts,” said TWIG member Sue Phillips. “Each year, it’s always different. It’s fun and affordable.”
Tynan said that in the past, the circus has been held on some of the coldest nights of the year, so they have good attendance and the price makes it affordable for families. She also said that by holding two shows, everyone can be sure to get a good seat.
Besides the circus, Martin said that all of the fun, traditional favorite foods will be available. He also said the circus will again have the popular light-up toys. TWIG will be selling candy to raise extra money during the event.
The price for this year’s show is $12 for an adult ticket at the door. With every adult ticket purchased, children 12 years and younger are admitted free.
Martin said even with prices for things going up, he refused to raise ticket prices.
“I keep prices the same so families can come and be entertained,” Martin said.
Around Orleans County, the Cole All-Star Circus will also be performing at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Albion High School gym. The show will benefit the Close-Up Government Club.
The All-Star Circus also will perform at 7 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Holley Intermediate School gym, benefiting the school’s National Honor Society. Tickets can be purchased at the school offices for $7 in advance or $12 at the door. Children 12 years and younger will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
Published: January 14, 2009

FREE ADMITTANCE DAY!!!
On Thursday, February 12, 2009, members of the OABA, NICA and ALL other showmen's associations will be admitted for free. Please present a current (paid up) 2009 membership card at the trade show gate.

FROM THE TAMPA TRIBUNE--

Crews Prepping For Thursday's Opening Of State Fair

TBO.com
Published: February 3, 2009

TAMPA - It takes eight hours to brace, bolt and unfold the complicated extensions of the Landslide ride and workers today had just started in the chilly wind sweeping the midway at the Florida State Fairgrounds.
"We've got a long way to go," said Mike Huntsman of Gibsonton.
Nearby, James Johnson was much further along in the 11-hour job of setting up the swings for the Dream Machine ride, one of 90 at the fair.
"We're pretty much done. We came a week early to start," he said as he tightened bolts.
Across the midway, workers hustled to ready rides and games for Thursday's opening of the Florida State Fair and its dozen-day run.
The opening ceremony is set for 11 a.m. at the Bud Light Dome and it promises to be a day for warm clothing. The National Weather Service forecast calls for a temperature of 45 degrees at the opening, with a 10 mph wind making it feel like 40 degrees.
Along with the midway rides, games and food, the fair is adding several attractions this year, including a 9,000-gallon shark tank where a diver will swim with the sharks and provide facts and fiction about the creatures. Shows are at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. daily.
Also this year will be the debut of La Plaza Hispanic Village Cultural Expo. Open each day of the fair, it will have Spanish food, exhibits and entertainment.
Another new event is the Florida Ranch Rodeo at 2 and 7 p.m. Feb. 11 and 12, which will feature wild cow milking, stampede races and bronco riding.
And the Jack Russell terrier races will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday.
In addition to the new events, there will be the Elvis impersonator national finals with multiple shows Feb. 14 and 15 and the state roller derby championship from noon to 8 p.m. Feb. 16, the final day of the fair.

CLICK ON POST TITLE FOR FAIR INFORMATION

PETA IS AT IT AGAIN!

BARNES BROS CIRCUS 1953 #1 (FRED HOFFMAN)

These pictures are from a collection of Charles Kistler, Allentown,PA circus fan

and submitted by Fred Hoffman.

We beleive that Barnes Bros that year was on World Of Mirth Carnival.

If you have any info on this one we'd like to hear from you.

BARNES BROS CIRCUS 1953 #2

That looks like Ward Hall doing the Bally!

Cookhouse

Monday, February 2, 2009

BIG CAT SANCTUARY

Kay & Clayton Rosaire

HAGEN BROS CIRCUS-1950 #1 (FRED HOFFMAN)

Ticket Wagon

Light Plants

Most of these pictures were taken at West Hazelton, PA on
August 10, 1950 and Tamaqua, PA on August 12, 1950.
Hagen Bros was owned by Howard Seuze, I hope the spelling is correct.
He also owned Clyde Bros Circus, an indoor show that played mostly
Shrine Dates. That's why you'll notice the Clyde Bros lettered semi trailers.
They were taken by Circus Fan Charles Kistler from Allentown, PA.