COLE CROS CIRCUS (FROM CIRCUS VERNE)

9.5 HOURS

Elated at the prospect of having TV coverage to kick-off the first of its two, New York City appearances, Cole Bros. officials realized that making this happen would require overcoming nearly insurmountable challenges in record time.

“Is it possible for the circus to give an 8:00 p.m. show on Sunday night, tear down, drive 78 miles, across Long Island and NYC, arrive in Staten Island and get the tent set up by 5:30 a.m. on Monday morning?” they wondered.


John Pugh thought that maybe--if all went well--the tent might get up on time.


The remarkable managers and crew personnel accomplished even more than he hoped they could.By 5:30 a.m. on Monday morning, they had built the circus, complete with Big Top, lights, rigging and seats.Cole Bros. Circus comprises numerous stars; many of whom work quietly behind the scenes producing feats as amazing as those exhibited in and above the ring. Today, we celebrate them and their extraordinary achievement.