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Sunday, February 5, 2012
Unstoppable Maximum Destruction wows the Monster Jam Orlando crowd with a split-second win
Uploaded by AttractionsMagazine on Feb 3, 2012
Monster Jam has had many shows, but has rarely seen a racing winner take the title by .03 seconds (laser timed) and then go out and win Freestyle in the way that Maximum Destruction did last on Jan. 28, 2012 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida.
Uploaded by AttractionsMagazine on Feb 3, 2012
Monster Jam has had many shows, but has rarely seen a racing winner take the title by .03 seconds (laser timed) and then go out and win Freestyle in the way that Maximum Destruction did last on Jan. 28, 2012 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida.
Peru circus to begin charging performers fees
04 Feb 2012PERU, Ind. (AP) - Performers at Peru's Amateur Circus won't just need skill this year. They'll need some cold, hard cash if they want to show off their talents.
The Circus City Festival Board says it will begin charging performers a sign-up fee after donations from businesses and benefactors declined.
"It's a situation where we looked around us — there aren't a lot of free, unstructured activities that give the kids everything they get out of (the) circus," producer Mark Hall told the Peru Tribune (http://bit.ly/yR8z6a).
The new fees are $30 per child. Families with more than one child participating will pay $30 for the first child and $20 for each additional child.
"We looked at the minimum we could charge to make a little bit of an impact on our budget," Hall said. "We also looked at youth circus programs throughout the country. Ours is definitely a true bargain. There are places that charge thousands of dollars just to work in a similar program for shorter periods of time. It's a very unique skill set."
Circus City Festival treasurer Kurt Krauskopf said the festival has a 2012 budget of about $260,000. The festival spends more than a fourth of that on insurance and utilities, with other money going toward scholarships, publicity, a parade and the event itself.
"We haven't raised ticket prices in four years and we can only charge so much for certain things," Krauskopf said.
He said organizers decided to implement the performer fees after reviewing the budget and realizing they wouldn't have enough money to cover their expenses.
"This was not a decision taken lightly by the board," he said.
The board expects the fees to generate about $6,000. The $30 fee doesn't guarantee that a child will be chosen for the show; participants still have to pay for equipment such as boots, tumbling leotards and wrist tapes.
The Circus City Festival dates from 1960 and draws on the area's rich circus history. Many of the country's top circuses wintered in Miami County in the late 1800s, and the area is home to the International Circus Hall of Fame, according to the festival's website.
The circus is held each July. About 250 people ages 7 to 21, along with a team of clowns, join forces to present performances over eight days. This year's circus is scheduled for July 14 to July 21.
The Circus City Festival Board says it will begin charging performers a sign-up fee after donations from businesses and benefactors declined.
"It's a situation where we looked around us — there aren't a lot of free, unstructured activities that give the kids everything they get out of (the) circus," producer Mark Hall told the Peru Tribune (http://bit.ly/yR8z6a).
The new fees are $30 per child. Families with more than one child participating will pay $30 for the first child and $20 for each additional child.
"We looked at the minimum we could charge to make a little bit of an impact on our budget," Hall said. "We also looked at youth circus programs throughout the country. Ours is definitely a true bargain. There are places that charge thousands of dollars just to work in a similar program for shorter periods of time. It's a very unique skill set."
Circus City Festival treasurer Kurt Krauskopf said the festival has a 2012 budget of about $260,000. The festival spends more than a fourth of that on insurance and utilities, with other money going toward scholarships, publicity, a parade and the event itself.
"We haven't raised ticket prices in four years and we can only charge so much for certain things," Krauskopf said.
He said organizers decided to implement the performer fees after reviewing the budget and realizing they wouldn't have enough money to cover their expenses.
"This was not a decision taken lightly by the board," he said.
The board expects the fees to generate about $6,000. The $30 fee doesn't guarantee that a child will be chosen for the show; participants still have to pay for equipment such as boots, tumbling leotards and wrist tapes.
The Circus City Festival dates from 1960 and draws on the area's rich circus history. Many of the country's top circuses wintered in Miami County in the late 1800s, and the area is home to the International Circus Hall of Fame, according to the festival's website.
The circus is held each July. About 250 people ages 7 to 21, along with a team of clowns, join forces to present performances over eight days. This year's circus is scheduled for July 14 to July 21.
Special price for circus
by Brent Knoll
Saturday 4th February 2012
PEOPLE will be able to get tickets next Monday (February 6, 2012) at a special price for the opening night of a circus taking place at a garden centre in Somerset.
Paulo’s Circus will be hosting the show at Sanders Garden World in Brent Knoll on Thursday, February 16 with all tickets costing the same price.
The performances start from Thursday, February 16 and run until Sunday, February 26. There is a special ticket price of £6.99 for the launch show at 7pm on February 16.
The usual price for adult grand stand tickets cost £16. For children, tickets cost £14. Ring side seats are £14 for adults and £12 for children. Side view tickets are priced at £11 for adults and £9 for children.
Paulo’s Circus has just ended a UK tour including taking part in the ITV1 show ‘Red or Black’. The troupe will be on-site at Sanders Garden World from February 6.
The shows will take place at 7pm on Thursday, February 16, 5pm and 7.30pm on Friday, February 17 and 3pm and 6pm from Saturday, February 18 until Sunday, February 26. Performances will last between one and a half and two hours.
Tickets will be available from Monday, February 6 from the circus’ box office at Sanders Garden World or by calling the circus on 07021 125 454.
Paulo’s Circus will be hosting the show at Sanders Garden World in Brent Knoll on Thursday, February 16 with all tickets costing the same price.
The performances start from Thursday, February 16 and run until Sunday, February 26. There is a special ticket price of £6.99 for the launch show at 7pm on February 16.
The usual price for adult grand stand tickets cost £16. For children, tickets cost £14. Ring side seats are £14 for adults and £12 for children. Side view tickets are priced at £11 for adults and £9 for children.
Paulo’s Circus has just ended a UK tour including taking part in the ITV1 show ‘Red or Black’. The troupe will be on-site at Sanders Garden World from February 6.
The shows will take place at 7pm on Thursday, February 16, 5pm and 7.30pm on Friday, February 17 and 3pm and 6pm from Saturday, February 18 until Sunday, February 26. Performances will last between one and a half and two hours.
Tickets will be available from Monday, February 6 from the circus’ box office at Sanders Garden World or by calling the circus on 07021 125 454.
CIRCUS DROPS ANIMAL ACTS AFTER PUBLIC STAY AWAY
Circus owner Kenny Darnell said his decision was made for strictly commercial reason / GETTYSunday February 5,2012
By Ted Jeory
Paulo’s Circus had attracted protests from animal rights activists but owner Kenny Darnell said his decision was made for strictly commercial reasons.
His circus had been using animals for decades until the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in 2001. It then had only human performers, like the majority of modern circuses.
However, last year Mr Darnell began using horses and ponies in acts to see if it would improve business.
“There was no difference in takings,” he said, and added: “There’s a lot of hassle having them. When you have animals, you have to have other tents, you have to have hay and straw delivered, you have to have sawdust for the ring.
“There are extra costs for us in looking after them, making sure the sites have got water and enough space in their compounds. When you’ve got all humans you don’t have to worry about those sorts of things.
“When we put animals back in last year it shocked some of our customers, so we’re now making it clear we don’t have them any more. We had animal rights protests but that wasn’t part of our decision.”
Amid outrage over the maltreatment of Anne the elephant at the Bobby Roberts Circus last year, MPs voted unanimously to ban the use of wild animals in circuses.
They demanded the Department for Food and Rural Affairs introduce legislation by this summer.
However, Defra has so far refused, saying it intends only to design a “tough new licensing regime”.
His circus had been using animals for decades until the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in 2001. It then had only human performers, like the majority of modern circuses.
However, last year Mr Darnell began using horses and ponies in acts to see if it would improve business.
“There was no difference in takings,” he said, and added: “There’s a lot of hassle having them. When you have animals, you have to have other tents, you have to have hay and straw delivered, you have to have sawdust for the ring.
“There are extra costs for us in looking after them, making sure the sites have got water and enough space in their compounds. When you’ve got all humans you don’t have to worry about those sorts of things.
“When we put animals back in last year it shocked some of our customers, so we’re now making it clear we don’t have them any more. We had animal rights protests but that wasn’t part of our decision.”
Amid outrage over the maltreatment of Anne the elephant at the Bobby Roberts Circus last year, MPs voted unanimously to ban the use of wild animals in circuses.
They demanded the Department for Food and Rural Affairs introduce legislation by this summer.
However, Defra has so far refused, saying it intends only to design a “tough new licensing regime”.
Is Ringling's show still 'the greatest'?
Unlike other circuses, Ringling Bros. has live animals, including elephants and more.by:Théoden Janes
From: Charlotteobserver.com
Friday, Feb. 03, 2012
In recent years, it has become increasingly difficult to believe Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's famous claim: that its circus is "The Greatest Show on Earth."Ringling might even have difficulty convincing certain people this is the greatest show to land in Charlotte, which has hosted two major Cirque du Soleil productions in the past 10 months and welcomed the ambitious, equestrian-focused Cavalia in 2010.Yet here it is again, back like clockwork for its annual five-day winter stop at uptown's Time Warner Cable Arena, trotting out its typical cast of characters: clowns, dancers, daredevils, elephants, horses, tigers - this time using an electricity theme and branding the show "Fully Charged."And you know what? It really is a darn good show.
Ringmaster Brian Crawford Scott joins the parade at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. PHOTOS BY ROBERT LAHSERTruth be told, I think part of what's happening here is that Cirque du Soleil has been seen by so many people, it has forced Ringling Bros. to elevate its game by coming up with stunts and daredevil acts on par with Cirque's.So you'll see aerialists rolling up into the air on straps, swinging, somersaulting, plummeting before stopping suddenly just inches above the floor. You'll see two big-bodied Mongolian strongmen doing yoga-style partner poses that would present a challenge for contortionists one-third their sizes. The show's finale, in fact, seems ripped from Cirque du Soleil's playbook: eight acrobats zipping through a series of dizzying tumbling passes on a power
These folks are all as talented as those I've seen in Cirque, and yet it is the more traditional circus acts that I was most wowed by during Wednesday's show.The first was the high-wire troupe. I won't spoil the surprises, but I will say they don't use safety cables and look so natural up there that it almost seems like what you're seeing has to be an illusion. (It's not.)The second was the "Twin Turbines of Terror," featuring two brothers who jump, leap and flip atop steel wheels that are rotating on a giant pendulum. When one of the brothers performed a front flip as the wheel hit its zenith - while spinning at more than 15 mph - seven spotters surrounded the inflatable safety cushion 30 feet below. (The fact that the men stumbled slightly at other moments made this even more thrilling.)
Of course, the other thing Ringling Bros. has that Cirque du Soleil does not is live animals. I was underwhelmed by the horse act, which didn't seem to have much imagination, but impressed as usual by the various dog-like tricks that the elephants were able to perform.
Then there are the tigers. Ever since Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy was mauled by one of these giant cats in 2003, people have viewed this act in a different light. And that light is: you never know what's going to happen in there.In a twisted way, that accident is the best thing that ever happened for a guy like tiger trainer Tabayara Maluenda. This is to say, gosh, he seems awfully brave. These are unpredictable beasts, and when they swipe their paws at Maluenda or bare their teeth and growl, you catch your breath, just a little.The tiger-taming routine adds an element of straightforward, uncomplicated danger that Cirque du Soleil - with its abstract storytelling and contemplative themes - is unlikely to ever offer.Is Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's circus still the greatest show on earth? If you have any interest in the answer to that question, it's worth buying a ticket and judging for yourself.Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/02/03/2980594/is-ringlings-show-still-the-greatest.html#storylink=cpy
These folks are all as talented as those I've seen in Cirque, and yet it is the more traditional circus acts that I was most wowed by during Wednesday's show.The first was the high-wire troupe. I won't spoil the surprises, but I will say they don't use safety cables and look so natural up there that it almost seems like what you're seeing has to be an illusion. (It's not.)The second was the "Twin Turbines of Terror," featuring two brothers who jump, leap and flip atop steel wheels that are rotating on a giant pendulum. When one of the brothers performed a front flip as the wheel hit its zenith - while spinning at more than 15 mph - seven spotters surrounded the inflatable safety cushion 30 feet below. (The fact that the men stumbled slightly at other moments made this even more thrilling.)Of course, the other thing Ringling Bros. has that Cirque du Soleil does not is live animals. I was underwhelmed by the horse act, which didn't seem to have much imagination, but impressed as usual by the various dog-like tricks that the elephants were able to perform.
Then there are the tigers. Ever since Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy was mauled by one of these giant cats in 2003, people have viewed this act in a different light. And that light is: you never know what's going to happen in there.In a twisted way, that accident is the best thing that ever happened for a guy like tiger trainer Tabayara Maluenda. This is to say, gosh, he seems awfully brave. These are unpredictable beasts, and when they swipe their paws at Maluenda or bare their teeth and growl, you catch your breath, just a little.The tiger-taming routine adds an element of straightforward, uncomplicated danger that Cirque du Soleil - with its abstract storytelling and contemplative themes - is unlikely to ever offer.Is Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's circus still the greatest show on earth? If you have any interest in the answer to that question, it's worth buying a ticket and judging for yourself.Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/02/03/2980594/is-ringlings-show-still-the-greatest.html#storylink=cpy
Swimming out to 'the pier'
from: pressofatlanticcity.com Sun Feb 5, 2012. I was born on Virginia Avenue in Atlantic City in 1935 and raised in the Inlet section. My very first memory of The Pier was walking, holding on to a baby coach that my mother or grandmother would push along with one of my younger brothers aboard - I had five brothers - and I can still see the towers with the flags waving on top. Growing up in those days, we would try to earn the ticket price by gathering papers and take them to Snyder's Junkyard on Maryland Avenue. We never got enough and would have to try to raise the rest from my parents or older brothers. If you got to The Pier early enough, the price was a nickel cheaper - I think about 18 cents. We always brought our lunch in a paper bag and we would go to the lockers near the Sun Deck and put the bag in an open one. Thinking back, I never remember anything ever being moved or touched, no matter how long it was in the locker. Next step was going down to plan our day. All the movie and show times were always clearly marked on the walls throughout the pier and we didn't want to miss anything - the water sports and circus at the end were always a must. I can remember seeing Henny Youngman, the Ritz Brothers, the Mills Brothers and my very favorite, Abbott and Costello. Once when I was about 9 or 10, I was standing next to Bud Abbott at one of the refreshment stands, and he said, "Hello, young man" - I know I told all my friends about that. ... The war years were very different and exciting to a young boy, and there was an exhibit at the entrance with pieces of shot-down German planes and other war pieces, including a part from a U-boat. There were also wax figures of Hitler, Mussolini and Tojo, along with John Dillinger and other notorious figures from the 1930s.
When I was a teeenager, The Pier was the place to go, especially on Easter Sunday. If you had a girlfriend, you just had to take her to The Pier. We saw great shows then - I can recall Johnny Ray, Al Martino, Tony Bennett and Frankie Laine among many others. At that time, we became more interested in the bands in the Marine Ballroom; we would spend many hours standing in front of the stage just to listen.We would swim out and watch the Water Circus, by floating and treading water. Then when we would swim back, we would stop at the boat dock, (where) the Tango sightseeing boat docked. We would go up the ramp and sit on the benches in our bathting suits, and when the pier guards came after us, we would dive off and wait for them to leave - then do the same thing again. I was also on the Atlantic City Beach Patrol, and part of our training was learning to go under the pier, time the (waves) coming in, stay away from the pilings and keep our eye on a bather who strayed under the pier and needed help. ... I was in the Navy in the Korean War and it seemed that we all talked about our hometowns, and how great they were. I don't remember anyone who could ever talk about anything like the Steel Pier. When I would describe all that was on The Pier for one low price, I even had trouble convincing many guys that it was true.
Please note that when locals talk about Steel Pier, they just say "The Pier." Although there were and are other piers in Atlantic City, there is just one that's The Pier - Steel Pier. - Joseph Walls, Linwood, NJSaturday, February 4, 2012
A day at the fair
Friday, February 3, 2012
By Kaija Swisher/ Black Hills Pioneer
During the winter, I often make the days warmer by thinking about some of my favorite things to do during the summer months. One item on the list is local fairs. Memories of area fairs include touring barns filled with impressive farm animals, eating cotton candy and caramel apples and trying to win prizes through games that may not have been quite fair. Nobody really needs a giant stuffed version of Scooby-Doo, I guess, but just seeing those prizes makes it difficult for children to save their money and not try their luck.
Fairs are a tradition that continue, and from children to their grandparents-and even important elected officials like the president of the United States-there is something at the fair for everyone to enjoy. The Butte-Lawrence County Fairgrounds bring these events to the area each year, and from the start, this fair has impressed its participants, including President and Mrs. Calvin Coolidge during a visit in the 1920s.Located on the floodplain of the Belle Fourche River outside of Nisland, the Butte-Lawrence County Fairgrounds is composed of a complex with a grandstand, pavilion and buildings for exhibitions, livestock, seating areas and more. The fairgrounds is on land deeded in 1919, the year before the fair was moved to its present location. Previously, the fair was located at Newell or Vale for the yearly fair, but when the Belle Fourche Irrigation Project was proposed, a site in the center of the project was desired, and Nisland, located on the Belle Fourche River, became that site.
Earl Nelson was the contractor for the buildings at the fairgrounds, and in 1921, the fair was held in September to allow for the completion of those buildings. Since then, the annual event brings people from around the area and beyond to its location to exchange and display agricultural knowledge, enjoy the company of friends and neighbors and put on various fair traditions.
During the winter, I often make the days warmer by thinking about some of my favorite things to do during the summer months. One item on the list is local fairs. Memories of area fairs include touring barns filled with impressive farm animals, eating cotton candy and caramel apples and trying to win prizes through games that may not have been quite fair. Nobody really needs a giant stuffed version of Scooby-Doo, I guess, but just seeing those prizes makes it difficult for children to save their money and not try their luck.
Fairs are a tradition that continue, and from children to their grandparents-and even important elected officials like the president of the United States-there is something at the fair for everyone to enjoy. The Butte-Lawrence County Fairgrounds bring these events to the area each year, and from the start, this fair has impressed its participants, including President and Mrs. Calvin Coolidge during a visit in the 1920s.Located on the floodplain of the Belle Fourche River outside of Nisland, the Butte-Lawrence County Fairgrounds is composed of a complex with a grandstand, pavilion and buildings for exhibitions, livestock, seating areas and more. The fairgrounds is on land deeded in 1919, the year before the fair was moved to its present location. Previously, the fair was located at Newell or Vale for the yearly fair, but when the Belle Fourche Irrigation Project was proposed, a site in the center of the project was desired, and Nisland, located on the Belle Fourche River, became that site.
Earl Nelson was the contractor for the buildings at the fairgrounds, and in 1921, the fair was held in September to allow for the completion of those buildings. Since then, the annual event brings people from around the area and beyond to its location to exchange and display agricultural knowledge, enjoy the company of friends and neighbors and put on various fair traditions.
A champion fair!
Cumberland County Fair earns top prize in Tennessee fair awards
From: crossville-chronicle.comFebruary 3, 2012
The midway is a popular attraction at the annual Cumberland County Fair, along with educational demonstrations, community exhibits and a variety of contests and entertainment. The fair was named the Champion of Champions Fair for 2011 at the annual Tennessee Association of Fairs convention held Jan. 19-21 in Nashville.
The midway is a popular attraction at the annual Cumberland County Fair, along with educational demonstrations, community exhibits and a variety of contests and entertainment. The fair was named the Champion of Champions Fair for 2011 at the annual Tennessee Association of Fairs convention held Jan. 19-21 in Nashville.
Columbus Mileposts Feb. 4, 1883: Sudden flood washed through circus ‘town’
Sellsville, headquarters of the Sells Brothers Circus near the Olentangy River, was home to many animalsBy Gerald Tebben
FOR THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Saturday February 4, 2012
With area rivers flooding, Sells Brothers’ Circus workers struggled on Feb. 4, 1883, to rescue the show’s animals and equipment.
Heavy rains that came down on frozen ground and ice-covered streams caused the city’s rivers to rise to an unprecedented level early that Sunday morning.
The circus’ headquarters — called Sellsville — were along the Olentangy River north of 5th Avenue. And though the buildings there were constructed 18 inches above the supposed high-water mark, it proved to be no help as the river rose more than 3 feet above that level before dawn.
Sellsville included housing for 50 circus workers, cages, and sheds for the railroad cars that transported one of the nation’s largest circuses across the country from April to December each year.
“The icy coldness of the water was too much for several animals, including a camel, two zebus (or sacred cattle), one sable antelope, a white llama, a reindeer and two badgers, which died from exposure,” The Dispatch reported on Feb. 5, 1883.
Of the show’s 15 elephants, 10 were moved to high ground by “main force,” the newspaper said. The five largest ones, though, could not be moved and could not be induced to swim to safety. Later accounts, however, didn’t say whether the elephants had perished.
They did, however, talk about a frightful noise that emanated from the carnivore house as the water rose on the caged animals.
And the paper reported on the animals that became ill from the cold water: “A rhinoceros was on the sick list from exposure,” The Dispatch reported, “and had been given two bran mashes mixed with whiskey to prevent congestion of the lungs.”
The circus, which was known in its early days for its elephants and human cannonball, recovered by spring and logged 11,537 miles of travel the next year. The circus was absorbed by the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in the early 1900s. Sellsville ceased to exist about 1910.
Heavy rains that came down on frozen ground and ice-covered streams caused the city’s rivers to rise to an unprecedented level early that Sunday morning.
The circus’ headquarters — called Sellsville — were along the Olentangy River north of 5th Avenue. And though the buildings there were constructed 18 inches above the supposed high-water mark, it proved to be no help as the river rose more than 3 feet above that level before dawn.
Sellsville included housing for 50 circus workers, cages, and sheds for the railroad cars that transported one of the nation’s largest circuses across the country from April to December each year.
“The icy coldness of the water was too much for several animals, including a camel, two zebus (or sacred cattle), one sable antelope, a white llama, a reindeer and two badgers, which died from exposure,” The Dispatch reported on Feb. 5, 1883.
Of the show’s 15 elephants, 10 were moved to high ground by “main force,” the newspaper said. The five largest ones, though, could not be moved and could not be induced to swim to safety. Later accounts, however, didn’t say whether the elephants had perished.
They did, however, talk about a frightful noise that emanated from the carnivore house as the water rose on the caged animals.
And the paper reported on the animals that became ill from the cold water: “A rhinoceros was on the sick list from exposure,” The Dispatch reported, “and had been given two bran mashes mixed with whiskey to prevent congestion of the lungs.”
The circus, which was known in its early days for its elephants and human cannonball, recovered by spring and logged 11,537 miles of travel the next year. The circus was absorbed by the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in the early 1900s. Sellsville ceased to exist about 1910.
Coney Island venue threatened by wood-eating beetles
The problem was discovered last week by electricians installing a new lighting grid in a landmarked 1917 building
Sideshows By The Seashore on Surf Ave. in Coney Island Brooklyn.By Tracy Connor AND Janon Fisher / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Step right up! It’s amazing! It’s astounding!
An infestation of rapacious wood-eating beetles has dined on the first-floor rafters of the Coney Island Circus Sideshow theater putting it in danger of collapsing on the creeps, freaks and sword swallowers below.
Step right up! It’s amazing! It’s astounding!
An infestation of rapacious wood-eating beetles has dined on the first-floor rafters of the Coney Island Circus Sideshow theater putting it in danger of collapsing on the creeps, freaks and sword swallowers below.
Powderpost Beetle of the type that threatens the Coney Island Circus Sideshow building.
The sideshow barker Dick Zigun said that the problem was discovered last week by electricians installing a new lighting grid in the landmarked 1917 building.
“The wood was turning to dust when you touched it,” said Zigun, the show’s founder.
He said sometime over the last century a swarm of the hungry bugs — called powderpost beetles — devoured the joists over the bleachers .
The strange discovery jeopardized the Valentine’s Day for Lovers and Losers show
but Zigun and his misfit crew were able to reconfigure the seating so that no audience members are in danger.
To make a donation to help with repairs, go to http://www.coneyisland.com/.Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/coney-island-venue-threatened-wood-eating-beetles-article-1.1017018#ixzz1lQfgKIUT
Set-up for the Shrine Circus
Brittney Lohmiller blohmill@mlive.com Flying trapeze performers put together the flying trapeze for the 69th Annual 2012 Elf Khurafeh Shrine Circus at the Dow Events Center. It usual take 3 1/2-4 hours to put together and level the trapeze. Circus performances will run Feb. 2-Feb. 5 at the Dow. To purchase this photo please call (989) 752-7171By Brittney Lohmiller MLive.com
The Saginaw News
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
SAGINAW — With horses settled in where you'd usually find a goalie in Wendler Arena, and elephants sending the scent of the circus into every corner, Brett Carden looked across three rings of activity as everyone prepared for the 69th annual Shrine Circus' opening day.
"It's a pretty bad show," he said, and then he lost his poker face, a big smile spreading from ear to ear.
Carden, whose circus will perform under the Shriners' banner at The Dow Event Center in Saginaw, knows better. The show that opens its four-day run at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, has racked up big numbers at the year's first stops.
"It's a pretty bad show," he said, and then he lost his poker face, a big smile spreading from ear to ear.
Carden, whose circus will perform under the Shriners' banner at The Dow Event Center in Saginaw, knows better. The show that opens its four-day run at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, has racked up big numbers at the year's first stops.
Photos from The Saginaw News By Brittney Lohmiller MLive.com The Saginaw News
Tigers wait in their cages to be brought to their pen at the Dow Events Center in Saginaw. The 69th Annual 2012 Elf Khurafeh Shrine Circus will run Feb. 2-Feb. 5 at the Dow.
In Flint, the circus sold out six shows and topped previous attendance numbers by 8,000, said Chief of Staff Nick Singelis. In Lansing, it sold out five shows, with attendance up by 10,000.
"And it was all by word of mouth," added Shriner clown John Jacobs. "This is like something you'd see in Las Vegas; it has that kind of class."
"Instead of the high-tech acts, we went back to the more traditional, including a family high wire and trapeze act that is amazing," Singelis said. "The youngest member is only 13, but you should see what they can do."
There are thrills and chills, too, with a motocross act that will send the bikes flying in a diagonal arc across the arena, so high, he said, that you expect them to hit the hanging scoreboard.
"And it was all by word of mouth," added Shriner clown John Jacobs. "This is like something you'd see in Las Vegas; it has that kind of class."
"Instead of the high-tech acts, we went back to the more traditional, including a family high wire and trapeze act that is amazing," Singelis said. "The youngest member is only 13, but you should see what they can do."
There are thrills and chills, too, with a motocross act that will send the bikes flying in a diagonal arc across the arena, so high, he said, that you expect them to hit the hanging scoreboard.
Sebastian Gutierrez, left of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Vanya Ponce of Guatemala City, Guatemala put together the Russian Swing for the 69th Annual 2012 Elf Khurafeh Shrine Circus at the Dow Events Center. Gutierrez and Ponce perform in the flying trapeze for the circus. Performances will run Feb. 2-Feb. 5 at the Dow."I've watched it 21 times now, and it still takes my breath away," he said. "In Flint, they were fooling around, doing their flips for the finale, and their feet hit the lights. That's how high they go."
The Shriner Clowns have an explosive act in the works, too, Jacobs said.
"We built a car," he said, and then made a few modifications on the classic "how-many-clowns-can-you-fit-in" skit.
Holding it all together is Rick the Rockin' Ringmaster, a former Marine who sold his business and ran off with the circus after marrying a sixth-generation performer.
"He'd make a circus full of crickets and bullfrogs something to see," Singelis said. "He's very good at what he does, and after he finishes three months with the Carden Circus, he spends another nine months with the Tarzan Circus in Canada."
And this morning found vendors setting up in the hallways, with bins of inflated SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer. By the time the show opens, the circus will also offer elephant and pony rides, face-painting and bounce-houses.
Trucks and trailers started arriving Tuesday at The Dow Event Center, and early today, crews were unloading cables and ramps and the cats billed as the Rage of the Cage.
The Pages family, who recently returned from playing Europe's one-ring shows, was busy unwinding huge coils of cable and looking for a sturdy anchor.
"Every building is different," said Jill Pages, who grew up in a circus school and married into an act that also includes the equestrian act Miss Mercedes and the Dancing Donnerts.
"The big challenge here, playing on top of ice, is that we don't have any floor bolts. But we come prepared; it's all been figured out."
This is the work, she said, the training, the planning, the build-up and tear-down.
"Then we get to play for 10 minutes in the ring as the Flying Pages," she said. "That's the fun part. We have nine people in the troupe and that's enough to mix it up, above and beyond what you'll see anywhere else. We fly with two catchers and you just don't find that everywhere."
But the bottom line, she said, is safety.
"My husband, he doesn't spare any expense when it comes to getting the right equipment. We've been doing this for years so we know what to do, but we've also been very blessed."
Discount coupons are available at businesses around town. Also go to the website elf_khurafeh_shrine_circus.com to buy tickets and for more information.
And in conjunction with The Saginaw News, circus fans will have a chance to win an electronic tablet in the Shrine Circus Tablet Giveaway.
The Shrine Circus 2012
10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 2;
noon and 7 p.m. Feb. 3;
10 a.m., 2 and 7 p.m. Feb. 4;
1 and 5 p.m. Feb. 5
The Dow Event Center, 303 Johnson, Saginaw
$14 adults, $12 children, general admission in advance; $16 adults, $14 children, reserved in advance; add $2 to each ticket on the day of show. VIP tickets, including a behind-the-scenes tour, free coloring book or program and preferred seating, cost $30
The Shriner Clowns have an explosive act in the works, too, Jacobs said.
"We built a car," he said, and then made a few modifications on the classic "how-many-clowns-can-you-fit-in" skit.
Holding it all together is Rick the Rockin' Ringmaster, a former Marine who sold his business and ran off with the circus after marrying a sixth-generation performer.
"He'd make a circus full of crickets and bullfrogs something to see," Singelis said. "He's very good at what he does, and after he finishes three months with the Carden Circus, he spends another nine months with the Tarzan Circus in Canada."
And this morning found vendors setting up in the hallways, with bins of inflated SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer. By the time the show opens, the circus will also offer elephant and pony rides, face-painting and bounce-houses.
Trucks and trailers started arriving Tuesday at The Dow Event Center, and early today, crews were unloading cables and ramps and the cats billed as the Rage of the Cage.
The Pages family, who recently returned from playing Europe's one-ring shows, was busy unwinding huge coils of cable and looking for a sturdy anchor.
"Every building is different," said Jill Pages, who grew up in a circus school and married into an act that also includes the equestrian act Miss Mercedes and the Dancing Donnerts.
"The big challenge here, playing on top of ice, is that we don't have any floor bolts. But we come prepared; it's all been figured out."
This is the work, she said, the training, the planning, the build-up and tear-down.
"Then we get to play for 10 minutes in the ring as the Flying Pages," she said. "That's the fun part. We have nine people in the troupe and that's enough to mix it up, above and beyond what you'll see anywhere else. We fly with two catchers and you just don't find that everywhere."
But the bottom line, she said, is safety.
"My husband, he doesn't spare any expense when it comes to getting the right equipment. We've been doing this for years so we know what to do, but we've also been very blessed."
Discount coupons are available at businesses around town. Also go to the website elf_khurafeh_shrine_circus.com to buy tickets and for more information.
And in conjunction with The Saginaw News, circus fans will have a chance to win an electronic tablet in the Shrine Circus Tablet Giveaway.
The Shrine Circus 2012
10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 2;
noon and 7 p.m. Feb. 3;
10 a.m., 2 and 7 p.m. Feb. 4;
1 and 5 p.m. Feb. 5
The Dow Event Center, 303 Johnson, Saginaw
$14 adults, $12 children, general admission in advance; $16 adults, $14 children, reserved in advance; add $2 to each ticket on the day of show. VIP tickets, including a behind-the-scenes tour, free coloring book or program and preferred seating, cost $30
"Illusion Fusion" provides fun
“Illusion Fusion Starring Alex Ramon” is showing at the Horizon Casino Resort.Josh Sweigert, Lake Tahoe Action
From: tahoedailytribune.com
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Blink and you'll miss it.
The Horizon Casino Resort has conjured up a top-notch, family-friendly act, with “Illusion Fusion Starring Alex Ramon” dropping jaws and turning heads five nights a week in the Golden Cabaret.
This entertaining show is the product of Ramon's lifelong passion for the art of magic, a pursuit he first discovered growing up in Richmond, Calif. The magician joked about this sketchy urban environment, saying, “I wasn't allowed to play in the front yard as a kid.”
If the young illusionist spent that extra indoor time honing his craft, it is certainly evident in the quality of his performances today.
Ramon's resume includes shows at Hollywood's Magic Castle, a two and a half year tenure with Disney Live! Presents “Mickey's Magic Show” and repeat appearances in Las Vegas. At 23, he joined a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey production, becoming the second-youngest Ringmaster in the history of the famous circus.
“Illusion Fusion” provides a fun and intimate evening, with a wide variety of magic and plenty of audience participation.
During Friday night's hour-long performance Ramon called up no fewer than seven audience participants, including three children who each left the stage grinning with a prize in hand. Complete with card tricks, levitation, a magical box and much more, the show kept the audience curious and captivated.
Illusion Fusion starring Alex Ramon runs Thursday through Monday in the intimate setting of The Golden Cabaret inside the Horizon Casino Resort. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show is at 8. There are two shows on Saturday's at 7 and 9 p.m. Tickets are $24.95, with free tickets on Sundays for special guests 12 and under. Also, all guests under 12 receive a free $5 pre-loaded arcade card for every show. Tickets available online at www.ticketfly.com, or by calling the Horizon at 775-588-6211.
The Horizon Casino Resort has conjured up a top-notch, family-friendly act, with “Illusion Fusion Starring Alex Ramon” dropping jaws and turning heads five nights a week in the Golden Cabaret.
This entertaining show is the product of Ramon's lifelong passion for the art of magic, a pursuit he first discovered growing up in Richmond, Calif. The magician joked about this sketchy urban environment, saying, “I wasn't allowed to play in the front yard as a kid.”
If the young illusionist spent that extra indoor time honing his craft, it is certainly evident in the quality of his performances today.
Ramon's resume includes shows at Hollywood's Magic Castle, a two and a half year tenure with Disney Live! Presents “Mickey's Magic Show” and repeat appearances in Las Vegas. At 23, he joined a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey production, becoming the second-youngest Ringmaster in the history of the famous circus.
“Illusion Fusion” provides a fun and intimate evening, with a wide variety of magic and plenty of audience participation.
During Friday night's hour-long performance Ramon called up no fewer than seven audience participants, including three children who each left the stage grinning with a prize in hand. Complete with card tricks, levitation, a magical box and much more, the show kept the audience curious and captivated.
Illusion Fusion starring Alex Ramon runs Thursday through Monday in the intimate setting of The Golden Cabaret inside the Horizon Casino Resort. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show is at 8. There are two shows on Saturday's at 7 and 9 p.m. Tickets are $24.95, with free tickets on Sundays for special guests 12 and under. Also, all guests under 12 receive a free $5 pre-loaded arcade card for every show. Tickets available online at www.ticketfly.com, or by calling the Horizon at 775-588-6211.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Circus Performer Bello Trapezes From Helicopter Sarasota's own Bello Nock dazzled a crowd at the Big Top Thursday when he performed trapeze stunts 500 feet in the air off of a helicopter.
By Charles Schelle
From: Sarasota Patch
February 2, 2012
In Patuxentawny, Pennsylvania, they brought out a groundhog named Phil to see his shadow on Thursday. In Sarasota, they brought out Bello Nock on a helicopter to perform trapeze.
"If you happen to see Bello see his shadow 500 feet in the air hanging upside down under the helicopter, guess what that means?" Bello asked the crowd. "Three weeks of Circus Sarasota full houses, isn't that right?"
Bello saw more than shadows on the ground as a couple hundred people showed up at the Circus Sarasota tent off of Tuttle Avenue and 12th Street where he performed a trapeze act without a safety net or parachute.
The free death defying performance served as a tease for his show, Bello Mania, which opens Friday, Feb. 10 at the Circus Sarasota tent. Bello Mania starts Friday, Feb. 10 at the Big Top and tickets are on sale now. There's a special on opening weekend tickets now for certain seats priced $10 and $20.
"We want to give you a hair raising experience," Bello said, running his fingers up through his trademark hair.
It more than raised hair.
"Are you kidding me? I almost threw up," said April Lee of Sarasota. "The second time when he hung by one foot, I thought I was going to throw up."
Bello not only does his own stunts, he makes his own stunts, too.
"I'm in an engineering state of mind, and I don't have an engineering degree," Bello said. "Once I design and come up with something, I have to daredevil it and make sure it works, then you gotta be an athlete to live through it then entertain people and do it time after time."
Bello's brother Eugene Nock was the pilot in charge of the helicopter to perform Bello's stunt Thursday.
It took 30 days of preparation and planning to pull Thursday's trick off, Eugene Nock said.
"You gotta negotiate with the FAA and present a plan and get it approved, then you have ground people," he said. It took 40 people to provide security and other ground support for the stunt, he added.
The helicopter used is only used for these type of tricks, he added.
And it didn't help there was a campaign season going on and the president in the region — the FAA tells pilots to stop flying or avoid certain airspace when there's potential security threats from the air.
"We're used to that. Our profession is doing events around the globe. We're always somewhere," he said. "Anytime it's an election year, you gotta pay special attention to that."
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