Cole Bros Circus Pt 6-the teardown (blow-off)
LaneInConn

Uploaded by LaneInConn on Aug 4, 2011
The teardown of the new Cole Bros. big top is the "blow-off," or conclusion, of Lane Talburt's six-part series commemorating Johnny Pugh's 30 years of circus ownership.

Nuneaton Fun Fair Photo Montage 2011
FunFairsUK

Come one, come all, to the Erie County Fair
Fairgoers enjoy the "Searay" on the midway last year at the Erie County Fair in Hamburg.
August 5, 2011
from: buffalonews.com
By Kristy Kibler
News Staff Reporter
An iron giant of a locomotive huffs and puffs its way into town, at long last satisfying the hordes of eager eyes straining for a first glimpse of the mile-long train. As the engine and its accompanying 61 cars pull into the Hamburg station with a groan of straining gears and brakes and one last lingering, melancholy whistle, the hundreds assembled break into cheers and applause.

James E. Strates Shows has arrived, and that means one thing: It's time for the Erie County Fair.

You could be forgiven for thinking this is a moment straight out of the past, circa 1934. But it could be from 1950, 1985 or 2010 just as easily -- Western New York crowds have been gathering to welcome Strates Shows, the last railroad carnival in the nation and the midway provider of the Erie County Fair since 1924, from the beginning. Only now, instead of featuring side show acts, burlesque dancers and performing animals, the Strates Shows team unloads, assembles and operates up to 80 amusement rides. Combined with the approximate 120 independently owned game booths and food vendors Strates manages, the fair has quite a main thoroughfare on its hands.

"When you talk to anyone who's come to the fair throughout their life ... the midway, it's magical," said Lou Ann Delaney, the fair's director of marketing and public relations. "It creates a lot of memories."

The fair is an annual tradition for Lisa Aeschbacher of West Seneca. Now 23, Aeschbacher has been attending the fair at least one day a year all her life. In her younger years, it heralded the end of summer, and it remains an August staple for her and her family. She's even persuaded more skeptical friends to give it a chance, confident they'll find something that appeals to them.

"There's something that caters to every single person," Aeschbacher said. "It doesn't matter if you're a ride person, it doesn't matter if you're there for the food, if you're there for the exhibits or the animals ... there's something there for everyone."

For more than 85 years, Strates Shows has provided the fair's kaleidoscope of entertainment with an unfailing foundation -- the rides may change, but the innovation, customer satisfaction and consistent management don't.
read more:
http://www.buffalonews.com/entertainment/gusto/article512076.ece

Sneak peak of circus
As advance scouts for a traveling circus, Dave and Cherie Gregg have a lot to laugh about

Kevin Clark/The Register-Guard
Clowns Cherie Gregg and Dave Gregg entertain children at a Willamalane Park and Recreation District’s day camp Thursday. The married entertainers travel the country staging shows in advance of the touring Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus.
By Mark Baker
The Register-Guard, Eugene, Oregon
SPRINGFIELD — What a couple of clowns — literally.
The husband-and-wife clown duo of Dave and Cherie Gregg have been in the Eugene-Springfield area since Wednesday promoting “The Greatest Show on Earth,” the upcoming Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey “Boom a Ring” circus at Matthew Knight Arena on Aug. 26-28.

And that was just fine with a bunch of 5- and 6-year-old summer camp kids who squealed with delight during a one-hour free show Thursday at the Willamalane Center, formerly the Regional Sports Center, in Springfield.

Louella Vogegeli’s favorite part?

“When the lady was being silly,” said Louella, 5, who got to participate in one of the bits after raising her hand when a “brave helper” was needed.

Of course, “the lady” was being silly the entire time — even in a post-show interview when asked where she and her husband are from.

“From our mothers,” Cherie Gregg said.

Duh.

Actually, the Greggs, who met at a “Clown College” audition in Boston in 1990, are from Foxborough, Mass. They are gainfully employed professional clowns who used to be part of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey act, but now work for the company doing promotions prior to the circus’ arrival in towns across the nation.

They travel the country in their van.

Dressed like that?

“No,” said Cherie, with a thick Massachusetts accent, a voice much different than the soft, high-pitched one the children heard earlier. “We just go from event to event dressed like this.”

Six-year-old Madison Somerville, attending her first-ever clown show, was delighted to see how they were dressed — Dave Gregg in his red-and-royal-blue suit with the black-and-white checkered socks and shirt, the straight royal blue hair, red nose and big black-and-red clown shoes, and Cherie Gregg in her black-and-white polka dot suit and jet-black hair complementing her milk-white face paint.

“I liked when she was disappearing from him,” Madison said shyly after the show, standing next to her father, Benjamin Somerville, who had come to pick her up from camp.

Yes, for a while there, Dave Gregg couldn’t seem to find his wife. Every time he quickly turned around, she was right behind him, but a tad too close for him to see. Then, suddenly, she was on the ground, her head poking through her husband’s legs.

“She’s under there!” the children screamed.

“She’s under where?” said Dave Gregg, gasping in embarrassment, before adding: “I said ‘underwear.’?”

County Fairs Kickoff in Eastern Idaho
KPVI-TV

Vintage circus bedazzles crowd,
A great night out for families

Janice Thiessen, Ottawa South EMC
Sophie the Fire Weaver performs an amazing feat of spinning flaming balls of fire over her head.
Posted Aug 4, 2011
By Janice Thiessen, Ottawa,South EMC
EMC Entertainment - Billings Estate hosted a vintage circus on July 27 which was a rare treat for the intimate crowd.

Performers delighted the audience with their whimsical and silly performance.

This was the last night in the star struck evening series which we host every Thursday in July," said education and interpretation program officer for Billings Estate Ashley Moores.

"This series has been a great opportunity for families to have something fun to do throughout the summer.

"We wanted to do something extra special for our last show."

The vintage circus had three acts: the first was with the cow guys who are comedian jugglers and stunt men, the second act was a fire weaving show, and lastly was a contortionist.

"I don't think the Billing's would have hosted a circus on their grounds.

"But we can imagine it is something they would have been excited to attend as a family.

"We're happy to be able to offer a similar experience in the modern day.

"It's a great way to reminisce of how communities would come out to see the circus when it came to town," she said.

The performance included audience members and was sweet and charming.

For more information on programs at Billings Estate visit contact the museum at 613-247-4830, visit ottawa.ca/museums or find Billings Estate on Facebook.

THE LATEST FROM LANE TALBURT---

Cole Bros. Circus: Elvin Bale in the shadow of the cannon

LaneInConn

Uploaded by LaneInConn on Aug 4, 2011

Legendary daredevil Elvin Bale is the center-ring feature of Part 5 in Lane Talburt's series on Cole Bros. Circus. Bale is the vice president-operations of the DeLand, Florida, touring enterprise.

BILL PRICKETT VISITS

CLYDE BEATTY-COLE BROS WINTERQUARTERS

CLYDE BEATTY-COLE BROS.......I visited the WQ's in Deland,Fl. in Jan. of 1993. I met John Pugh, and he gave me persission to tour

the grounds and take photos. I spent the entire day there, and had to leave at lunch time to go buy more film. Following are twenty

of the photos I took that great day.

Bill Prickett

MORE PICTURES COMMING TOMORROW!

Take a ride on the wild side

Enhanced carnival promises major thrills
By Carole Brodsky
08/04/2011
Sean Butler, Ukiah native and unit manager for carnival giant Butler Amusements, smiles as he strolls down the midway.

"I'm happy to be home," he says. Butler hasn't been in Ukiah since March, and as a high-five to his community, he is bringing a few gifts with him.

"This year we have the largest number of rides in the fair's history. All of the rides come from the California State Fair. Mendocino County residents are getting the same caliber of carnival rides available at the California State Fair," Butler explains.

It's not just the rides that are special this year. "Fairgoers will be getting our State Fair operation. Our best managers and operators are all here in Ukiah," he notes.

Carnival rides are primarily designed and built in Italy, according to Butler. "About 80 percent of carnival rides are Italian-made," he explains.

Rides are broken down into four categories: Kiddie, Tween, Major and Spectacular. Butler has focused on expanding the rides for the younger set and delivering some major thrills for those craving the Spectacular experience.

"For the kids, we have three brand new rides." The Chopper Hopper is a new helicopter-themed attraction that takes kids about 20 feet into the air as it rotates around a central base. The Wet Boat Ride incorporates real water into the ride. "This is one of the most popular rides we have," says Butler.

The Frog Hopper resembles a mini "drop zone" ride
read more: http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/ci_18622331

Clowning around at Broadway at the Beach
Myrtle Beach

Brian Dangerous, a Ringling Bros. Clown College graduate, starts regular shows at Broadway at the Beach.
By Steve Palisin - .
Thursday, Aug. 04, 2011
Bryan Fulton can’t help clowning around, especially during National Clown Week, always the first seven days of August.

The Carolina Forest resident has brought his “Bryan Dangerous Comedy Show” to Broadway at the Beach’s “Summer Nights” on the Heroes Harbor Stage, between Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurant and Ripley’s Aquarium.

Fulton, 32, gives an interactive juggling and balancing show, using skills he has built from such tenures as a clown for six years in Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus and his studies and graduation from its clown college. He said his stage show name originated from his first stunt, a dare he answered with some jumps dockside among platforms in his hometown Baltimore during high school.

Last week, he juggled some questions about his lifestyle and gave credit to his wife of 12 years, Stephanie Fulton, who manages their family business and portrays “Living Statues” locally. They have two daughters, ages 11 and almost 7.
Read more: http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/08/04/2315603/clowning-around-at-broadway-at.html#ixzz1U8zWPUzI

Cole Bros. Circus coming to Willingboro

Nancy Rokos/Staff Photographer
Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars clown, LEW-E shares a laugh with Ernestine Harvey of Lumberton during a press conference held at the Willingboro Seniors Center announcing the arrival of the circus the weekend of Aug. 12th at the Town Center.
Thu Aug 4, 2011.
By Rose Krebs
Staff writer Calkins Media, Inc.
Burlington County Times Burlington County Times .
from: phillyburbs.com
WILLINGBORO — The circus is coming to town.

From Aug. 12 to 14, the Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars will bring its show to the Grand Marketplace parking lot on Route 130.

The 127-year-old “big top” circus will make its only stop in Burlington County as part of its East Coast tour.

It will feature the standard circus fare: animals, clowns, high-flying trapeze artists, tricks, and family-friendly entertainment.

“Willingboro needs something light for a change,” Deputy Mayor Jacqueline Jennings said. “The fact that children can come for free is just great. Everybody loves the circus. I’m excited because it’s an old-fashioned circus.”

Showtimes are 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12; 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13; and 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Aug. 14. Tickets are $19 for adults and free for children under age 13.

“It’s wonderful for (Cole Bros.) to still have a circus that’s a real circus, like the ones we know,” said Reva Foster, the township’s executive director of community affairs, senior services and veterans affairs.

The township hopes the circus will return every year, Foster said. Next year, the venue likely will be Mill Creek Park off Beverly-Rancocas Road.

The circus is being hosted by the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 26 of Burlington County. Resident Ron Dash, who is chapter commander, said some proceeds will benefit the veterans group.

“This is a military town,” Dash said. “They felt their generosity should go towards veterans.”

He said Cole Bros. has been generous in handing out free tickets and performing for local groups in advance of next weekend’s shows.

“They get a laugh, a chuckle, and bring a little happiness,” Dash said.

Michael Norris of Cole Bros. said the circus, which puts on about 200 shows a year along the East Coast from February to November, has a new big top this year. Setup starts today.

Norris visited the township’s senior center off JFK Way on Wednesday with Lew-e the Clown to announce the circus’ arrival. A preview performance was offered to the residents gathered.

Lew-e, also known as Lee Andrews, entertained with a few tricks.

“Hopefully, you will come join us. It takes you back to your childhood and you can just be a kid again,” he said.

Tickets and coupons are available at various area merchants or by calling 1-888-332-5200 or visiting www.tickets.com. They also are available at the box office before showtimes

FUN AT THE CIRCUS

photo by Kathleen Leinen • Daily News
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Carson & Barnes Circus set up a big top in Breckenridge, Minn. on Wednesday and performed two shows for Twin Town residents. Clockwise from top left, 8-month-old Presley Wiebusch rides an elephant with uncle Brett Dohman of Breckenridge.

Circus Thrills at the Fair

Aug 4, 2011.
Globe of Death
By Karen Cernich, Missourian Features Editor The Missourian
Step right up! Step right up, folks, to see some amazing stunts!

The Victoria Circus is in town this week, setting up its “big top” near the north gate of the Washington Town and Country Fair.

If you watched the Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean shows at last year’s Fair, you may recognize the acrobats in this year’s circus — they are one in the same.

But the show and stunts are entirely new, said “Lady Victoria” Murcia, whose family is behind both shows.

“There’s more action and a lot faster pace,” she told The Missourian.

Last year the pirate show included a Wheel of Death, but for the circus act it is known as the Wheel of Destiny. Only one end of the rigging has a round cage, but the other end is weighted so the wheel spins faster, Lady Victoria explained.

There’s also the Globe of Death, which the family describes as “an attention getter.” It’s a 14 1/2-foot-tall cage ball that three performers ride tiny motorcyles in — up and around the walls, sometimes reaching speeds of 45 miles an hour.

“They weave different patterns sideways and even completely upside down all within inches of each other,” Lady Victoria explained.

If you would like to see a sneak peek of this before the Fair opens, you can do an Internet search to find a video of Lady Victoria’s niece and nephew (of the Fearless Flores Family) performing the stunt on America’s Got Talent earlier this month. The children are just 13 and 8 years old.
READ MORE AT:
http://www.emissourian.com/features_people/feature_stories/article_28e8cb3e-3a2b-5e27-8a3f-4728ae689934.html?mode=story

Zoppe Family Circus revives the days of old in South Burlington

Giovanni Zoppe as Nino in the Zoppe Family Circus. The show comes to Technology Park in South Burlington this weekend for six shows starting tonight. / Courtesy photo

Written bySusan Green, Free Press Correspondent

Aug. 3, 2011

Think of it as “When Napoline Met Ermengilda.” As creation stories go, the origins of the Zoppe Family Circus — appearing this week in Vermont — seem quite romantic: A French street performer visiting Budapest in 1842 fell for a Hungarian ballerina.
“Her father was not in favor of a clown marrying his daughter,” explained Giovanni Zoppe, a great-great-grandson of Napoline and Ermengilda Zoppe. “So, they moved to Venice and began their own circus.”
Giovanni Zoppe, following in ancestrial footsteps and wearing a bulbous red nose, will transform himself into Nino the Clown Prince of Italy during six shows scheduled for today through Sunday in South Burlington. He is also the the circus director, and his wife, Amy, is an aerialist. They often bring out their 21-month-old son Julien to take a bow. Moreover, Giovanni works alongside his two sisters — Tosca, an equestrian, and Carla, who orchestrates the dancing dogs — and their spouses.
“I was trained as a bareback rider like my father but I also do trapeze and juggling,” Giovanni Zoppe, 45, said.
Giovanni Zoppe’s father, Alberto Zoppe, was lured to the United States by filmmaker Cecile B. DeMille, who cast him and his daredevil horse act in 1952’s “The Greatest Show on Earth.” In order to participate in the movie, the Italian circus star collaborated with the legendary Ringling Brothers, which agreed to his unusual proviso.
“My father only signed the deal when they sent an elephant to our circus in Italy in exchange,” Giovanni Zoppe said. “There were no elephants in all of Europe after World War II.”
Alberto Zoppe remained in Hollywood for more than a decade, serving as an advisor on other motion pictures and making his television debut on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in early 1964, just a few weeks before the Beatles. He was with the Ringling Brothers circus for six years and married a member of the famous Flying Wallendas, high-wire artists whose legacy goes back to 1780.
Leaving the film industry behind, Alberto then launched an American chapter of the Zoppe Family Circus, currently headquartered in Chicago. After two children and a divorce, he tied the knot again in the early 1960s with vaudeville singer Sandra Kaylar. He was 43; she was 17.
Giovanni Zoppe, one of their three offspring, was first seen under the big top a few days after his birth. His dad continued in the circus ring even after replacement of both hips. As an octogenarian, Alberto Zoppe, was finally sidelined following a series of mini-strokes; he died two years ago at age 88.
During the show’s run at Technology Park in South Burlington, the Zoppe Family Circus will strut its stuff in a 600-seat tent. “It was designed by my father and has a unique garlic-shaped fiberglass top with an exhaust fan that sucks out the hot air,” Giovanni Zoppe said.
The 28-person troupe, half of them relatives, spends about 30 weeks a year on the road delivering the thrills and chills of a traditional circus.
Burlington’s Flynn Center is presenting the Zoppe circus and artistic director Arnie Malina, agreed with Giovanni Zoppe on the kid-friendly nature of the show.
“This circus is a real throwback, with lots of audience participation,” he said. “They’re a breath of fresh air, delightfully charming and old-fashioned.”
Giovanni Zoppe references his clan’s history.
“We are what circuses were 100 years ago,” he said “Circus and family mean the same thing in my opinion.”

Big Top Splendor: Cole Bros. Circus returns to South Jersey for family fun

The Cole Bros. Circus returns to southern New Jersey with performances Thursday, Aug. 4 and Friday,  Aug. 5, in Mays Landing, Monday, Aug. 8, and Tuesday, Aug. 9, in Seaville and Wednesday, Aug. 10, and Thursday, Aug. 11, in Rio Grande.
Posted: Thursday, August 4, 2011 12:00 am Updated: 12:09 pm, Wed Aug 3, 2011.

By VERONICA DUDO,
For At The Shore pressofAtlanticCity.com

Every night, Jose Bermudez is shot out of a cannon, flying through the air at about 65 miles per hour as the Human Cannonball. For him, it's just another day on the job.

Bermudez, you see, is among the featured performers in the Cole Brothers Circus, which will make three stops in southern New Jersey this month. And, he's a circus lifer, a third-generation performer who began when he was 7 years old.

"My dad worked for the circus for 45 years, so he taught me and my brother," Bermudez says. With Cole Brothers for 14 years, Bermudez says he first toured in South America before traveling America with the circus, and he enjoys traveling up the coast each year.

"We travel for nine months of the year around the East Coast from Florida up to New York," he says. "We see a lot of people, a lot of friends. It's great to travel with the circus; it's fun."

Residents will have the chance to watch Bermudez soar through the air during one of the circus' three South Jersey stops: Thursday, Aug. 4, and Friday, Aug. 5, in Mays Landing; Monday, Aug. 8, and Tuesday, Aug. 9, in Seaville; and Wednesday, Aug. 10 and Thursday, Aug. 11, in Rio Grande.

The performer admits that when he first became the Human Cannonball he was a little scared.

"When I started, yes of course a little bit because it's something new," Bermudez says. "But now I'm used to it; we do it every day now. I like to do that; it's fun to fly in the air, it's great."

Bermudez encourages fans to look for him before the show, when he will be at the face-painting booth. He also entertains the crowd as a clown along with his wife and brother.

"We have four more clowns. We're having a comedy car with my wife. ... It's a great show."
READ MORE AT:
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/ats/events/big-top-splendor-cole-bros-circus-returns-to-south-jersey/article_8fab0598-a724-54d7-864c-811c7a1a4704.html?mode=story

Circus to be a Classic Big Top Show
Kelly Miller Circus to perform at Avon,Ohio Knights of Columbus on Sunday

By Julie A. Short
FROM: avonpatch.com
August 3, 2011
The circus is coming to town!

The Knights of Columbus Father Ragan Council 3269 in Avon will host two shows by the Kelly Miller Circus at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Aug. 7 on the council grounds.

“It’s very exciting to be bringing this type of entertainment to Avon,” said past Knight of Columbus Grand Knight John Hricovec. “I personally saw the circus two years ago in Geneva, and another member saw it on Kelleys Island. The two of us got together and thought we could pull this together and have nice family event.”

The Kelly Miller Circus has been in existence since 1938, according to information posted on the circus website. Today, the circus travels throughout the country with a fleet of 25 vehicles.

Assisting with set up for the event are the elephants themselves. According to Hricovec, Kelly Miller Circus uses its elephants to set up the show tent. The public is invited to watch the event at 9 a.m. the day of the show.

“What makes this event so special and different is you are right up near the action,” said Hricovec. “Every seat is a good seat. When the performers spit fire, you can feel the heat. You are up close to the animals. It’s definitely something to see and an affordable way to spend an afternoon with the family.”

A portion of the proceeds from the circus shows will benefit the Knights of Columbus. Hricovec said money raised will be used to assist Catholic churches and schools in the community, as well as assistance for the developmentally disabled. He said that, between the council and the foundation, Avon's Knights of Columbus donated more than $40,000 to various organizations last year.

Fifteen hundred seats will be available for each performance.

Advance tickets cost $10 for adults and $6 for children 12 and younger. Tickets will be available the day of the show, with the price $15 for adults and $7 for children.