Celeste Holm, Witty Character Actress, Is Dead at 95

 

Celeste Holm in rehearsal for a circus at Madison Square Garden in 1951.
from:  nytimes.com
By ANITA GATES
Published: July 15, 2012
Celeste Holm, the New York-born actress who made an indelible Broadway impression as an amorous country girl in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!,” earned an Academy Award as the knowing voice of tolerance in “Gentleman’s Agreement” and went on to a six-decade screen and stage career, frequently cast as the wistful or brittle sophisticate, died early Sunday at her apartment in Manhattan. She was 95. read more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/16/theater/celeste-holm-witty-character-actress-dies-at-95.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

The circus comes to town

 

Cynthia Beaudette/Muscatine Journal
The tigers took center stage Sunday as the George Carden Circus got underway at Muscatine’s Agricultural Learning Center. The circus was in town for two shows Sunday in support of the Kaaba Shrine Temple in Davenport.
by Cynthia Beaudette
from:  muscatinejournal.com
Sunday, July 15, 2012
MUSCATINE, Iowa — Sunday didn’t mark Karrington Sheppeard’s first time at the circus, so she knew there was a lot to look forward to.
 “When I went to the circus last year, there was a girl flying on a moon,” said Sheppeard, a Muscatine West Middle School sixth-grader, as she sat in the bleachers at the Muscatine Agricultural Learning Center waiting for the George Carden circus to begin. “There are some really cool tricks.”
 Sheppeard came to the circus with her grandfather David Housley, brother Liam Sheppard 4, and their friends, Judy Bautista, 8, of Muscatine and Jacqueline Bautista, 10, of West Liberty.
 It was Liam’s first circus, and he was eyeing the cotton candy, as he watched a vendor work his way through the standing-room only crowd.
 The Muscatine-area children were there to be entertained, but bringing laughter and excitement to communities across the United States is not the most important aspect of the show.
 Circus owner George Carden said the circus benefitted the Kaaba Shrine Temple in Davenport, a chapter of the international organization of Kaaba Shriners, which  operates 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children.
 The hospitals provide care for orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate, at no financial obligation to the parent or child.
 Carden, of Springfield, Mo., couldn’t join his troupe for the Muscatine performance because he was building a shelter for his 13 Asian elephants.
 “I love my animals,” said Carden, during a phone interview.
 Carden entered the circus world at age 5 when his mother, Betty Carden married circus owner Larry Carden.
 “I’ve been in the circus 55 years,” said George.
 Larry has passed away and Betty is retired, but the tradition lives on through George and his son, Larry Carden, 30, who takes care of the elephants.
 Four of George’s elephants, including Bo, a male, performed in Muscatine.
 So did the circus tigers, who were the first act of the afternoon, introduced by Audrey Alvarado, show ringmaster for eight years.
 Alvarado said the circus featured people from all over the world and many different animals.
 The circus troupe hosted two shows Sunday, with the first playing to a packed house.
 Alvarado said a good turn out is one thing George Carden and his team  consider when they plan their yearly tour. 
 “We’d like to make Muscatine a yearly stop,” said Alavarado.
Read more: http://muscatinejournal.com/news/local/the-circus-comes-to-town/article_d311b584-ced9-11e1-8798-0019bb2963f4.html#ixzz20mQiOrfq

ABC World News Now: Man Catches Foul Ball Between Legs

Published on Jul 15, 2012 by ABCNews

A baseball bounces in the stands and this man was in the right place at the right time!

On the circus train: Elephants still travel retro (tigers too!) — and stop traffic in Houston

 

Photo by Karen Burd
Text by Karen Burd
from: houston.coulturemap.com
07.15.12
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's new circus show Fully Charged doesn't just show up in a new city. The elephants take the train.

Tigers and horses too.

This is one circus tradition that has survived modern times.

A crowd waited around the train tracks by Holly Hall and Almeda Road for 25 to 30 minutes to see the circus animals head to Reliant Stadium earlier this week (the show runs through July 29).

It was definitely worth the wait. Children, parents and even the puppies that were around seemed to be excited and anxious.

Since you can't really put a leash on a tiger and take it for a walk, the rest of the animals stayed in their train cars and then were moved to the stadium later.

The Last Circus - Trailer

Javier, a Sad Clown, finds work in a circus where he befriends an outlandish cast of characters, including the brutish Happy Clown, Sergio, who humiliates Javier daily in the name of entertainment. It is here that he meets Natalia, a gorgeous acrobat and abused wife of Sergio. Javier falls deeply in love with Natalia and tries to rescue her from her cruel and violent husband, unleashing Sergio's jealousy. With neither man willing to back down, this twisted love triangle evolves into a ferocious battle between Sad Clown and Happy Clown, escalating to unbelievable heights in this shocking, irreverent and unforgettable film.

Salem Fair wraps up, rolls out
It's a big job getting the show back on the road, and the cleanup is a fair-sized task, too.


Photos by Stephanie Klein-Davis | The Roanoke Times
The Wave Swinger slings fairgoers nearly sideways on seats suspended from chains recently at the Salem Fair. The operation will set up next near Culpeper for the Madison County Fair.
By Jeff Sturgeon
from: roanoke.com
July 16, 2012
Salem, VA--This morning, the crew of the 13-day Salem Fair is nearing the end of an all-nighter to dismantle the big carnival, put it on wheels and head up the highway.
With the fair concluded, it's on to the next show -- as quickly as possible.
"We tear all this down, we hook up all the stuff and we go," said Dale Negus, concession manager for fair operator Deggeller Attractions, on Sunday during the Salem Fair's final hours.

Dale Negus of Orlando, Fla., is the concession manager for fair operator Deggeller Attractions. "This I don't think was a record year in here, but it was a good year," he said.
The fair operator, which moves in many caravans of trucks and RVs, is due at the Madison County Fair near Culpeper on Tuesday.
By this afternoon, predicted Carey Harveycutter, Salem's director of civic facilities, the 7-acre parking lot of the Salem Civic Center and Salem Memorial Ballpark "will be a mess with a lot of trash." But cleanup crews know how to handle that.
Litter collection, removal of portable toilets and general straightening are on the logistical side of the carnival that few patrons see. There is little doubt the job will get done; this is the 25th running of the event at the same venue with many of the same people behind the scenes.
Negus, just one, said his late father, Ralph, was the representative with Florida-based Deggeller Attractions who met with Salem officials to plan the first carnival, which took place in 1988. Negus attributes the fair's permanence to, among other things, the fact that admission is free.

 

Nikita Huddleston of Vinton (left) and Tammy Slone of Glenvar work in a lemonade concession stand at the Salem Fair, selling both freshly squeezed and frozen lemonades. Slone, who works regularly at the Williamson Road Pancake House, says it is great way to earn vacation money. She also works at New York Pizza in Vinton.
The rides, games and of course food cost money, but there are free acts galore, from dancing elephants and racing pigs to a magic show and family of acrobats. Negus estimated there are 100 to 150 things to do at the Salem Fair, which has been dubbed the largest fair in the state. Salem expected 350,000 total admissions.
The June 29 windstorm hit before opening day, during setup, and destroyed a canvas shelter that hung outside the recreational vehicle that is Deggeller's office and ripped open an overhead covering at the bumper cars. The fair site continued to have electricity and the event started on time the following Tuesday. But the hot weather after the storm might have melted spirits for a day at the fair, especially for the tens of thousands of people with no air conditioning to return home to.
The fair seemed less full to Negus during the heat wave.
"This I don't think was a record year in here, but it was a good year," he said.
read more:
http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/311622

Indonesia remains haven for commercial dolphin circuses

 

Dry transport: Dolphins are transported dry between circus shows. Despite international protests, Indonesia is still a paradise for traveling dolphin circuses. Courtesy of JAAN
from:  the jakartapost.com
by Agnes Winarti
012-07-16
Bali---Although traveling dolphin shows are considered abusive and have been outlawed in other countries, Indonesia is still a haven for at least five companies running commercial dolphin circuses.
These are Taman Impian Ancol recreational park in Jakarta; Taman Safari Indonesia zoo in Bogor, West Java; the Central Java-based PT Wersut Seguni Indonesia (WSI) in Kendal; and two Bali-based companies, Melka Lovina Hotel in northern Bali and Serangan Island south of Sanur.
Despite being condemned for the cruel technique used when transporting these highly intelligent and social sea mammals, last month Bali welcomed a traveling dolphin show run by Taman Impian Ancol. The show packed its bags and returned to Jakarta over the weekend.
“Garuda Indonesia airline is responsible for their transport. On Saturday the two dolphins left Denpasar on a passenger flight, GA 411. The dolphins were packed in small crates together with sea lions and otters, all the animals had been exploited in the circus,” wrote Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) founder Femke den Haas in a Sunday release provided to The Jakarta Post and Bali Daily.
JAAN further wrote that flight was harmful for dolphins due to the extreme gravity difference compared with being in the water, while the extreme noise of the flight was also potentially harmful as dolphins were acoustic mammals that used sonar for communication.
read more:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/bali-daily/2012-07-16/indonesia-remains-haven-commercial-dolphin-circuses.html

SOUTH SHORE CONCERT BAND

Directed by Richard Whitmarsh

Published on Jun 29, 2012 by MilitaryEscort

South Shore Concert Band under the kelly Miller Big Top "Entry of the Gladiators"

Luciano: Lure of late elephant just not the same

By PHIL LUCIANO, of the Journal Star

Jul 15, 2012

PHIL LUCIANO/JOURNAL STAR

Several years ago, vandals ruined the original elephant statue atop Norma Jean's marker. This replacement pachyderm now playfully accents the stone wall.

“If you can’t go through life helping people, even if it’s only a dead elephant, then there’s no use in you being here.” — Wade Meloan, Oquawka pharmacist, elephant undertaker, workaday philosopher

There’s a bit of a sad irony when townsfolk and tourists start forgetting the most famous elephant to ever grace these parts.

There’s a bit of a sad irony when townsfolk and tourists start forgetting the most famous elephant to ever grace these parts.

After all, elephants are said to have remarkable memories, an axiom that owes its roots to the beasts’ legendary ability to find their familial burial grounds. And though Norma Jean the elephant didn’t pick this Mississippi River burg as a final resting place, no pachyderm — nor most any other creature this side of Elvis Presley — could ask for a more prominent grave site.

Still, 40 years after Mother Nature struck down Norma Jean during the prime of her circus career, her legacy has begun to fade. And that’s despite a unique memorial big enough to stop a charging elephant. Well, maybe not. But it sure is impressive, as far as dead elephants go.

So in a day and age when tourism gets more corporate and streamlined, perhaps it’s worth a moment to celebrate one of central Illinois’ oddest roadside attractions. This week marks the 40th anniversary a lightning bolt forever tied together an old river town and a big-eared visitor.

Before Norma Jean lumbered into town and keeled over, Oquawka’s historical figures ran along the lines of many area towns: Lincoln, Douglas and the like. That’s all well and good. But they were no Norma Jean. And not every town can claim an elephant graveyard.

read more at:

http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1903093678/Luciano-Lure-of-late-elephant-just-not-the-same

Heart of Illinois Fair is back with fried food, rides and Ligers

By JUSTIN GLAWE

Peoria Journal Star

Jul 14, 2012

PEORIA —The 63rd Heart of Illinois Fair kicked off Friday night, and it has all the usual trappings of a summertime carnival, with one, scientifically peculiar exception.

Attendees at this year’s event will have the opportunity to cast their eyes upon something the Creator would have never dreamed of, not even on the seventh day. Ligers exist, people.

Yes ligers, an animal that is part tiger, part lion, and all cuddly-faced killer do exist. And you can see them at Expo Gardens.

But if witnessing a breeding breakthrough isn’t your cup of tea, all of the things associated with the wholly American spectacle known as the carnival are readily available.

Heart of Illinois fare

Food that is delicious and terrible for you? Check.

Piles of meat, onions and peppers sizzled throughout the fairgrounds, destined for a bun; what were either turkey legs or woolly mammoth thumbs roasted away on a grill fit for a king, or a caveman; normally healthy apples were transformed with sugar-soaked caramel; and corn dogs, that wonderful combination of fried breading and meat, were soaked in ketchup and mustard on their way to toothy doom.

If it weren’t for the rides, games, exhibits, contests and other events at the fair, the food served might require a different name for the annual carnival: the Heart-Offending Indulgences

Make your pitch

Classic carnival worker spiels? Absolutely.

Pitchmen, and some women, hyped their various prizes, and the games required to win them, to passers-by on the fair’s opening evening. It’s a process that will be repeated throughout the week as workers try to win customers, and fairgoers try to win goodies. Several variations of the carnival game-pitch were heard Friday night.

“Who’s ready for the big win?”

“I’ll pay for your first shot.”

“Come on buddy, show the lady how strong you are ... unless you’re scared.”

And, of course, the not-so-clever but right-to-the-point “Hey you, come over here!”

New this year

First time events? It wouldn’t be the highlight of the summer without them.

This year, the Opera House was transformed into a dance club. Dubstep — music that can sound like a combination of a malfunctioning computer and an angry robot lashing out electronically — played to a younger crowd, many of whom appeared to have come to the fairgrounds solely to hear DJs manufacture music from laptops and mixing boards Friday night, under a light and laser display worthy of a Pink Floyd concert.

Visit a county fair for affordable fun

from:  toledoblade.com
BY MARY ALICE POWELL
BLADE COLUMNIST
July 15, 2012
County fairs are right up there with the flag and apple pie as examples of Americana that deserve our undivided attention.

Just think of the unfortunate folks in big cities like Chicago and New York who don't live in the midst of the county fair circuit. I am offended when this region is referred to as the Rust Belt and prefer to identify it as rich agriculture land, occupied by families who work hard and take one week off each year for the county fair to show crops and fruits and vegetables they have grown and animals they have raised.

It's hard to find any other public venue that is more family oriented or less expensive to attend.

The Lucas County Fair will end a five-day run today. As an example of how easy fair admissions are on the budget, the admission is $6 and $5 if you get the ticket at The Andersons. Today veterans and their families will not only be recognized but will be treated to bean soup and cornbread in Rec Hall 2 from noon to 4 p.m. Hundreds of volunteers make the fairs work and today that effort includes the soup and cornbread.

It's like Kay Stenzel, a Waterville resident and member of the board of directors, said, "Why, of course they have to be homemade." Even in this extreme hot weather? "Of course, we wouldn't have it any other way for our veterans."

If you are a county fair buff like I have been since childhood, you probably have a favorite on the circuit, be it Fulton, Williams, Ottawa, or others in northwest Ohio. The Hillsdale County Fair in Michigan is always last in late September when a sweater feels good for the evening events.

My favorite? Lenawee, my home county, which will be held July 22-28 at the fairgrounds in Adrian. I know how much work goes into the program and how special fair week is to the children who have groomed their animals and the women who have baked and canned their best for competition, all with hopes of taking home a blue ribbon. Prize money is minimal. It's the pride of winning that is valuable.

The $5 Lenawee admission includes ongoing performances by local talent each day in the band shell. The entertainment ranges from magic shows to bluegrass and gospel music.
read more:
http://www.toledoblade.com/Mary-Alice-Powell/2012/07/15/Visit-a-county-fair-for-affordable-fun.html

Coney Island development
2012

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 12: People walk along a street at Coney Island on July 12, 2012 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Coney Island has until recently been viewed as a seedy and dilapidating seaside park, however, it is going through a gradual transition which many compare to the renovation of Times Square. In order to accommodate more shops and residential buildings, the Michael Bloomberg administration rezoned Coney Island in 2009. The city also bought seven acres of prime Coney Island real estate promising approximately $150 million in infrastructure upgrades in the area. A recent study found that Coney Island's Luna Park had 640,000 visitors in 2011, the most since Steeplechase Park closed in 1964. (Spencer Platt, Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 12: People enjoy the beach at Coney Island on July 12, 2012 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Coney Island has until recently been viewed as a seedy and dilapidating seaside park, however, it is going through a gradual transition which many compare to the renovation of Times Square. In order to accommodate more shops and residential buildings, the Michael Bloomberg administration rezoned Coney Island in 2009. The city also bought seven acres of prime Coney Island real estate promising approximately $150 million in infrastructure upgrades in the area. A recent study found that Coney Island's Luna Park had 640,000 visitors in 2011, the most since Steeplechase Park closed in 1964. (Spencer Platt, Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 12: A woman walks down the boardwalk in Coney Island on July 12, 2012 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Coney Island has until recently been viewed as a seedy and dilapidating seaside park, however, it is going through a gradual transition which many compare to the renovation of Times Square. In order to accommodate more shops and residential buildings, the Michael Bloomberg administration rezoned Coney Island in 2009. The city also bought seven acres of prime Coney Island real estate promising approximately $150 million in infrastructure upgrades in the area. A recent study found that Coney Island's Luna Park had 640,000 visitors in 2011, the most since Steeplechase Park closed in 1964. (Spencer Platt, Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 12: A man takes a rest while waiting for customers at his basketball game off the Coney Island boardwalk on July 12, 2012 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Coney Island has until recently been viewed as a seedy and dilapidating seaside park, however, it is going through a gradual transition which many compare to the renovation of Times Square. In order to accommodate more shops and residential buildings, the Michael Bloomberg administration rezoned Coney Island in 2009. The city also bought seven acres of prime Coney Island real estate promising approximately $150 million in infrastructure upgrades in the area. A recent study found that Coney Island's Luna Park had 640,000 visitors in 2011, the most since Steeplechase Park closed in 1964. (Spencer Platt, Getty Images)

 NEW YORK, NY - JULY 12: People walk along the boardwalk in Coney Island on July 12, 2012 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Coney Island has until recently been viewed as a seedy and dilapidating seaside park, however, it is going through a gradual transition which many compare to the renovation of Times Square. In order to accommodate more shops and residential buildings, the Michael Bloomberg administration rezoned Coney Island in 2009. The city also bought seven acres of prime Coney Island real estate promising approximately $150 million in infrastructure upgrades in the area. A recent study found that Coney Island's Luna Park had 640,000 visitors in 2011, the most since Steeplechase Park closed in 1964. (Spencer Platt, Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 12: A dilapidating building is viewed for sale at Coney Island on July 12, 2012 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Coney Island has until recently been viewed as a seedy and dilapidating seaside park, however, it is going through a gradual transition which many compare to the renovation of Times Square. In order to accommodate more shops and residential buildings, the Michael Bloomberg administration rezoned Coney Island in 2009. The city also bought seven acres of prime Coney Island real estate promising approximately $150 million in infrastructure upgrades in the area. A recent study found that Coney Island's Luna Park had 640,000 visitors in 2011, the most since Steeplechase Park closed in 1964. (Spencer Platt, Getty Images)

 

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 12: A homeless man rests in the shade near the beach at Coney Island on July 12, 2012 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Coney Island has until recently been viewed as a seedy and dilapidating seaside park, however, it is going through a gradual transition which many compare to the renovation of Times Square. In order to accommodate more shops and residential buildings, the Michael Bloomberg administration rezoned Coney Island in 2009. The city also bought seven acres of prime Coney Island real estate promising approximately $150 million in infrastructure upgrades in the area. A recent study found that Coney Island's Luna Park had 640,000 visitors in 2011, the most since Steeplechase Park closed in 1964. (Spencer Platt, Getty Images)

Canadian Hell Drivers at Walthamstow Stadium - Avon Tyres Nostalgia

Uploaded by av0ntyres on Feb 8, 2011

The Avon Tyres Canadian Hell Drivers. You don't get shows like this anymore

 

TONNY PETERSEN'S
HELL DRIVERS OPEN SEASON


The last of the old-time Stunt Shows.
These shows, Joey Chitwood's "Danger Angels",
Dan Fleener's Thrill Show,
Jack Kochman's Hell Drivers and many more
were featured at County and State Fairs across the country.
Just like many attractions time changes.
But I do know that at certain spots they still pack the grandstands.

 

Johnny Wiser, the producer of Tonny Petersen’s Hell Drivers hails from Sacramento California. Johnny started his career in 1972, with King Kovaz’s Auto-Daredevils, where he starred in T-Bone crashes and roll-overs, as well as being lead motorcycle man. Since those early days Johnny has served as a star stunt driver for the Jack Kochman Hell Drivers, Hollywood Stunt World, and the Toyota Hollywood Stunt Show.

Hailing from the wilds of Lincoln Maine is veteran performer Jimmy “Crash” Moreau. Jim is known by colleagues from coast to coast as the Maine Maniac. Crash Moreau is a highly respected performer and known as one of the most unique and controversial in the long history of the traveling thrill shows. Crash started his career in 1967 with the legendary Joie Chitwood Stunt Show, from there his skill and talent peaked, 46 seasons later Jim is still “King of the car crashers.” At present he is the oldest crash artist still performing on a regular basis. Jim is well known for his world famous “steel wall crashes” in which he drives a completely stock automobile into and thru a car standing on its rear bumper. Crash Moreau was the first American to ever perform the steel wall crash, after learning the stunt from the Lessard Brothers of Quebec. Throughout Jim’s colorful career he has been a star on every east coast touring thrill show and has even toured with many Canadian based shows. Over the years Moreau has been featured on many T.V programs as well as the silver screens of Hollywood. Look for Crash Moreau behind the wheel for the 2012 season!

A native of Copenhagen, Denmark, he came to the United States at the age of 14 and performed for years with the Amandies, one of the greatest teeter-board acts. His agility as an acrobat has served him well in the thrill show business which takes precision and balance. During the early 1960’s Tonny originated the “Auto-Bat” act, where daredevils stand high a-top speeding automobiles as they negotiate the ramp way structures.
Tonny was a featured performer at the 1964-1965 New York World ’s Fair, where he perfected the art of driving and balancing a vehicle on only two wheels. Tonny is undoubtedly the greatest hi-ski artist in the world.
Petersen’s ability as America’s greatest stunt driver is evident, every time he gets behind the wheel of one of the Dodge automobiles.

He brings many years of enthusiasm, public speaking, and creative talent into the world of automobile thrill show driving and entertainment. Robert will serve as the official voice of the Tonny Petersen’s Hell Drivers for 2012 season providing a thunder throat of descriptive detail and commence-rating commentary at each performance. He also coordinates all the corporate sponsorship programs, advertising, and marketing for the show. Robert has successfully owned and operated a roller skating and family entertainment center business and is currently the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Southland Roller Rink INC. He stays busy as he maintains a freelance consulting and marketing business specializing in the amusement and family entertainment industry. During his free time he is involved with Kiwanis International, American Cancer Society, among many other volunteer organizations. He makes his home in Martinsville Indiana.

Young Terry Gappa, from Plymouth Massachusetts joined Tonny Petersen’s Hell Drivers for the 2011 season. Terry was hired to serve the vital role as stunt technician, his hard work and dedication didn’t go without notice. Before Terry knew it he was standing high atop a speeding Dodge Avenger, negotiating ramp way structures in a dandy little stunt known as Auto- bats. Terry also performs a feat of daring that dates back to the days of B. Ward Beam, Lucky Teter, Jack Kochman’s Hell Drivers and the Joie Chitwood Thrill Show known as the human battering ram. Terry’s determination to perform Hollywood style car crashes was very evident, his wish came true when he was upgraded to roll-over man where he excelled night after night. For the 2012 season Terry will be running a partial tour schedule, when not on tour with the Hell Drivers Terry will be busy working as the shows graphic designer.

 

For 2012 , Tonny Petersen’s Hell Drivers welcome back Justin “Wrong Way” Bellinger to another successful season with the Hell Drivers. “Wrong Way” hails from Palmer, Massachusetts and is well known as one of the youngest and most recognized clowns/ stuntman in the thrill show business today.
Growing up Justin watched the Joie Chitwood Stunt Show, as well as Charlie Belknap’s Hollywood Stunt Show, and some day dreamed of becoming a stuntman. With the help of many veteran thrill show performers Justin has become an elite member of this form of entertainment. His baggy pants and flapping arms often cause the audience to miss the breath-taking timing that is part of most of his gags. “Wrong Way” for instance will stand fast as two cars racing at more than 60 M.P.H, will pass in tandem and seemingly sandwich him tightly to their sides! Perfect timing is the name of the game as he stumbles around the track in many close calls and dangerous situations! Not only is Justin the show’s daredevil clown but he is an accomplished precision driver and crash artist. Justin’s responsibilities are plentiful both on and off the summer tour, serving as CEO/ Chief

Chinese acrobat survives 200-meter fall

from: wtnh.com

July 9, 2012

According to Chinese state media, an acrobat suffered only minor injuries after a 200-meter fall into a ravine. Aisi-kaier tried to walk across a tight-rope backwards and while blind-folded. He was wearing no safety harness.

Circus at Ford Park
By Tammy McKinley
from:  www.beaumontenterprise.com
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Friday was the opening night preshow festivities of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at Ford Park in Beaumont.

Tammy McKinley/The Enterprise Photo: TAMMY MCKINLEY / BE
Dean "D.J. Dean" Kelley leads a ring full of children in a dance during the preshow festivities of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at Ford Park in Beaumont, Friday, July 13, 2012.

Tammy McKinley/The Enterprise Photo: TAMMY MCKINLEY / BE
Dean "D.J. Dean" Kelley arrives in the ring in his little car during the opening act of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at Ford Park in Beaumont, Friday, July 13, 2012.

 Tammy McKinley/The Enterprise Photo: TAMMY MCKINLEY / BE
Animals prance in choregraphed rhythm as their trainer leads them during the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at Ford Park in Beaumont, Friday, July 13, 2012.

Tammy McKinley/The Enterprise Photo: TAMMY MCKINLEY / BE
Performers take the stage during the opening act of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at Ford Park in Beaumont, Friday, July 13, 2012.

 

Tammy McKinley/The Enterprise Photo: TAMMY MCKINLEY / BE
Performers ride the elephants into the ring during the opening act of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at Ford Park in Beaumont, Friday, July 13, 2012.
Read more: http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/photos/article/Circus-at-Ford-Park-3706966.php#ixzz20gnS3fSh

Circus is in town

from: mysuburbanlife.com

Jul 13, 2012

Bolingbrook, IL--

The Zoppe Italian Circus is in Bolingbrook for the weekend, with shows scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday near the Annerino Center. On Thursday, Grandmaster Giovanni "Nino" Zoppe introduced acts to Bolingbrook Park District day campers prior to a special show. The kids were enthralled by acrobats and a juggler who was able to keep four balls in the air at once