from Hartland Smith---

America Got Talent Kevin James

LAKE GEORGE, NY

Photos from under the Big Apple Circus big top


Jason McKibben
Crew members carry support poles into position as they work to raise the Big Apple Circus' big top tent at Charles R. Wood Park in Lake George Wednesday, July 10, 2013. The multi-layered PVC tent is supported by 98 of the poles around its periphery. It can seat 1,700 people with all seats 50 feet or less from ringside. This year marks the second season in Lake George for the New York City-based circus, which will be staging its "Legendarium" production July 13-28. Visit www.bigapplecircus.org for more information.
from:  poststar.com
By Jason McKibben
July 10,2013
Lake George,NY--Crew members raised the Big Apple Circus' big top tent Wednesday afternoon at Charles R. Wood Park in Lake George.

 

Jason McKibben
Tent master Mike Leclair turns on the motors that raise the Big Apple Circus' big top tent at Charles R. Wood Park in Lake George Wednesday, July 10, 2013. (Jason McKibben - jmckibben@poststar.com)
The multi-layered PVC tent is supported by 98 of the poles around its periphery. It can seat 1,700 people with all seats 50 feet or less from ringside.
This year marks the second season in Lake George for the New York City-based circus, which will be staging its "Legendarium" production July 13-28.
see and read more at:
http://poststar.com/news/local/photos-from-under-the-big-apple-circus-big-top/article_90d48206-e99e-11e2-a752-001a4bcf887a.html

FLYING PAGES---

COMING TO A FAIR NEAR YOU!
 

 

 

 

COUNTY FAIR TIME--

Our View: County fair time good time for a great time

 

Ferris wheels are attractions at virtually every county fair.
from:  rrstar.com
RRSTAR.COM EDITORIAL
Jul 09, 2013
BELOW: County fairs
County fair season is upon us in the Rock River Valley, and we’re fortunate around here that we could attend a fair every week until the kids are ready to go back to school.

The Stephenson County Fair kicked off the fair season this week, but Ogle, Winnebago and Boone fairs will follow. Despite their similarities, each county fair has its own flavor and distinct characteristics.

The entertainment is top notch with Kellie Pickler headlining the Stephenson Fair with a performance at 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Pickler, a country star, was the winner of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

Although Pickler brings glamour to the fair, mostly county fairs remind us of simpler times when people made a living by the sweat of their brows and the fruits of the soil. Livestock shows and 4-H exhibits are at the heart of the fairs, but you’ll also find rides, carnival games, tractor pulls, music and tasty treats.

Fairs have adjusted to the changing times, but mostly fairs today are much like the ones your grandparents attended. The rides may be a bit faster and the music a bit louder, but the smell of elephant ears and cotton candy is the same.

We would guess just about all of you have been to a fair at some point in your lives. If you haven’t been to one in a while, it’s time you checked out what you’ve been missing.

And you won’t have to break the bank to enjoy it. Admission prices vary depending on when you go and what events you want to see, but still it fits into most family budgets.

There aren’t too many entertainment options as affordable as a fair. You and your family deserve to have some fun. The last few years have been tough on folks because of the state of the economy, and a county fair might be just what you need to lift your spirits.

Americans have had a long love affair with fairs. Today may be the day to rekindle yours.
Read more: http://www.rrstar.com/insight/x946749654/Our-View-County-fair-time-good-time-for-a-great-time#ixzz2YfX7D76a

'Funambula' continues tradition of family-friendly cirque fun at Beau Rivage

 

Mysterious background figures often add a dreamlike quality to "Funambula," as Bello Nock (center) and other performers entertain in the foreground. (Courtesy of Beau Rivage)
from: al.com
By Lawrence Specker
on July 08, 2013
BILOXI, Miss. – You’ll think, “Oh, that’s neat.” Then you’ll think, “Oh, wow, they were just getting warmed up.” And then you’ll think, “No way.”

And then you’ll think all of these things, over and over again, as “Funambula” runs its course. The Cirque-style show starring Bello Nock has settled into a summer run that continues through Aug. 11 at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino.

In its favorite trick of setting expectations and then beating them, the production bears some similarity to last year’s “Fata Morgana,” another production from DreamCast entertainment. Both feature a number of acts that are so basic and universal that they’re among the fundamental building blocks of circus entertainment. In this case, examples include juggling, balancing and even the limbo dance.

The limbo? Okay, you think, here’s a party trick we all know, being performed by an exceptionally skilled individual. And then it goes from just being a party trick to being a feat involving fire and an exotic level of physical discipline. And then it becomes a stunt involving contortionism and knives. Somewhere along the line, it’s not just a party trick anymore.

Bello Nock watches the Wheel of Wonder, prior to getting caught up in the action. (Courtesy of Beau Rivage)
Despite this penchant for ratcheting things steadily upwards, “Funambula” is not just a remix of “Fata Morgana,” however: The show’s creators, including DreamCast founder Mikhail “Misha” Matorin and Nock himself, know that would be artistic suicide. While the company’s repeat visits to Biloxi over the last few years have been very successful, they also mean that the international cast has to take Mississippi just as seriously as it takes Monte Carlo: The performers know they’re going to be facing informed audiences who won’t be satisfied with the same old stunts.

“You have to wow them every year,” said Matorin. “It’s a hard job, we’re competing with ourselves every year.”

The performers don’t take their audiences for granted, said Nock. “We pay attention to audiences. We read faces,” he said. They take in feedback that helps them develop every show.
read more:
http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2013/07/funambula_continues_tradition.html

CARSON AND BARNES CIRCUS

Circus comes to town


The Carson & Barnes Circus set up the big top at the Scott County Fairgrounds near Jordan.
PHOTOS BY RON MORNSON
 from: jordannews.com
July 9, 2013
Jordan, MN--The big top came to town.
Jordan area residents got a chance to see the Carson & Barnes Circus July 4-5 at the Scott County Fairgrounds in St. Lawrence Township, near Jordan, with a traditional circus show featuring elephants, trapeze performances, and even a dog and pony show.
The Carson & Barnes Circus has toured North America for more than four generations.

Balance is of the essence for these circus performers.

 

Trapeze artists show their skills high above the ground under the big top at the Carson & Barnes Circus on July 5.
 

HAITI CIRCUS

 

Contortionists entertain at the recent launch of Circus in the City held at the Knutsford Court Hotel in St Andrew.
(PHOTO: GARFIELD ROBINSON)
from:jamaicaobserva.com
July 10, 2013
"Jamaica has not seen a circus in years, and what we are preparing to showcase it what is trending internationally," says West.

Circus In The City runs this weekend, July 12-14, and will draw acts from Asia, Europe and Australia.

She adds that the offering reflects the drive to present entertainment targeting all members of the family.

"We will have different types of entertainment, ranging from clowns and magicians, which should excite the younger members of the audience, to our pyrotechnics and light show which should entertain the adults," West adds.

Among the acts set to take the stage are the Shaolin Dancers from the Shaolin temple in Henan, China, as well as the Kaifeng Acrobatic Troupe from the ancient city of Kaifeng in China.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/A-fun-filled-circus-planned_14656541#ixzz2YdntL1Qz

ZOPPE FAMILY CIRCUS

Zoppé Italian Family Circus Performs on the Great Lawn in Westhampton Beach, 7/25-7/28

 

from:  broadwayworld.com
July 9, 2013
Ladies, gentleman and children of all ages...the circus is coming to the Great Lawn in Westhampton Beach, now with an air conditioned tent! Once again, the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center is proud to present one of its biggest and most exciting event ever, the Zoppé Italian Family Circus on Thursday, July 25 at 7pm, Friday, July 26 at 7pm, Saturday, July 27 at 2pm & 7pm and Sunday, July 28 at 2pm on the Great Lawn in Westhampton Beach. Tickets are $29 for children 12 and under and $54 for adults. VIP Ringmaster Packages are also available. Tickets can be purchased at www.whbpac.org.

The Zoppé Family Circus welcomes guests into its intimate 450 seat tent for a one-ring circus that honors the best of the Old-World Italian tradition. Starring Nino the clown, the circus is propelled by a central story that feature acrobatic feats, equestrian showmanship, canine capers, clowning and plenty of audience participation!
Giovanni Zoppé, a sixth-generation circus performer who plays Nino, says the show aims higher than what passes for circuses these days. "We try to touch every emotion during the show," he says. "They'll laugh, they'll cry, and they'll feel for the characters. It's more of an event than a show."

Giovanni revived the Zoppé Family Circus in America three years ago, and has since been building its reputation with audiences and critics as an enchanting exhibition of traditional European circus. The Zoppé Circus evokes something from a picture book: the clown, the trapeze, the dancing dogs, the ring and the tent, created to be reminiscent of the one-ring European family circuses of the last century and will thrill and amaze children and adults alike with its breathtaking stunts and astonishing acrobatics. The Zoppé Family Circus is an event not to be missed, so get your tickets early!

As a sponsor of the event, Capital One Bank will offer complimentary face painting, balloon artists and give-aways prior to each performance. The Circus is also sponsored in part by Brenda & Ken Carmel.
Read more about Zoppé Italian Family Circus Performs on the Great Lawn in Westhampton Beach, 7/25-7/28 by longisland.broadwayworld.com

CIRCUS PONY

Circus pony skeleton dug up under theatre

 

Matt Hennessey excavates a horse skeleton under the foundations of the Theatre Royal. - Source: Fairfax
from: tvnz.co.nz
July 10, 2013
The earth under the Isaac Theatre Royal has yielded a 150-year-old circus pony's skeleton - still wearing its horseshoes.
The skeleton is believed to date back to the mid-1800s when the Gloucester St site was a large, open paddock used by visiting circuses.
It is the latest, and perhaps most bizarre, in a haul of ancient artefacts uncovered at the site.
Site manager Steve Rogers said the bones were found by one of his workers during demolition work last Thursday.
"It was found in the excavation behind the facade by the marble stairs," he said.
"We were scraping the ground and the bloke said, 'I think you better come and have a look at this, cause we found a bone'."
 Rogers called in archaeologists.
Underground Overground Archaeology Ltd director Katharine Watson said it was unusual to uncover a horse bone, let alone an entire horse skeleton. She said: "In 15 years of doing this I've never seen a horse's bone before."
 Watson believed the skeleton was that of a pony or a small horse. It could be a circus animal as it had been properly buried, in a grave 1.5 metres below the surface.
 It was unusual the dead animal had not gone to the glue factory or become dog meat, she said.
It was likely to have been buried in the 1860s or 70s.
 An article published in The Star in July 1891 recalls the area had hosted The Rink Stables housing 60 horses.
 Watson said the bones had been taken away to be examined and put into storage.
read more:
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/circus-pony-skeleton-dug-up-under-theatre-5503853

horse fair--

On the History Trail: Dick Turpin known to have visited Pocklington Fair

 

Pocklington Horse Fair 1911
from: pocklingtonpost.co.uk
08/07/2013
Fairs took place in Pocklington from early medieval times, with the earliest recorded being a grant made for a four day fair to be held annually for the feast of St Margaret (19-22 July) in 1245.
More fairs were added and by the 17th century there were seven fairs held annually in the town.
The infamous highwayman Dick Turpin was known to have attended Pocklington Fair, as it was mentioned in his trial evidence.
His real name was John Palmer, a horse dealer who turned to horse stealing and highway robbery. He was hung in York on 7 April 1739.
A newspaper report quotes Thomas Towle of Pocklington, who had recollections of Pocklington going back to the 1870s. He vividly remembers being brought up by his grandfather Joseph Lister, the cab proprietor.
He recalled the days when all the local villages had their own feasts and fairs.
See this Thursday’s paper (11 July) for the full feature and more pictures.
http://www.pocklingtonpost.co.uk/news/local/on-the-history-trail-dick-turpin-known-to-have-visited-pocklington-fair-1-5835385

county fair opens--

La Salle County 4-H, Marshall-Putnam fairs kick off this week

 

NewsTribune file photo
The Big Hat World Rodeo will kick off the La Salle County 4-H Show and Junior Fair on Wednesday evening in Ottawa.
from:newstrib.com
by NT Staff
7/8/2013
OTTAWA,IL — 4-H club members have been preparing all year for this week’s La Salle County 4-H Show and Junior Fair.
This year’s theme is “Sew it — Grow it — Show it,” and those efforts will be on display beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday.
The fair, however, gets started with the Big Hat World Championship Rodeo at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the fairgrounds on the southwest corner of Ottawa. Evening events at the grandstand Thursday-Saturday include tractor pulls and the weekend’s demolition derby.
read more:
http://newstrib.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=30029

BACK IN THE DAY

~~~BACK IN THE DAY~~~
from retronaut.com



1921 : Electric carousel in the surf

c. 1940s : Tuba players

 

1911:
Maud Wagner, Female Tattoo Artist

CIRCUS COWS

Circus cows perform under the "big top"
(Jennifer Vidbel-Something to think about!)

 

from:  dairyherd.com
Wyatt Bechtel
07/08/2013
Lions, and tigers, and cows, oh…What?
Circus Royale in Australia has been in business for over 40 years, but just in the past decade cows were added to the traveling show.
The Australian circus act has three Holstein cows in their troupe of animals trained by Robin Howell.
"Circus Royale is the first to include performing animals of the bovine variety in its line-up," says Howell. "They are a unique attraction.
" The cows do many tricks, including standing on a pedestal and then letting a Shetland pony run under their bellies.
Daisy and Heidi have been on tour with the circus for eight years, while Ellen-Rae arrived this past year.
Ellen-Rae was saved from going to slaughter when her owner, a dairy farmer in Western Australia, was driving her to the processing plant, says Circus Royale ringmaster Damian Syred.
"She was sort of one of their family pets, so he really didn't want to part with her,” details Syred. "He said if we could fork out the same as the abattoir, then she was ours. He said she was good at being hand-led and would come when called, but he failed to mention that she's a very good fence jumper!"
It takes six months to fully train the cows and when they were first added to the show there were four performing Holsteins
Maybe in the future these cows will be taking their act to "The Greatest Show on Earth" at a circus near you. -
See more at: http://www.dairyherd.com/dairy-news/Circus-cows-perform-under-the-big-top.html?ref=331#sthash.GekPexjz.dpuf

Billy Smart working at Circus Mundial with Arenas Horses

 

Published on Jul 18, 2012

By Thebestbillysmart·

CIRCUS SMIRKUS

Circus Smirkus at Saratoga Race Course
from: seattlepi.com
July 8, 2013

 

Circus Smirkus, the acclaimed international youth circus, performs a Wizard of Oz themed show at the Saratoga Race Course presented by The Waldorf School on Saturday July 6, 2013 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (Michael P. Farrell/Times Union) Photo: Michael P. Farrell / 00023050A
Photo By Michael P. Farrell
read and see more at:
http://www.seattlepi.com/entertainment/slideshow/Circus-Smirkus-at-Saratoga-Race-Course-65907.php#Circus-Smirkus-at-Saratoga-Race-Course-65907/photo-4885414.php

THE NOCKS

Nock family takes to the air on 'America's Got Talent'



Aerialist Alexandra Nock performs tricks underneath the Aerosphere Aerial Balloon during a 2012 performance at Lotteworld, the world's largest indoor amusement park, in Seoul, South Korea. Nock, her husband, John, and son Andrew, perform with the aerosphere on "America's Got Talent" on July 9, 2013.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY JOHN NOCK
from:  arts.heraldtribune.com
By Jay Handelman, Herald-Tribune
July 8, 2013
Seventh-generation circus performer John Nock, his aerialist wife, Alexandra, and their high school son, Andrew, present the Aerosphere Aerial Balloon Show act in the audition round of “America’s Got Talent,” airing at 9 p.m. July 9 on NBC.
NBC describes the routine as a “group act using giant helium balloons to present aerial performance, and the only act of its kind in the United States.”
John Nock is an older brother of noted daredevil and clown Bello Nock, and part of a long line of Nock family circus artists.

 

Andrew Nock, Alexandra Nock and John Nock compete for a $1 million prize and a chance to perform a Las Vegas show on "America's Got Talent" with their Aerosphere Aerial Balloon act.
 PHOTO PROVIDED BY JOHN NOCK
John Nock said he invented the aerosphere around 2000 and performed with it at numerous corporate events for several years. He has focused more on running and producing circus acts around the world but recently refocused attention on the balloon act.
“I have such passion for this. I’m trying to hold myself back right now as far as my emotions,” he said Monday as he awaits the broadcast.
In the act, Nock and his 17-year-old son help guide the balloon with the help of David O’Neill of Nokomis. The balloon can support a variety of different aerial acts underneath. During performances, Alexandra floats over crowds and can even dangle low enough to touch people, he said.
read more:
http://arts.heraldtribune.com/2013-07-08/featured/nock-family-takes-to-the-air-on-americas-got-talent/

Moscow State Circus 2013 official Park Gorkogo promo

 

Published on Apr 27, 2013

Moscow State Circus 2013 production Park Gorkogo

info at Irina@euevents.co.uk

CLYDE BEATTY-COLE BROS CIRCUS--1960's

CLYDE BEATTY-COLE BROS CIRCUS 1960's
from Bob Cox
PART II