THIS BLOG IS DEDICATED TO MY TWIN BROTHER, BILL DYKES (1943-1995). WE WERE NOT ONLY BROTHERS BUT PARTNERS IN BUSINESS AND BEST FRIENDS! AND TO ALL THE "BUTCHERS" THAT HAVE PASSED ON TO THE BIG LOT IN THE SKY!


CIRCUS NOW OPEN!

2014 Convention

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Saturday, March 27, 2010

SELLS & GRAY CIRCUS POSTERS











FROM SIMPLY HIRED.COM

Average Circus Salaries:
The average salary for circus jobs is $35,000.
Average circus salaries can vary greatly due to company, location, industry, experience and benefits.
This salary estimate is calculated from jobs that contain salary data and match the term "circus". Salaries are not based on employer survey data and may vary from the actual salary for a specific position.

http://www.simplyhired.com/a/salary/search/q-circus

RINGLING BLUE UNIT ASIAN ELEPHANTS





Ringling's Elephant Conservation Center in Florida


Who says Circus People don't take care of their Elephants?








JENNY VIDBEL'S BARNYARD BONANZA (RINGLING BLUE)











Friday, March 26, 2010

RINGLING GOLD COMMING TO SALISBURY, MD

Civic Center to become circus big top
By Josh Davis • For Go! Magazine • March 24, 2010
SALISBURY — The Wicomico Youth and Civic Center offers you the chance to run away with the circus next weekend.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents “Illuscination” promises a fun-filled evening packed with more laughs and spectacle than you can cram into your average clown car.
“We have over 25 performers … people from all walks of life who just come together and put on a good show,” said Dean Kelly, a clown with Ringling Brothers. “This is basically your classic American one-ring circus where you just come in and you can see some amazing circus acts and hear some great music.”
One of Illuscination’s featured attractions is a rare white lion.
“He is actually the very lion that they modeled Aslan from Disney’s ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ after,” said Kelly. “He’s a little celebrity in his own right and he’s a really beautiful animal.”
Along with lions, horses, performing housecats and elephants, the show’s human performers include a tight-rope act from Russia, high-flying acrobats from Cuba and a pair of jugglers who hang from the ceiling by their hair. “It’s a secret method how they tie their hair … it’s quite incredible,” added Kelly. And then, of course, there are the clowns.
Kelly himself became hooked on the circus when he was just 4 years old.
“My grandparents took me to my very first circus and there was something about the circus clowns,” Kelly said. “Something enchanted me and I was like ‘that’s what I’m going to do for a living’. In 2001 I flew out to California, auditioned for Ringling Bros and 3 days later I was signing a contract. It’s really cool to be able to fulfill a lifelong dream.”
Kelly, a self-taught performer, admits he wasn’t your typical circus-goer as a child. “My biggest study-tool growing up was going to the circus every year,” he said. “I would take a pad and paper and I’d study the clowns and just watch what they do and, you know, try to remember everything they did to help me grow as a performer.
“My grandparents also showed me the old black and white movies and the old silent films,” Kelly added. “I like watching Buster Keaton and Laurel and Hardy and Charlie Chaplin, basically all the old black and white film stars who kind of paved the way for comedy for what it is today.”
That’s not to say clowning is still all about tiny cars and cream pies. “Illuscination” also features a trio of clowns from Italy who play various musical instruments, along with several other acts intended to update the circus experience for modern audiences.
“The hard thing about comedy is trying to find something new,” Kelly said. “In this day and age it’s all been done before so that’s the biggest challenge — trying to find something new and fresh, or if there’s an old concept that’s been done before you try to put your own spin on it.”
Another exciting feature is the all access preshow which invites audience members onto the arena floor an hour before the main event for autographs, photos and free circus lessons.
“Without the audience we don’t have a show, so we want to make sure they are entertained the whole entire time,” said Kelly. “When (the audience) walks out we want them to remember the show and go, ‘you know what, that was amazing! I want to go back again!’ ”
WHAT. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Illuscination
WHERE. The Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, Salisbury
WHEN. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 1, 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 2, 11 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 3, and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 4.COST. $12-$32CALL. 410-548-4911WEB. www.wicomicociviccenter. org
from the Salisbury Daily Times

HARRISBURG SHRINE CIRCUS--PRODUCED BY HAMID CIRCUS


Zembo Shrine Circus comes to town for 63rd season
By SUE GLEITER, The Patriot-News
The 63rd annual Zembo Shrine Circus returns to the big top better known as the Zembo Shrine Auditorium in Harrisburg.
Shows are at 7 p.m. March 24; 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
March 25-26; 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
March 27; and 2 p.m. March 28. Tickets are $8, $15 and $20.
Don’t expect tigers, cannons and fireworks. The traditional one-ring circus hosts Neecha’s Performing Dobermans, the Flying Tunizianis trapeze artists, Rocky the Championship Boxing Kangaroo, Wild Buffalo Cody (a bison) and the Zembo Shrine Clowns, among other acts.
The Zembo Circus has been a tradition since it started in 1947. Originally the circus was held at the Pennsylvania State Farm Show. But in recent years the show has been scaled back and is now held at the Zembo Shrine.
Concessions including hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy will be for sale along with circus programs.

POSTERS FROM THE PAST---







FROM THE SOUTH PACIFIC---


SHOE SHINE ANYONE? (FROM MIKE NAUGHTON)

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey clowns get their shoes shined at Eddie's Shoe Repair in Grand Central Terminal in New York, before opening night of the circus' FUNundrum at Madison Square Garden. The FUNundrum celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of the legendary P.T. Barnum. -- PHOTO: AFP

BOONEVILLE, ARKANSAS 2010

Culpepper and Merriweather clown “Skeeter” performs a feather balancing routine for Mrs. Julia Halter’s kindergarten class at Booneville Elementary School Wednesday.
The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus will visit Booneville for two shows — 2 and 4:30 p.m. — on Saturday, March 27.
It all starts with a tent raising.
Activity swirls around the grounds as animals are unloaded, the big top is erected, and rigging is prepared for performances later in the day.
Between 9:30 and 10 a.m. visitors are able to watch the raising of the big top, then stay for the free tour.
This presentation offers a unique face-to-face opportunity for families, schools, and interested community members to meet and learn all about the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus family and includes a walking tour of the circus grounds.
Visitors can learn interesting facts about performers, the history of the show and the different species of animals in the circus family.
In the presentation topics also addressed include hygiene, grooming and the veterinary care all of our animals receive.
In recent years the tent raising and morning tour has become a popular program for families and interested community members. It is presented in a way everyone, young and old can learn many interesting facts about the Culpepper & Merriweather circus family.
On circus day, performers bring the magic of the circus to life in each 90-minute show. The performers are sure to amaze and delight audience members of all ages.
Circus clown “Skeeter” also visited Booneville Elementary School students last Wednesday to drum up interest for the shows, which are sponsored by the Booneville Development Corporation/South Logan County Chamber of Commerce.

CULPEPPER & MERRIWEATHER FLYER 2010


ROLLER COASTER SHUT DOWN!

Mar 26, 2010 Roller-coaster shut down By Leow Si Wan & Carolyn Quek
The action was taken after a technical glitch was found in the Battlestar Galactica duelling roller-coaster ride (above) during a pre-opening inspection yesterday. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
BARELY a week after it opened to much fanfare, the Universal Studios Singapore theme park's main attraction has shut down indefinitely.
The action was taken after a technical glitch was found in the Battlestar Galactica duelling roller-coaster ride during a pre-opening inspection yesterday.
The theme park is located within the Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) integrated resort.
In a statement yesterday, RWS said that it decided to close the ride to reaffirm its commitment to employee and guest safety.
However, it did not elaborate on what the glitch was or how it occurred.
In a separate statement last night, the police said the ride's licence has been suspended with immediate effect.
Singapore Sling.com

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Smiley Riley, the dog with a human grin



Just like a happy youngster, birthday boy Riley wolfs down his cake and pulls a satisfied ‘doggy-smile’ for the camera.


It looks like man’s best friend – or at least a pampered poodle – has finally figured out how to make the human gesture of happiness.
Riley the dog almost pulled off the illusion while sitting at the table, wearing a hat and celebrating his first birthday with a cake. In fact, owner Maureen Ravelo, 22, from San Jose, California, said Riley’s face was so expressive that she frequently forgets he is a dog.
‘Riley always makes faces like this, and that’s the best part about him. He gives you a new facial expression every time that you forget he’s a dog,’ she said. He can also affect a ‘snobbish’ and a ‘curious’ look, she added.
After Smiley Riley: Five more grinning animals
Even Riley – a bichon frise/poodle mix – seems confused about his identity. ‘The most unique part about him is he thinks he’s human like us,’ Ms Ravelo said.
‘He loves to sit up on chairs while we’re eating dinner and sleeps with us in bed.
‘Sometimes, I wonder if he realises he’s really a dog...’

IZZY CERVONE AND HIS BAND




WEIR'S BABY ELEPHANTS




HAMID CIRCUS, SPARTANBURG, SC, HEJAZ SHRINE CIRCUS

Yoya Ticoliny gets in some practice on the Spanish Web with the help of her dad, Renzo, as they get set up for the Hejaz Circus.
The shows will run Tuesday through Thursday at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium.

CLAY COUNTY FAIR, GREEN COVE SPRINGS, FL APRIL 1 THRU 10th


Wednesday, March 24, 2010

CASEY McCOY TIGER ACT--KELLY-MILLER CIRCUS 2010

RUN AWAY WITH THE CIRCUS!

Published: Friday, March 19, 2010
A couple hundred Frisco area residents “joined the circus” at least for the morning Friday, to see an elephant hoist the center tent and kick off a weekend of fun. Kelly Miller Circus, out of Oklahoma, is on Frisco Square Boulevard at John Elliott Drive through Sunday.
“It was real neat and fun to see how it used to be done,” said Rhonda Franklin, Frisco. “It was good to see how hard they worked. I couldn’t believe they got the tent up in just an hour!”
Joining Rhonda on her first trip to the circus tent-raising event was her husband, Shawn, and their two daughters, Kinsie, 6, and Kaylie, 13 months.
“I’m glad we got up early to see it,” Shawn Franklin said.
“Did you think the elephant had to work hard to raise the tent?” Rhonda asked Kinsie.
“No, it was easy,” Kinsie said. “The elephant was big.”

More than a dozen men spread out the various pieces of colorful canvas. They carried and dragged in rigging, using the long and short thick ropes to tie together the slivers of canvas to make up the massive tent.
Using their own power in groups and that of several tractors they pushed the shortest posts into place. Thus, space appeared along the sidewalls, making way for the crowd to file in and view the spectacle for which they all came as the sun rose.



The grande dame of elephants put the finishing touch to a morning’s work. Hooked to each of the four center-ring poles, she pulled each into place to fully support the big top. Each success drew a round of applause from the crowd.
The Kelly Miller Circus is owned by John North Ringling II. The Oklahoma-based entertainment organization travels nine months a year, according to the announcer. The program is hosted as an annual fundraiser by the Heritage Association of Frisco.
While the elephants are awesome, don’t forget about the horses, camels, llamas, ponies, and tigers. They will all perform, along with the amazing acrobats and aerialists from around the world.



The circus is in Frisco Friday through Sunday. Tickets are available for the circus as well as rides accompanying the troupe.
Circus tickets available at gate only: $14, adults, $7, children under 12.
Performances are scheduled as follows:
Friday 4:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 2 p.m., 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Sunday: 2 p.m., 5 p.m.


Frisco, Texas Enterprise > News

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

FROM RODNEY HUEY---


As I hope you are already aware, Saturday, April 17, 2010 has been designated as WORLD CIRCUS DAY by the Federation Mondiale du Cirque. The designation is intended to set aside one day when circus lovers throughout the world - owners, directors, artists, staffs, fans, friends and even casual circus-goers - can pay special tribute to the circus and the incredible contributions it has made to our shared culture.
If you have not already planned to attend a circus (or introduce a kid to the circus experience), then I hope you find some way to celebrate this inaugural event, whether it's a fan potluck supper, showing a circus movie to friends or just using your imagination to honor the institution that we all hold dear. Also, if you are planning an event, please register it at http://www.circusfederation.org/ (under World Circus Day) . . . and check out what circus supporters around the world are doing to recognize World Circus Day. You may also download WCD logos for your free promotional use.
Thanks, and may your every day be a circus day!
Rodney Huey, North American Press Rep, Federation Mondiale du Cirque

RINGLING BLUE UNIT TRAIN PASSES THRU PENN STATION (FROM MIKE NAUGHTON)





March 18, 2010 — An Amtrak HHP doubleheader moves the Barnum & Bailey"BLUE UNIT"(correction) Circus Train through 11 track at New Yorks Pennsylvania Station. CSX rail had brought the train to New Jersey, Amtrak regularly brings the train through the city via tunnels to Long Island City where LIRR Engines take over and deliver the train to the Nassau Coliseum for its Long Island appearance.......if you are counting...the train is 61 cars long.

COLE BROS OPENS! SPRING IS HERE!


Cole Bros. Circus opens its big top

By Rick de Yampert, Entertainment Writer on March 19, 2010
In the Chinese zodiac, this is the Year of the Tiger. To commemorate the occasion, the DeLand-based Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars is bringing back its tiger act after a several-year hiatus.
The troupe, which bills itself as "the oldest American circus performing under the big top," will kick of its new season this weekend.
The Cole Bros. Circus will perform at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. March 20 and 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. March 21 at the DeLand Airport Showgrounds, U.S. 92, DeLand.
And the circus will perform at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. March 22-23 at the Palm Coast Town Center, Bulldog Drive off S.R. 100, Palm Coast.
Tickets for each show are $17; $12 ages 2-12; $3 additional for reserved seats and $5 additional for VIP seats. Advance adult general admission tickets are $12 and are available at gotothecircus.com or tickets.com, or by calling 888-332-5200. For more information, call 800-796-5672.
The 2010 edition of Cole Bros. Circus includes such acts as Super Kellan the Human Cannonball, ThunderDome -- Globe of Death, elephants, zebras, camels, clowns, acrobats, Jennifer Herriott Walker's Big Top Barkers, the "Equilibristic Marvel" Lana and her feats of balance, Guatemala's Flying Ponces, daredevil drivers and topsy-turvy ATVs, the "Parade of Nations" and more.

CLYDE BEATTY- COLE BROS CIRCUS 1967 (SORRY NO SOUND)




Ranger Hal visits the circus in Jacksonville around 1967.

COLE BROS. NEWS---




The Cole Brothers Circus of the Stars returns to FirstEnergy Park for 11 shows over four days (August 5th through August 8th) this summer.
Past circuses have featured the Toprasta Troupe, whose members recreate the renowned three-tier, 7 Man Pyramid on the High Wire, Elephants,
Globe of Death, Dogs and Pony Review, Aerial Ballet on Streaming Silks,
Clowns, Camels, Jugglers, Acrobats, The Human Cannonball and more.
The Cole Bros. Circus is celebrating its 126th year and is the oldest American Circus performing under the Big Top.
Tickets will go on sale in the spring, and be sure to check back for the full schedule. Lakewood NJ


JOHN PUGH

John Pugh,
owner of Cole Bros. Circus, at the circus' winter home in DeLand
In his youth, John Pugh was a trampoline acrobat, entertaining worldwide circus audiences.
Now, he owns the Cole Bros. Circus, which has its winter home in DeLand.
At 75, Pugh is described by Floyd Kruger, president of the nonprofit Circus Ring of Fame Foundation, as "a highly regarded and formidable force in the industry."
Pugh, the flamboyant English-born son of a thrill-show owner, was recently inducted into the Circus Ring of Fame in Sarasota.

COLE SHOW--THE TIGERS ARE BACK!

Year of the tiger — The tigers are back! After six years of a tigerless circus, Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars has brought back the beautiful big cats
A great way to celebrate National Goof Off Day? Check out the Cole Bros. Circus in Palm Coast at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Monday.


NEWS FROM THE PALM COAST OF FLORIDA--


Flooding forces circus to cancel Flagler shows

March 22, 2010 5:07 PM
Cole Bros. Circus has canceled today and Tuesday's Palm Coast performances because of flooding at the Town Center, a circus official said by e-mail.
Sunday's heavy rain plus downpours over a week ago left the circus lot flooded and unsuitable for erecting the circus Big Top and too muddy for patrons and performers, according Chuck Werner, senior marketing director.
Palm Coast Holdings, the property owners, and circus staff were not able to find a suitable replacement, Werner said.
Ticketholders can obtain refunds out point of purchase. For more information, contact Cole Bros. at 386-736-0071.

Monday, March 22, 2010


HAMID CIRCUS--ANDERSON, SC PART 1

Hamid Circus ringmaster Peter Sturgis welcomes spectators to the Sunday afternoon circus at the Civic Center of Anderson.
John Carpenter of the Anderson County Sheriff office watches as Sweetheart, a female python gets near his radio communication device. Hamid Circus ringmaster Peter Sturgis held the snake before the Sunday afternoon circus at the Civic Center of Anderson.


Hejaz Temple and Hamid Circus event elephants carry children, one plugging her nose during an intermission ride at the Civic Center of Anderson.

Hejaz Temple and Hamid Circus' Rosarie's Bears, grizzlies with Derrick Rosarie, III, and Fredrick Rosarie perform at the Civic Center of Anderson.

HAMID CIRCUS AT ANDERSON, SC PART 2

Gracelyn Jenkins, 11 months, stands on the lap of her father Gene watching an acrobatic routine at the Hejaz Temple and Hamid Circus at the Civic Center of Anderson.

Wing performs a phantom and acrobatic dance performance at the Hejaz Temple and Hamid Circus at the Civic Center of Anderson.



Spectators ride Asian elephants Nett and Dobson at the Hejaz Temple and Hamid Circus at the Civic Center of Anderson.


Yoya Ticoliny smiles while artistically displaying round hoops during an acrobatic routine at the Hejaz Temple and Hamid Circus at the Civic Center of Anderson

Ernestina performs a phantom and acrobatic dance performance at the Hejaz Temple and Hamid Circus at the Civic Center of Anderson





I had to get this one in!




Shane Hanson juggles at the Hejaz Temple and Hamid Circus at the Civic Center of Anderson.




Vladimir Smirnov and his wife Olga Smirnov perform their quick change magic act at the Hejaz Temple and Hamid Circus at the Civic Center of Anderson

Independent Mail, Anderson, SC
Few things define childhood quite like the circus. The very nature of the show is to amaze and tantalize children and entire families into another world where the impossible is very much possible.
Every year, the Hejaz Shrine Circus rolls its big top through Anderson for a few days of astounding feats and mesmerizing acts that we rarely get the chance to see. That experience returned this Friday, Saturday and Sunday to the Civic Center of Anderson.








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