Baraboo goes Hollywood

Circus World Ringmaster David SaLoutos plays circus music on the MIghty Barton Theatre organ before the showing of "Water for Elephants" Friday at the Al. Ringling Theatre.

Ed Zagorski / News Republic

After reading the best seller "Water for Elephants," Erin Wilson didn't waste any time getting to the Al. Ringling Theatre on Friday to see the movie version premiere in Baraboo.
"It is pretty amazing to know that a part of your city is featured in a movie," said Wilson, 20. "I think it is really cool that they used a lot of the Circus World Museum wagons and other props to create this movie."
"The craftsmanship of these wagons is so beautiful that it will be great to see them on the big screen," said Wilson's friend, Mara Doughty. "It's just great to bring this type of atmosphere back to Baraboo."
The circus atmosphere was definitely in full swing Friday as droves of folks packed the Circus World grounds to see some of the wagons and other items used in the film. The party then moved to downtown Baraboo, where people listened to a circus band while looking over antique cars from the era in which "Water for Elephants" is set.
"It doesn't get any better than this," said Betsy McCaulley, who was waiting to get inside the theater. "This is all pretty moving to take in."
McCaulley, who is originally from Baraboo and is currently moving back to her hometown, said seeing the decorative wagons outside the theater brought back childhood memories.
"I grew up here, so I remember walking the Circus World Museum grounds and seeing these wagons," she said. "It's great that the Circus World Museum was able to share the wagons with those in Hollywood making this movie. It shows the strong connection Baraboo has with the circus world."
McCaulley's husband, Clayton, said the movie also puts a spotlight on the history involved with the different artifacts and props Circus World added to the movie.
"It shows how important these wagons are to the city and to the history of the circus itself," he said.
That's what Steve Freese spoke about before the lights in the theater went down and the movie began.
Freese, Circus World's executive director, told the 600-plus in attendance that 15 wagons were loaded onto flatbed trucks and taken to California.
He said a lot of the items appearing in "Water for Elephants" were brought from Circus World.
Freese said he supplied numerous photographs and archival film footage to film producers to help them provide moviegoers with solid period realism of a circus in the 1930s.
"The details were taken from photographs we had," he said. "The film takes place in 1931, so we had to have the wagons look a little rough, because not only was the circus in trouble at the time, but it was also the time of the Great Depression."
Freese said he and Harold "Heavy" Burdick, also of Circus World, made the trek to California to protect the precious pieces of circus history - and to see how they would be used.
"There were 52 days of filming - both day and night - and at the height of it, there were 800 extras on set who were paid $30 an hour," Freese said. "You could see what that would've done for the local economy if the governor didn't do away with the tax credit program for those in the movie business."
Freese was referring to Gov. Jim Doyle's decision in 2009 to eliminate a state-funded tax credit program for movies shot in Wisconsin.
"Rather than having our rolling hills in many of the movie scenes, the mountains of Southern California were erased during the movie's production process and then digitally replaced with a backdrop that looks like Wisconsin instead," Freese said to the groan of the audience.
Freese admitted the time he spent in California was a "wonderful" experience.
"We were able to help them with the details of the time this movie is set in and also assist them with creating a film that circus lovers are sure to enjoy," he said. "It was special opportunity for Circus World Museum."

Big top greats remembered in Miami Co.

Circus Hall of Fame is the only one of its kind

A sign points the way to the International Circus Hall of Fame in Peru.
Alex Deiro, MIAMI CO., Ind. (WLFI) -

In Miami County, Indiana there is a monument to the extravaganza that was the traveling circus.
For this week's edition of Indiana Interests NewsChannel 18 traveled to Peru, Indian-over point for some of the greatest circuses in the world, now it stands as a testament to those greats.a, to the International Circus Hall of Fame. The grounds were once the winter stop
"From 1872, up until our Depression the circus was the biggest form of entertainment," said Tom Dunwoody, Executive Director of the Circus Hall of Fame.
He said he remembers the days when the circus was bigger than Christmas, and everything stopped the day the big top rolled into town.
"Circus day was a holiday. When the circus came to town all the schools closed, all the businesses closed, and everybody went to the circus," said Dunwoody.
The International Circus Hall of Fame honors those greats of the big top by remembering them and preserving circus lore for generations to come. Located on the former winter quarters of several famous circuses the Hall of Fame offers visitors a look at the costumes, culture, and living quarters of circus performers. Dunwoody said only the most dedicated circus people though can find a permanent home at the hall of fame.
"You have to first of all have to have been in the circus, but you also have to have made a contribution. For an example Mr. P.T. Barnum is here, and Mr. Bailey because they had one of the largest circuses ever," said Dunwoody.
He's describing the famous Barnum and Bailey's circus. But the hall of fame doesn't just hold artifacts and plaques of long-gone circus greats. For two summer weeks every year the grounds of the International Circus Hall of Fame are transformed into a living, breathing three-ring circus. "The last two weeks in July is our performing season. We have our own big top which we set up and a circus performance everyday. The circus is live entertainment, there's no rewind, there's no re-do. Whatever you see is what you get, so it's still very vibrant," said Dunwoody.
If you have a fun or interesting place around Tippecanoe County that you would like us to visit send an email entitled 'Indiana Interests' to newsroom@wlfi.com.

On with the showKhartum Shrine Circus rolls into Selkirk to kick off the Victoria Day long weekend

By Brook Jones

May 23, 2011

Teagen Purvis laughed as she saw a Shrine Circus clown named Todo greeting children and adults at the entrance way to the Selkirk Recreation Complex on Friday.
The eight-year-old from Selkirk, who attended the annual circus with her younger sister Zoey and parents Darcy and Tracy, says the clown was funny and she liked the trick that Todo did with a "pet mouse".
"Funny clowns and funny tricks," said Teagen with plenty of laughter just after posing for a photo with Todo and the Selkirk Fire Department mascot, Sparky.
The Circus Spectacular presented by Khartum Shrine rolled into the Tri-S area on May 20 and delighted circus goers with two shows.
And with the announcement from ringmaster Tim Tegge "boys and girls are you ready – away we go" - the first show kicked off at 5:00 p.m. and the second show got underway at 8:00 p.m. at the rec complex in Selkirk.
This year's Khartum Shrine Circus Spectacular produced by Cindy Migley featured 19 displays which included the Canadian National Anthem, Brauns performing Dobermans, the Amazing Tina as the Phantom of the Air, Amarillo Al and his Comedy Lemon-Zine, Whip Cracking performed by the Amazing Caleb, and the Cyberdome Ryders - just to name a few of the dramatic acts.

CLYDE BEATTY - COLE BROS. CIRCUS

WINTERQUARTERS 1988

From Jim Elliott

Ora Jo Logan, Eileen Logan, Capt. Freddy Logan & Freida Logan

CIRCUS FACES FROM THE PAST

From: Jim Elliott

Capital Buzz: Feld Entertainment gets a new PR firm

By Thomas Heath, Published: May 22

from: The Washington Post

Tysons Corner-based Feld Entertainment — think Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus — has signed well-known New York City public relations firm Rubenstein Communications to help promote Feld’s worldwide brands.
“Rubenstein has a long and distinguished history of working with leading brands,” said Feld spokesman Stephen Payne. “We reviewed proposals from a number of very qualified firms and at the conclusion, it was clear Rubenstein was the best fit for our business.”
Feld Entertainment Chairman Kenneth Feld has expanded his entertainment portfolio in recent years with the purchase of Feld Motor Sports, which includes Monster Jam, Nuclear Cowboyz and Supercross.
Feld, whose shows also include Disney on Ice and Disney Live, is also expanding the company’s presence in Mexico and South America, adding to the 5,000-plus shows it puts on in 70 countries every year.
Rubenstein, whose clients range from the New York Yankees to the Metropolitan Opera, replaces Hill & Knowlton, whose contract with Feld expired a year ago.
“We are thrilled,” said Amy Jacobs, Rubenstein Communications senior vice president. “There was great chemistry between two family businesses.”

NORTH WEALD: Circus seeks glamorous star to join its magic act

By joshua farrington editorial@gazettenews.co.uk

FIVE shows a week, 40 weeks a year, travelling in a fleet of 35 juggernauts to entertain thousands of cheering fans – but one thing is missing.
The famous American Circus is looking for a glamorous star to complete its cast and take on the role of a magician's assistant.
Over the past week, the travelling circus has been camped at North Weald Airfield, delighting families from across the area.
For ringmaster Matthew Wingate, life as part of a circus may be unconventional, but it is the only life he knows. He said: "I love life in the circus, but I was born into it and don't know any other way.
"People should jump at the chance to be part of it though – it's quite a rare opportunity."
One of the circus' star acts, the Trio Chicago magic group, is looking for a new assistant as they travel across the length and breadth of the country.
Mr Wingate, 24, said: "It's a fantastic job.
"It would be best suited for a woman with a performing or cabaret background, but anyone who is fit and fairly athletic is welcome to apply."
However, he warns that life on the road performing from February through to October is not all bright lights and adoring crowds.
"There is a huge amount of fun being in the ring and performing, but outside of that there is still a huge amount of work to do," he said.
"We are quite comfortable though, we don't live in rickety caravans any more, they're more like travelling flats with all mod cons. It's a very nice way to see the country."
The circus attracts many fans just to see the trucks themselves, as the brightly decorated lorries move like a mobile village in a circuit around the UK.
This is the first time the circus has stopped in North Weald, and Mr Wingate says they have been well received. He said: "I always like it when the circus comes down south, and this is the first time we've been here.
"We've been very comfortable though."
If running away with the circus sounds like a dream you would like to make come true, contact the circus at info@americancircus

Chicago music director Larry Rothbard sets the tone for the Melha Shrine Circus, blending the old with newer audience tastes.
Uploaded by LaneInConn on May 12, 2011

SUNDAY FUNNIES

Cirque Amar à Dieppe

Shrine Circus to hold two shows Monday

at ice center

May. 22, 2011 Written by Herald Times Reporter
MANITOWOC — The Shrine Circus, presented by the Tripoli Shriners of Wisconsin, will hold shows at 4:30 and 7 p.m. Monday at the Manitowoc County Ice Center, 4931 Expo Drive.
Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for children 12 and younger. Tickets will be available at the ice center the day of the show.
Related events will start one hour before each of the shows and will include elephant and pony rides, face painting and the chance to meet the circus performers.
"The Shrine Circus is pulling out all the stops this year in Wisconsin," George Carden, the event's producer, said in a news release. "Not only do we have the best acts performing, but we've added new performances never seen in North America before."
For more information, visit the Shrine Circus website at www.2011 circus.com.

Circus siblings Karen Feld and Kenneth Feld’s explosive family feud blows up again in federal court

Karen Feld and her dog Campari in Washington last month. (Bob Burgess/AP)

By The Reliable Source

from:washingtonpost.com

05/21/2011

One of Washington’s most enduring family feuds ignited again — and again — in federal court last week.
Karen Feld — daughter of late circus mogul Irvin Feld — shrieked at her brother’s lawyer and stormed from the courtroom where she is suing him for having her thrown out of their aunt’s 2007 memorial service. Later, Kenneth Feld burst into tears on the witness stand. Things got so hot the judge posted a security guard in the room.

Kenneth Feld in 2007. (Chris O'Meara/AP)


The siblings have been at odds for decades, since their father’s will cut her out of the family business in the ’80s, leaving Kenneth at the helm of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. A reunion at their Aunt Shirley’s shiva went badly: She claims she was injured when her brother had guards remove her; he’s countersuing for trespass, saying she disrupted the event with a foul-mouthed tirade.
According to the Associated Press, Karen Feld took offense Tuesday after the defense attorney mistakenly called her “Mrs. Feld.”
“You know my name by now!” she shouted at lawyer Matthew Kirtland as she fled the room. Kirtland later complained to Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle that the former gossip columnist hurled nasty names at him and the defendants during a recess. The judge, meanwhile, rebuked Karen after she testified that she discovered her late father in bed with her ex-fiance — not relevant to the case, Huvelle said.
She wasn’t there to see her brother break down on the stand the next day — she had stormed out again after another errant “Mrs. Feld” reference. “This definitely has been the most dramatic trial I’ve seen in the courthouse,” the AP’s Nedra Pickler told us. “It’s unusual for a family feud like this to get all the way to trial.”

Closing arguments are expected on Monday.

Monty the camel rescued from a life in the circus

Monty the 7 year-old camel (pic: JK Press, SM)

by Susie Boniface, Sunday Mirror

22/05/2011
MONTY the ­camel is ­following in the footsteps of former ­“colleague” Anne the ­elephant after Bobby Roberts released him from his ­travelling circus.
Monty, seven, is now ­enjoying acres of open ­pasture at ­Yorkshire Wildlife Park and has met other camels for the first time. Spokesman John ­Minion said: “He was a bit shocked by the other ­animals at first, but he’s feeding well.”
Monty had spent his life with the Bobby Roberts ­Super Circus. Matt Forde of Specialist Wildlife ­Services, who helped re-home Monty, said: “He’s in good condition and has been loved.”Anne, Britain’s last circus elephant, was retired last month after a public outcry.Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/05/22/monty-the-camel-rescued-from-a-life-in-the-circus-115875-23147215/#ixzz1N531dAr9

EDITOR'S NOTE

The only reason I keep showing these type articles is

to remind us of just how silly and just plain stupid some of

these claims by "do gooders" can get.

Mickey's Toontown Fair - Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World
Full tour of Mickey's Toontown Fair which closed permanently at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom on February 12, 2011 to make room for Storybook Circus.

Show off your creations at county and state fairs

THIS SCRAPBOOK PAGE was completed with photos taken at the 2010 New York State Fair. For a complete list of fairs in New York, go to www.nyfairs.org and click on fairs by date.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
By Heidi Anne Giebel The Post-Standard
If you love the excitement of the New York State Fair, with all the home and art exhibitions and animal competitions, then you should get in on the action. Entering a fair exhibition is as easy as filling out a form, paying a small fee and creating a scrapbook page.
Among the dozens of items you can enter in the fair, such as flowers, livestock, wine and pies, here are a couple fairs that allow scrapbook or memory pages.
The New York State Fair: The entry form deadline is July 11 and the fee is $7. For the fee you will receive a ticket to the fair, so if you are planning to go to the fair anyway it is essentially free for you to enter.
To begin, go to http://www.nysfair.org/, click on Competitions and go to the Home and Art Competition quick link section.
Memory pages are Class 10 and 11 under the Home Crafts Division R. Once you have entered and paid your fee, you will need to drop off your scrapbook pages at the Home and Arts Building on the fairgrounds during their receiving days, Aug. 11, 12 or 13. If you are mailing your pages, they are due by Aug. 12.

New taste treat:

Raccoon on a stick

By Robert Jordanrjordan@bayareanewsgroup.com

05/20/2011

PLEASANTON, CA -- For years, George Sandefur's cuisine didn't require a strong stomach, but the spread he is bringing to the Alameda County Fair isn't for the squeamish.
Known as Jungle George across the fair circuit, Sandefur promises to provide a thrill and whet the appetite of fair visitors with taste treats like raccoon, python, maggots, kangaroo, chocolate covered scorpions or deep fried butter.
"Fair goers want adventurous," said Sandefur, who has been in the amusement business for the past 38 years and owns the Fremont-based Jungle George Amusements Inc.
"We sell exotic meats and edible bugs," he said. "(Customers) will come up and say I won't eat that and walk away, but they come back and try it." Alameda County Fair organizers are banking that Sandefur's edible delights will be one of at least 99 highlights during this year's theme of 99 Ways to Come Out and Play.
The fair runs from June 22 through July 10, but is closed on Tuesdays. To celebrate the fair's 99th edition, it is hosting a series of 99-themed events, including 99-cent admission on Wednesdays before 3 p.m.; 99-cent rides on June 27; 99-cent beers in the Grandstands before the second race on every Thursday and 99-second bull rides to win a prize.
This year also includes a reduction of horse racing days from 15 to 13 with no racing on Wednesdays.
Sandefur's menu will be available every day during the fair and might be the fair's most attention grabbing cuisineread more at:http://www.mercurynews.com/food-wine-headlines/ci_18106518?nclick_check=1

Kalakoa!

A mishmash of family fun and news

The 50th State Fair returns with its midway of E.K. Fernandez rides beginning Friday and running through June 26. Above, a slow shutter speed emphasizes motion as three girls ride the Cliff Hanger at the 50th State Fair.
By Star-Advertiser staff
May 21, 2011
Menagerie of fun entertains at the fair
This year’s 50th State Fair features ostrich and camel races, a European-style circus and a pirate-themed pet show featuring cats and dogs rescued from animal shelters.
The fair starts its run on Friday and is open from 6 p.m. Fridays and 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from May 27 to June 26 at Aloha Stadium. The fair is also open from noon May 30 and from 6 p.m. June 9. Closing times are between 11 p.m. and midnight.
General admission is $5. Opening day admission is $1. Discounted ride coupons and wristbands can be purchased online or through Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com.
Birthday party packages are available for a minimum of 10 people ($275, more for additional guests) and include ride wristbands, pizza and soda, and reserved seating in a dining tent. Call 682-5767 for reservations.Visit www.ekfernandez.com/events/50th.asp.