All’s fair: Torrential downpours and fried Oreos
from:  tribune-chronicle.com
By SARAH SEPANEK - Zone Columnist
July 14, 2013
Like everyone in Trumbull County, Ohio has been saying, "It's raining - must be fair week."
The Trumbull County Fair is back, as it has been for so many summers. And, of course, it has to rain.
Maybe the first fair in 1800 and something they were up to their knees in water. Chickens floating by, pies getting soggy. Fairs are steeped in tradition, and the Trumbull County one is a wet one. Just be thankful now we have all-wheel drive instead of buggies.
I recall the logo for the fair featuring the scrolling typeface on T-shirts from my youth. We are in the 167th year of the fair, though I only remember the last few dozen. I'm sure the first couple were still interesting, minus the Scrambler and fried Oreos.
Fairs are a strange piece of Americana. The idea of towns coming together for food, livestock, produce, fun and music is not altogether unusual, but the sort of "cult of the fair" that has evolved is unique.
I always wondered what it would be like to live at the fair for a week, to live in a sort of weird town that springs up once a year and vanishes after a week, like Brigadoon with manure.
I would love one of those deluxe campers I see set up beyond the parking lots; garden lights outside, folding chairs, portable barbecue, and always some little yippy dog just hanging out on the Astroturf they roll out.
It's like a really cool, very compact vintage camping park set up within walking distance of your choice of gyros or sausage sandwiches and miniature ponies. I could handle that for a week.
Everyone has their favorite part of the fair. But that all changes depending on your age; the rides don't really hold your attention once you pass 13 or so. But before that, you're losing your flip flops on the Yo Yo and squashing your friends on the Muzak Express all day long.
When you get older, just strolling the midway and socializing in a world free from parents is the big draw. And then enjoying the baby piglets and ponies that you thought were too lame when you were a little kid.
The seven deadly deep-frieds is a sin for any age that can only be repented with many miles of post-summer jogging -"Forgive me, father, for I have funnel caked."
read more:
http://tribune-chronicle.com/page/content.detail/id/590199/All-s-fair--Torrential-downpours-and-fried-Oreos.html?nav=5004


VIDEO: Planet Circus wows crowds in Doncaster

from: thestar.co.uk

July 15, 2013

 

Roll up, roll up - the circus came to town and delighted young and old alike with a mix of good old, fashioned entertainment.

Planet Circus arrived at Sandall Beat alongside Doncaster Racecourse for five days and spectators were treated to death defying stunts, juggling, clowning around, motorcycle action and much more.

http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/video-planet-circus-wows-crowds-in-doncaster-1-5856459

CLIFF DIVING--

Cliff diving world series: Daring jumps from platform over Lake Garda

ITN

Published on Jul 15, 2013

Competitors in the world diving series made their fourth stop in Lake Garda, with women taking part for the first time. . Report by Sophie Foster.

CULPEPPER-MERRIWEATHER CIRCUS

Circus entertains Craig crowd

 

Miss Elizabeth juggles sparkling balls during her Hair Hanging Circus act at the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus that visited Craig on Sunday. The event took place at the Moffat County Fairgrounds and was a fundraiser for the Craig Lions Club.
craigdailypress.com
By Andy Bockelman
July 14, 2013
No matter how many different kinds of entertainment you’ve seen in your life, it’s hard to imagine anyone not being awestruck by a girl suspended in midair by her hair or a man keeping his balance atop a single wheel while tossing around flaming pins.
Such were the wonders of the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus in two performances Sunday at the Moffat County Fairgrounds. The day of family fun, sponsored by the Craig Lions Club, was jam-packed with excitement from the midway activities like pony rides and a bounce house that greeted younger audience members at the gate leading to the blue and white tent encasing the show of a lifetime.
The crowd was greeted by guest ringmistress Kristi Shepherd, president of the Lions Club, and regular announcer Miss Simone as organizers brought in some of their biggest and furriest draws — a lion named Francis and tiger and tigress Solomon and Delilah. Trainer Trey Key, who also owned Culpepper & Merriweather for the past 13 years, showed what the large felines could do, though not without a little help from the spectators, who reminded him of the magic word — “please” — needed to get Francis to jump from one platform to another.
Out of all the viewers enraptured by the beauty of the lion and tigers, perhaps none enjoyed it more than Shepherd, who stopped by the face-painting booth to get adorned with the orange and black of a tiger.
“I’m a huge jungle cat fan,” she said. “I’m just like a kid at heart.”
The antics of clown duo Judy and Punchy kept the show going between acts as the staff cleared the ring for the unicycle talents of the Arlise Troupe and set up the intricate rigging needed for performers like Miss Elizabeth, whose acrobatic skills were only increased by the fact that she was hoisted by her hair follicles.
According to Key, the “hair hang” is a rarity in most circuses today and one Culpepper & Merriweather didn’t have the last time they set up in Craig.
read more:
http://www.craigdailypress.com/news/2013/jul/14/circus-entertains-craig-crowd/

Circuses, carnivals, 'Wild West' shows featured N.D. natives
 A number of interesting individuals who lived in North Dakota found employment in various circuses, “Wild West” shows, and carnivals. In 1922, Hans Langseth, a farmer in Richland County, N.D., was judged to have the world’s longest beard, which measured 17 feet 4 inches. For a short time, he was showcased in the Ringling Brothers Circus, but quit to return to his farm and real estate business.
from:  infourm.com
By: Curtis Eriksmoen, INFORUM
July 14, 2013
A number of interesting individuals who lived in North Dakota found employment in various circuses, “Wild West” shows, and carnivals.

Last week, we described the circus employment of Sitting Bull, John Baer, Two-Gun Hart, Harold Bachman and John Aasen. Let us look at a few more.

In 1922, Hans Langseth, a farmer in Richland County, N.D., was judged to have the world’s longest beard, which measured 17 feet 4 inches. For a short time, he was showcased in the Ringling Brothers Circus, but quit to return to his farm and real estate business.

In 1924, Louis L’Amour, an aspiring writer from Jamestown, N.D., found himself in Phoenix in need of a job. On Oct. 13, the Hagenbeck and Wallace Circus came to town and hired L’Amour as a roustabout. He was soon given the position of elephant handler, but left after three weeks because he “found the life tough and other circus workers uncivilized.” L’Amour later became a famous author of Western novels and short stories, several of which were made into movies and television shows.
read more:
http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/406042/group/Life/

JACKTOWN FAIR

Jacktown Fair set to begin 148th year

 

A view of the midway at the Jacktown Fair following th
opening parade in 2012.Observer-Reporter photo
By Chelsea Dicks, Staff writer
from: observer-reporter.com
Jul 14, 2013
WIND RIDGE, PA– Much in the world has changed since the Jacktown Fair began in 1866.
At the first Jacktown Fair, people didn’t even know what a telephone was, let alone a cellphone. Women wore long, homemade dresses with stockings, and everyone was celebrating the end of the Civil War.
Small community fairs like the Jacktown Fair were common during these times but have fallen to the wayside or consolidated into larger county fairs.

But unlike the others, Jacktown Fair has pushed forward.
It returns Tuesday in its 148th incarnation as the longest continuing fair in the United States.
“I am looking forward to a nice crowd,” said Walter “Buck” Burns, president of Richhill Agricultural Society, which organizes the fair. “I want things to be up this year. We have a good schedule and a real good mixture this year.”
Starting off the events for the week is the kickoff parade at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. It will be followed immediately by the crowning of the 2013 Miss Jacktown Fair Queen.
Burns credits the success of the fair to good advertising, a great name and plenty of volunteers.
Due to numerous requests, the UTV tough side-by-side contest has been brought back this year and will be held at 8 p.m. Wednesday. The event costs $10. “We had plenty of people asking where the event was last year, so we thought we would bring it back. I am hoping it works out,” said Burns.
This event consists of utility vehicles that have been converted to two passenger four-wheelers that run through an obstacle course. “Racers are timed on the course; they do not not compete or race against each other,” Burns said.
The sixth annual Jacktown Idol also has become a big hit at the fair. The vocal talent competition is fashioned after the successful “American idol” television series. Round one of the competition begins Tuesday at the upper grandstand and runs every night at 8 p.m. until the finale Friday.
The week will also include live bands such as the Stickers and the Ruff Creek Band. Their Saturday concert begins at 6:30 p.m. with the Ruff Creek Band and continues at 8 p.m. with the Stickers.
Other musical performers will grace the fairgrounds stage each night, and on Friday, the fairgoers not competing in Idol will have their own shot to shine on the karaoke stage.
The fair will also have the livestock shows, rides and entertainers that people have come to enjoy.
“Everything seems to be up this year,” said Burns.
He expects attendance, livestock entries and event entries to rise.
The only thing that could hurt that goal is the weather. Lately in Greene County, the weather has been nothing but humid and rainy, and Burns is afraid it might continue in that fashion during the week of the fair.
“The weather can make or break you when talking about a fair,” said Burns. “I hope the sun is shining – that would be new.”
People can expect the week to be filled with lots of food, and even better company.
As the Jacktown Fair slogan says, “You can’t die happy till you’ve been to the Jacktown Fair!”

FROM THE PAST--

 

 

 

 

 

County fairs more than just tractor pulls and livestock

(foto from balloonman files)
from: dailyherald.com
By Daily Herald staff
7/14/2013
County fairs are just part of summertime traditions.

From tractor pulls to bull riding to livestock competitions, county fairs give city folks a real taste of country.

Some fairs are even going a little upscale with local wineries and microbreweries as part of their attractions. At the Lake County Fair, the Chicago Flower & Garden Show is returning with a special exhibit that will appeal to gardeners and flower lovers alike.

So mark your calendars, and get ready to head to the fair.

Kane County Fair
When: 3 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, July 17; noon to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 18; noon to midnight Friday and Saturday, July 19-20; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 21

Where: Kane County Fairgrounds, on Oak Street, off Randall Road between routes 64 and 38, St. Charles,

Info: www.kanecountyfair.com

Fox Valley's biggest summer event takes place at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles, and bull riding will take center stage for entertainment on two nights.

"ESPN has made bull riding very popular," says Larry Breon, president of the Kane County Fair Association.

Other grandstand entertainment includes an international truck pull championship, a big hat rodeo and a demolition derby. There will be live music with different bands performing each day.

The kids can enjoy a petting zoo, a magic show, a talent show, duck races, racing pigs, rides and a game show. New this year is an arcade center with 25 different games, as well as a food court.

An educational show and Ask-a-Farmer session will give kids a chance to talk about agriculture, Breon says. "That's a nice touch, especially when we're getting farther and farther away from that," he says.

Look online for finalized prices and details. Get discounts on tickets if you bring cans of food to donate to local food pantries.
see more fairs:
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130714/entlife/707149991/

JANAICAN CIRCUS

Circus delights, disappoints
from:  jamaica-0gleaner.com
by Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter
July 15, 2013


A clown on stilts talks to little Ethan during his performance at the Circus In The City show. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Many patrons who attended Circus In The City over the weekend may have felt short-changed, as the event was more of a light show than an actual circus.
When The Gleaner arrived at the National Arena for the 3:30 p.m. show on Saturday, there were lines of people waiting to enter the venue that eventually filled up with a lot of children.
Shortly before 4 p.m., the show eventually got under way with a clown interacting with the audience before going on stilts. He then asked a young volunteer, Ethan, to help him put his hat and jacket on. There were also some graphics in the mix, as well as lights and special effects on a big screen in the background.
However, what was to follow did not include the traditional acts found in a circus. There were a few acrobats, but there were no musicians, tightrope walkers, unicyclists, fire breathers or daredevil stunts. The absence of animals was also very notable, except for a couple birds in the magic show.

 

An act performs during the fireworks
Nonetheless, another character later took the stage, also on stilts. He entered with horns, a tail, and painted abs, resembling a Jamaican Jonkanoo dancer. For a few minutes, a very flexible woman showed off her acrobatic skills by climbing on to him in various ways. She continued to show her flexibility while hanging from a two-ring trapeze that hung from the roof.
She later returned to do an aerial dance that was done with two long pieces of cloth hanging from the roof. But one of the most entertaining segments of the show came from a Jamaican magician, Wizard. He had birds appearing out of nowhere, an egg dropping out of a volunteer's mouth and another volunteer balancing horizontally on nothing but a single chair.
A lengthy intermission came and many patrons ventured outside into what was now a very cramped space. There were a few circus games, as well as food such as ice cream, cotton candy, popcorn, hot dogs, Holiday snacks and patties from Tastee.
Eventually the show resumed with a group called Light Works. They got a few cheers, but had some mishaps with the items they were juggling, as they were falling at intervals. Lights filled the stage for most of their show, but the biggest applause for the night came when there was a display of the Jamaican flag, the word Kingston, and the logos of sponsors, Tastee and Tropicana.
Tons of fire came from another group, Fuse, that lit up the stage with nothing but fire. One female started this segment by spinning a hula hoop with fire all over her body. There were cheers at intervals, but one of the biggest applauses in this segment came towards the end of the show when many patrons were already exiting. It came when a woman swung from a rope attached to the ceiling, while there was a fiery display that completely filled the stage.
from:  http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130715/ent/ent1.html

ON LINE SHOPPING--1950'S

 

YOUTH CIRCUS

Reminder: Wenatchee Youth Circus to visit Edmonds this Tuesday, Wednesday

 

Trapeze artists perform during the 2012 circus. (Photo by Julie Van Tosh)
from:  myedmoindsnews.com
July 14, 2013
Edmonds,WA--The Wenatchee Youth Circus is visiting Edmonds Tuesday and Wednesday, July 16 and 17, featuring performers ages 5-19, trapeze, unicycles, tight wire and more.

Performances are at 7 p.m. July 16  and 1 and 7 p.m. July 17  at Edmonds Civic Center Field, 6th and Bell.

Tickets are available at the Frances Anderson Center — adults (17-plus) $6; children (2-16) $4; family rate (two adults and up to four children) $19. Group rate (available for 10 or more) $3 per ticket.

For more information, call Edmonds Parks & Recreation at 425-771-0230. The circus is sponsored by the Edmonds Exchange Club and Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services.

COLE BROS CIRCUS

The circus comes to Greenport

 

from: northforker.com
by Kristin Behr
07/14/13
From Val the baby elephant to Jose the Human Cannonball, there’s a little something for everyone at the famous Cole Bros. Circus.
The show will set up the big top at the Greenport Polo Grounds on Wednesday July 24 and Thursday July 25. Showtimes are  5 and 8 p.m.
 On Wednesday, come at 11 a.m. and watch the Greenport Fire Department, who is hosting the event to benefit fire safety, as they wash down the elephants for their bath playtime.
 The circus will also be in Southampton at the Shinnecock Pow Wow Grounds on Monday July 22 and Tuesday July 23.
 Advanced tickets can be purchased at the Greenport Fire Department on 3rd Street. Plenty of parking will be available at both locations. Buses and groups are welcome.

RIDE SAFETY

Rides At Santa Barbara County Fair Inspected Daily

 

by:  kcoy.com
By Liberty Zabala
Jul 13, 2013
SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- We all enjoy rides at the fair but some of those rides can be dangerous that's why the company running the rides at the Santa Barbara County Fair have safety precautions in place to keep your child safe.
Helm and Sons Amusement says they try to pick rides that are as safe as possible.
"A lot of folks think that because these are portable rides and they move from place to place that they're unsafe," says Helm and Sons General Manager Corey Oakley. "The reality is they're build to be portable. They're built to go up and down."

He says the company makes sure to inspect the rides daily and has requirements before a child can get on.

"They probably wouldn't be able to come here if they weren't safe," says Aunt Penny Heldt. Heldt had to accompany her nieces on a ride because her niece wasn't tall enough.
Amusement rides usually have a seat belt or lap bar to keep the children safe.

"Kids fiddle with something because they aren't use to having devices on the ride so the ride operator's job is to check every time they come around," says Oakley.

The company has a mechanic, inspector, data input employee who daily inspect and fix each ride. They make sure ride operators are well trained and not working too many hours. He says the most important thing is to educate the public on rider safety.
"Be sure that you're watching your children," says Oakley. "Be sure that you talk to them about being safe on their own and you'll have a great time while you're out here."

Each ride has a license and the permits are renewed and inspected every year.

Come & Get It! The OC Fair is Here!

from: myfoxla.com

By: Mar Yvette, Lifestyle Reporter

Jul 12, 2013

Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

Read more: http://www.myfoxla.com/story/22825370/come-get-it-the-oc-fair-is-here#ixzz2Z1EJpdeN

POSTERS FROM THE PAST---

 

 

 

 

 

BIG APPLE CIRCUS

Big Apple Circus welcomed back to Lake George
New show ‘Legendarium’ praised by critics

 

Animal trainer Jenny Vidbel directs her horses in a dancing routine during a performance of the Big Apple Circus’ 2013 show Legendarium, which is starting a two-week run Saturday July 13 in Charles Wood Park in Lake George Village. Big Apple Circus has prompted rave reviews for its aerial and acrobatic acts as well as its staging and live circus orchestra.
from:denpubs.com
By Thom Randall
July 12, 2013
LAKE GEORGE — Local residents and area visitors experienced a rare sight
Wednesday July 10 as several dozen workers raised a massive big-top tent for the second annual engagement of the Big Apple Circus.
This year’s new show, a new production entitled Legendarium that’s been lauded by critics, explores historic aspects of circuses while presenting an array of acts with compelling contemporary appeal.
The Big Apple Circus has dazzled spectators and reviewers during its run in various cities this year.
Its two-week run in Charles Wood Park on the southern side of Lake George Village begins Saturday July 13 and features 24 performances over that time span in its air-conditioned big top.
The acclaimed circus features world-class aerialists and acrobats, a dancing duo that juggles while performing a fast-paced tango, and a contortionist whose moves defy description. The latter is Argentinian Elayne Kramer who performs an array of feats that include shooting a bow and arrow with her toes. In addition, there are dancing horses, charming trained mutts and a slack-wire acrobat that achieves unbelievable balancing stunts.
For 35 years, the Big Apple Circus — performed in an intimate setting where no spectator is more than 50 feet from the action — has prompted rave reviews nationally for its creativity and artistic spectacle. Stunning lighting effects and a talented live orchestra are elements in why the Big Apple Circus is considered unforgettable and families return to see their shows year after year.
The big-top tent is 63 feet high and supported by four masts 50 feet tall, from which is suspended a twelve-sided cupola frame with a diameter of 50 feet. Ninety-eight side poles support the periphery of the tent.
Big Apple’s 35–person tent crew worked for most of the day Wednesday July 10 to rig the tent, before they started to set up the seating, lighting, sound system and spectacular sets.
read more:
http://www.denpubs.com/news/2013/jul/13/big-apple-circus-welcomed-back-lake-george/

myfoxla.com

 

Let's Run Away To The Circus!
from: myfoxla.com
By: Gina Silva, Investigative Reporter
Jul 12, 2013

Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

MINNISOTA STATE FAIR FOOD--

Grilled Doughnuts & Deep-Fried Meatloaf:
New State-Fair Foods for 2013

 

from: thekitchen.com
For lovers of over-the-top food, the state fair is the place to be. The Minnesota State Fair recently shared a peek at the edible insanity that will be available to fairgoers this year. Want to know what they've decided to deep-fry in 2013?
There will be deep-fried meatloaf on a stick, as well as deep-fried olives, deep-fried bread pudding, a deep-fried Monte Cristo sandwich and, of course, deep-fried pickles. But in addition to being battered and fried, the pickles are dusted with powdered sugar and served with a chocolate dipping sauce.
Um, I'll pass on that, but I would try a grilled glazed doughnut with strawberry dipping sauce and I'd totally eat the breakfast corndog, a sausage link wrapped in pancake corndog batter and served with maple syrup for dipping. I'm also intrigued by the Idaho taco and Idaho nachos, which pile the usual American-style taco and nacho fixings onto a baked potato or waffle fries.
read more:
http://www.thekitchn.com/grilled-doughnuts-deepfried-meatloaf-new-statefair-foods-for-2013-191854