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Saturday, October 16, 2010
OPENING NIGHT OF GEORGIA-CAROLINA FAIR, AGUSTA
James E Strates Shows on the midwayDate are October 15 thru 24
Friday, October 15, 2010
Rain slows inspections for fair rides
by Josh Shaffer - Staff writer RALEIGH --
Despite a rainy beginning, officials at the N.C. State Fair pledged to have at least 100 rides operating by the time the gates open at 3 p.m. today.
Wet weather has delayed some final inspections, but skies are expected to clear by the afternoon and nearly all fair rides should be running.
"We want everyone who comes to the fair to have a safe time as well as a good time," state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said. "I have a granddaughter who is 4 years old who will be riding these rides, and I feel safe with her out here knowing (the inspectors) have been there."
As of 10:30 p.m., 82 fair rides had been given final clearance. Some issues with computers and decking on the rides could not be dealt with until the rain stops.
The fairgrounds were wet and muddy Thursday morning as final preparations were made, and the noise of goats could be heard along with workers barking instructions.
Read more: http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/10/14/740200/rain-slows-inspections-for-fair.html#ixzz12QBgdgki
Wet weather has delayed some final inspections, but skies are expected to clear by the afternoon and nearly all fair rides should be running.
"We want everyone who comes to the fair to have a safe time as well as a good time," state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said. "I have a granddaughter who is 4 years old who will be riding these rides, and I feel safe with her out here knowing (the inspectors) have been there."
As of 10:30 p.m., 82 fair rides had been given final clearance. Some issues with computers and decking on the rides could not be dealt with until the rain stops.
The fairgrounds were wet and muddy Thursday morning as final preparations were made, and the noise of goats could be heard along with workers barking instructions.
Read more: http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/10/14/740200/rain-slows-inspections-for-fair.html#ixzz12QBgdgki
Thursday, October 14, 2010
NORTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR
State fair's same-old, same-old is just fine
Jennifer Wood of Cary uses her car headlights to illuminate the Apex Lions Club food booth as she paints illustrations on the windows. The fairgrounds open at 3 p.m. Thursday ROBERT WILLETT - rwillett@newsobserver.comBy Matt Ehlers Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010
RALEIGH, In her 36 years, Kim Hammer has gone to the N.C. State Fair at least 25 times, and each time the highlights are the same: baby ducks and Al's french fries.
"As long as I've eaten those french fries and held a baby duck, I'm good," said Hammer, who lives in Raleigh. "If I couldn't do those things, it wouldn't feel like the fair to me."
Each year, the State Fair adds a few new twists to the experience. Sometimes it's a ride or a game. Always there is a new delicacy. This year, the brave can try a 1-pound hot dog or a hamburger served on Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
But what really brings people back year after year is the comfort of sameness. For 11 days each October, the fairgrounds becomes a visual, aural and gastronomical pleasure zone for fair veterans who have waited 11 months to sink into their routines. They park in the same lots, eat at the same stands and visit the same attractions year after year.
When the 2010 State Fair opens Thursday afternoon, longtime visitors will find nearly everything they love in the same places they always do. Two trailers selling Al's fries will be parked near the Expo Center. The Apex Lions Club will sell its famous biscuits from a lunch-stand spot not far from Dorton Arena. The Raleigh Jaycees will have shotguns set up for target practice.
House-Autry will fry about 300,000 hushpuppies in the commercial building and give them away, near the place where the state's weights-and-measures people place a scale upon which fairgoers may weigh themselves. Both low-frills presentations attract long lines.
After all, it's not as though you can pick up a giant smoked turkey leg on every street corner in the Triangle. That's why the meaty treat is on the must-eat list of Cary's John O'Connor, who always augments his foil-wrapped delicacy with a visit to the old-style craftsmen in the Village of Yesteryear. He's particularly awed by the guy who carves and paints intricate wooden duck decoys.
"They are so much a work of art, you'd never actually use one," O'Connor said.
In the realm of art, but of the edible kind, are the gigantic piles of fries served by Al's. Hammer describes carrying a mountain-size plate of Al's fried potatoes as a "major, strategic balancing act," and that's before they're dressed. She likes salt and malt vinegar, and the kids like ketchup, so a part of the process involves eating a few of the fries to carve out a place for what Hammer called the "ketchup depot."
All this happens as soon as the family walks through the gates. Her husband likes to push for a stop at a biscuit stand first, but Hammer will have none of it. After the fries are down, she's happy to do whatever, as long as the trip ends with a stop to see the baby ducks and chicks.
From The Charlotte Observer.
RALEIGH, In her 36 years, Kim Hammer has gone to the N.C. State Fair at least 25 times, and each time the highlights are the same: baby ducks and Al's french fries.
"As long as I've eaten those french fries and held a baby duck, I'm good," said Hammer, who lives in Raleigh. "If I couldn't do those things, it wouldn't feel like the fair to me."
Each year, the State Fair adds a few new twists to the experience. Sometimes it's a ride or a game. Always there is a new delicacy. This year, the brave can try a 1-pound hot dog or a hamburger served on Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
But what really brings people back year after year is the comfort of sameness. For 11 days each October, the fairgrounds becomes a visual, aural and gastronomical pleasure zone for fair veterans who have waited 11 months to sink into their routines. They park in the same lots, eat at the same stands and visit the same attractions year after year.
When the 2010 State Fair opens Thursday afternoon, longtime visitors will find nearly everything they love in the same places they always do. Two trailers selling Al's fries will be parked near the Expo Center. The Apex Lions Club will sell its famous biscuits from a lunch-stand spot not far from Dorton Arena. The Raleigh Jaycees will have shotguns set up for target practice.
House-Autry will fry about 300,000 hushpuppies in the commercial building and give them away, near the place where the state's weights-and-measures people place a scale upon which fairgoers may weigh themselves. Both low-frills presentations attract long lines.
After all, it's not as though you can pick up a giant smoked turkey leg on every street corner in the Triangle. That's why the meaty treat is on the must-eat list of Cary's John O'Connor, who always augments his foil-wrapped delicacy with a visit to the old-style craftsmen in the Village of Yesteryear. He's particularly awed by the guy who carves and paints intricate wooden duck decoys.
"They are so much a work of art, you'd never actually use one," O'Connor said.
In the realm of art, but of the edible kind, are the gigantic piles of fries served by Al's. Hammer describes carrying a mountain-size plate of Al's fried potatoes as a "major, strategic balancing act," and that's before they're dressed. She likes salt and malt vinegar, and the kids like ketchup, so a part of the process involves eating a few of the fries to carve out a place for what Hammer called the "ketchup depot."
All this happens as soon as the family walks through the gates. Her husband likes to push for a stop at a biscuit stand first, but Hammer will have none of it. After the fries are down, she's happy to do whatever, as long as the trip ends with a stop to see the baby ducks and chicks.
From The Charlotte Observer.
VIDBELS OLD TYME CIRCUS NEWS---#1
Old tyme circus in Rehoboth
Thursday, September 30, 2010 REHOBOTH, NJ - Circus Vidbel is at Redway Plain this Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 2 and 3, as a fundraiser for the Rehoboth PTSA.The "old tyme" circus features aerialists, comic magic, bareback and dressage horse riding, jugglers, music, foot juggling, dog acts, acrobats and clowns. As a new feature this year, there will be a center ring concert and "clown around" for children of all ages
The PTSA gets 40 percent of advance tickets sold and a smaller share of sales on show day.
Performances are 2, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door. You can buy advance tickets at Chartley Country Store and Anawan Cleaners in Rehoboth and Newman YMCA and S&B Cleaners in Seekonk.
VIDBEL OLD TYME CIRCUS NEWS---#2
10/5/2010
Vidbel's Old Time Circus in Cumberland Thursday
Tickets $10; shows at St. John Vianney Church at 5 and 7:30 p.m.
CUMBERLAND - Once again, it's Circus Time in town.
Vidbel's Old Time Circus, a one-ring wonder under the big top, will stop by St. John Vianney parish grounds for two shows today, Thursday, Sept. 30, at 5 and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets will be on sale at the gate for $10 each. Children age 2 and under will be admitted free with a paying adult.
Vidbel's Old Time Circus is one of only a handful of one-ring traveling circuses still traveling the country and "wowing" crowds under the big top tent.
Some of the new performers in this year's show are the Zoppe Equestrian acts, Darnell's Incredible Dog Act, and a Rola-Bola, or balance board, act by Tevin DelMonte.
The Zoppe-Zamperla Family are seventh generation equestrian acrobats who perform bareback riding and dressage acts that will delight the audience.
Performance Director Mike Ashton says the crowds will also love Darnell's incredible dogs as they perform a poodle beauty pageant and magic acts.
"The whole show is going to be very exciting. It's our strongest show since we opened," said Ashton.
Other highlights of the this year's circus include Susan Vidbel-Ashton performing her amazing aerial act and Mike Ashton, who does a juggling act with his feet known as risley. Ashton's 24-year-old son, Miles, takes part in the performance, which Ashton says is "really exciting" and "more complex than last year."
"I'm looking forward to another great circus," said Tom Ward, Valley Breeze publisher and show sponsor. "The Vidbel family has been delighting kids in our area for several years now, and they never disappoint. I love the faces on the small children as they watch the show. It's one heck of a deal in today's high-priced entertainment world," said Ward. "I'm also grateful to 'Father Ray' Theroux, pastor of St. John Vianney Church, for allowing us to use the huge parish grounds behind the church. It makes for plenty of free, easy parking."
The church is located at 3609 Diamond Hill Road, between Nate Whipple Highway and Diamond Hill Park.
Vidbel's Old Time Circus has been family owned and operated by the Vidbel family for 26 years. The founder, Joyce Vidbel, now manages the winter quarters in Windham, N.Y., and the next generation of the family now own and manage the touring show.
In Cumberland, advance tickets have been on sale to benefit participating public school parent-teacher associations, including those at Community, Garvin, Cumberland Hill and Ashton schools. The PTOs keep 30 percent of the total sales for their own use. The Valley Breeze does not profit by the circus's appearance.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
At the fair, let your nose be your guide
Tracy Glantz /Tracy Glantz/tglantz@thestate.comThe questions are inevitable this time of year.“What’s the new fair food?” I’m often asked in the days leading up to the S.C. State Fair.“Something fried,” I typically respond.
Tue, Oct, 12, 2010-Columbia, South Carolina- The South Carolina State Fair starts at 3 p.m. today. Photo by Tracy GlantzIt’s a question, I’m convinced, that’s driven more by anticipation than curiosity. Ever faithful to their corn dogs, fried dough and Polish sausage dogs, fair patrons are always eager to treat their taste buds to something new when the fair rolls in each year.Their options will be plentiful beginning today.When the 141st anniversary fair opens its gates at 3 p.m. in Columbia, visitors will find one of the largest offerings of new food items in recent memory.
Tue, Oct, 12, 2010-Columbia, South Carolina-Jim Meyer replaces light bulbs in the carousel at The South Carolina State Fair. The fair starts at 3 p.m. today. Photo by Tracy Glantz/tglantz@thestate.com
Tue, Oct, 12, 2010-Columbia, South Carolina-Udo DuPlessis paints the cars on the Safari Airport ride at The South Carolina State Fair. The fair starts at 3 p.m. today. Photo by Tracy Glantz/tglantz@thestate.comFROM SCOTT BUNDY....
A plan to save the circus arena in Venice
HERALD-TRIBUNE ARCHIVE / 2007 / KIM HACKETT Venice Circus Arts Foundation has put together a budget to renovate the circus arena.
By TERRY O'CONNOR Correspondent
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
VENICE - The Venice Circus Arts Foundation returns to the City Council today for official assurance the deteriorating circus arena the organization is seeking to save will not be demolished.
"Six months ago, when we first went before council, I gave them a long list of things we would do if they would not tear down the arena," said Karen Dove of Sarasota-based Karen Dove Consulting, who is advising the Venice Circus Arts Foundation on how to rebuild a financially self-sustaining business. "We've done everything on that list."
The foundation will ask the council for a formal letter that would allow the arena-saving project to continue over the next three to five years, Dove said.
"It will help us raise money," Dove said. "We need council to see us through the restoration of the arena and to make a commitment not to tear it down."
Mayor Ed Martin said the city has nothing to lose by letting the foundation pursue its goal. The City Council showed its support a month ago by eliminating $250,000 in demolition costs from the budget.
But the council also asked to see a viable business plan. Dove said one is prepared.
The Venice Circus Arts Foundation board emerged from a strategic planning retreat with a three-year operating budget it hopes will impress the City Council.
The first year's $86,000 operating budget would focus on fixing the roof's gaping holes. The 2012 operating budget would increase to $200,000 and by the year 2013, the figure would reach $300,000.
The budget projections include the possibility of hiring a part-time manager and paying a development consultant as well as bills such as office rent and supplies, Internet and marketing costs, insurance, utilities and postage.
Fifth-generation trapeze artist Tito Gaona envisions a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus museum will be built eventually along with a clown training center.
Even if the council approves the foundation requests, two big challenges remain.
The foundation estimates that renovating the 5,100-seat arena will cost $10 million, and federal law requires any operation on site must be a revenue producer for the airport fund because it sits on airport property.
read more at:http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20101012/ARTICLE/10121039/2066/NEWS?Title=A-plan-to-save-the-circus-arena-in-Venice#
By TERRY O'CONNOR Correspondent
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
VENICE - The Venice Circus Arts Foundation returns to the City Council today for official assurance the deteriorating circus arena the organization is seeking to save will not be demolished.
"Six months ago, when we first went before council, I gave them a long list of things we would do if they would not tear down the arena," said Karen Dove of Sarasota-based Karen Dove Consulting, who is advising the Venice Circus Arts Foundation on how to rebuild a financially self-sustaining business. "We've done everything on that list."
The foundation will ask the council for a formal letter that would allow the arena-saving project to continue over the next three to five years, Dove said.
"It will help us raise money," Dove said. "We need council to see us through the restoration of the arena and to make a commitment not to tear it down."
Mayor Ed Martin said the city has nothing to lose by letting the foundation pursue its goal. The City Council showed its support a month ago by eliminating $250,000 in demolition costs from the budget.
But the council also asked to see a viable business plan. Dove said one is prepared.
The Venice Circus Arts Foundation board emerged from a strategic planning retreat with a three-year operating budget it hopes will impress the City Council.
The first year's $86,000 operating budget would focus on fixing the roof's gaping holes. The 2012 operating budget would increase to $200,000 and by the year 2013, the figure would reach $300,000.
The budget projections include the possibility of hiring a part-time manager and paying a development consultant as well as bills such as office rent and supplies, Internet and marketing costs, insurance, utilities and postage.
Fifth-generation trapeze artist Tito Gaona envisions a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus museum will be built eventually along with a clown training center.
Even if the council approves the foundation requests, two big challenges remain.
The foundation estimates that renovating the 5,100-seat arena will cost $10 million, and federal law requires any operation on site must be a revenue producer for the airport fund because it sits on airport property.
read more at:http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20101012/ARTICLE/10121039/2066/NEWS?Title=A-plan-to-save-the-circus-arena-in-Venice#
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