Saturday, June 19, 2010
CIRCUS PERFORMER HOSPITALIZED---BREAKING NEWS---
Circus Performer Hospitalized Accident happened during show at Newport GrandUpdated: Saturday, 19 Jun 2010, 5:51 AM EDTPublished : Saturday, 19 Jun 2010, 5:51 AM EDT
NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) - A circus performer was rushed to Newport Hospital Friday night after an accident during a show.
It happened during a performance of the Cole Brothers Circus, which is playing at Newport Grand.
It's not clear how the performer was injured, or how severe the injuries are.
NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) - A circus performer was rushed to Newport Hospital Friday night after an accident during a show.
It happened during a performance of the Cole Brothers Circus, which is playing at Newport Grand.
It's not clear how the performer was injured, or how severe the injuries are.
OHIO TURKEY FESTIVAL
Visitors can find a variety of delicious foods at the Danville-Howard Turkey Festival including pizza, popcorn, hot dogs, French fries, funnel cake, sugar waffles, cotton candy, and much more. (Kenesha R. Beheler)
Children of all ages eagerly waited in line to ride the Loop Planes, an upside-down twirl of excitement, at the Danville-Howard Turkey Festival at Memorial Park in Danville. (Kenesha R. Beheler)
Alexia Pack of Howard was out with her friends at enjoying the Danville-Howard Turkey Festival. Pack tried her skills at shooting targets to win a prize. (Kenesha R. Beheler)
Fried oreos were a popular food at the Danville-Howard Turkey Festival. Daniel Hinkens of Howard bites into one — one of his favorite festival food. (Kenesha R. Beheler)
Turkey Festival kicks off in style
By Kenesha Beheler June 18, 2010 EDTDANVILLE, Ohio
Turkey Festival kicks off in style — “Can you talk like a turkey,” Master of Ceremonies Keith Miller asked contestants of the Little Miss and Mr. Turkey Contest.
Thursday evening was the start of this year’s Danville-Howard Turkey Festival, an annual gathering of summer excitement with food, rides, crafts, games and live entertainment each night.
FROM DENNIS YOUNGER--
Hello DickFirst to say your site always has some interesting items to view. Good work!
Second, could you give out a little info on my book to the circus fans. The book website is www.freewebs.com/circusdays2005.
'Wild Animal Circus -True tales from the Carson & Barnes Circus. Published May 2009 and available only from the webpage.Thanks for your time. Regards, Dennis J. Younger
UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS IN NEWARK, NJ
.Tigers, Elephants and Poodles Steal the UniverSoul Circus Show .Friday, 18 June 2010 16:20 Walter Elliot .NEWARK -
The UniverSoul Circus nearly filled the 40-foot-tall big top Wednesday, June 16 despite cloudy weather at their new stand at the former Lincoln Motel site on Broad Street.
The 17 year-old Atlanta-based UniverSoul Circus' tent was previously set up off the southwestern corner of Irvine Turner Boulevard and Spruce Street. Circus administrators however jumped at the opportunity when the lot bordering NJTransit's Broad Street Station and near Interstate 280 and N.J. Route 21/McCarter Highway became available.
The Newark Bears have occasionally used this lot for overflow parking and performers say this year's UniverSoul venue is more convenient for commuters.
"This seems like a more stable location," said Randall Jackson, one of the circus' high steppers. "It's easier for people to get to."
Jackson, of Atlanta, has a basis for comparison. He explained that he was with the troupe when they stopped at Turner and Spruce last year.
"I worked the lights and sound last year," said Jackson. "My brother, Papa Dok, is a quick change artist."
Jackson was waiting for his cue backstage, dressed in military camouflage fatigues. He and the seven other high steppers were the two-and-a-half show's third act.
He said the 200 performers, stagehands and related personnel are on tour from Feb. 12 into November. Their stays last a week on average before moving on - which leaves no time for sightseeing.
Jackson, however, says he can tell how different the Newark crowd is from other stops - and differences in crowd from performance to performance.
"The audience here is a little more friendly, they want to talk a little bit," said Jackson. "Sometimes we get a younger crowd who get excited with our acts."
The Circus' June 16 performance was filled with an audience of all ages including children from Newark's Lady Liberty Academy and Bloomfield's Watsessing School. There were at least two minibuses of Newark senior citizens in attendance. Joining them were Mayor Cory A. Booker and Councilman at Large Donald Payne Jr.
Booker, no stranger to circus openings, had to leave early. So did Payne - but not before addressing the crowd with Ringmaster Tony Tone during intermission.
"UniverSoul brings quality entertainment to Newark," said Essex County Freeholder Payne in the ring. "It's an honor for them to be here - they picked us. Now I have to go back to City Hall to help make life better for you."
Ringmaster Tone involved the audience with sing-a-longs, shout-outs and selected 15 men, women and children for on-the-spot dance contests.Bengal tigers were one of at least four animal acts, including 10 trained French poodles and elephants. The elephants either came out for several acts and some 30 audience members climbed aboard.
A Chinese eight-member troupe performed acrobatics in the first half and juggled drums in the second. There were also African acrobats and a third group of aerialists who hailfrom the Dominican and Central African Republics.
Tone and ushers also brought out four-foot-diameter beach balls for the crowd to toss around while stagehands broke down equipment.
The UniverSoul Circus will fold its tent after June 20 and when it will head to Connecticut. For more information, visit UniverSoulcircus.com.
The 17 year-old Atlanta-based UniverSoul Circus' tent was previously set up off the southwestern corner of Irvine Turner Boulevard and Spruce Street. Circus administrators however jumped at the opportunity when the lot bordering NJTransit's Broad Street Station and near Interstate 280 and N.J. Route 21/McCarter Highway became available.
The Newark Bears have occasionally used this lot for overflow parking and performers say this year's UniverSoul venue is more convenient for commuters.
"This seems like a more stable location," said Randall Jackson, one of the circus' high steppers. "It's easier for people to get to."
Jackson, of Atlanta, has a basis for comparison. He explained that he was with the troupe when they stopped at Turner and Spruce last year.
"I worked the lights and sound last year," said Jackson. "My brother, Papa Dok, is a quick change artist."
Jackson was waiting for his cue backstage, dressed in military camouflage fatigues. He and the seven other high steppers were the two-and-a-half show's third act.
He said the 200 performers, stagehands and related personnel are on tour from Feb. 12 into November. Their stays last a week on average before moving on - which leaves no time for sightseeing.
Jackson, however, says he can tell how different the Newark crowd is from other stops - and differences in crowd from performance to performance.
"The audience here is a little more friendly, they want to talk a little bit," said Jackson. "Sometimes we get a younger crowd who get excited with our acts."
The Circus' June 16 performance was filled with an audience of all ages including children from Newark's Lady Liberty Academy and Bloomfield's Watsessing School. There were at least two minibuses of Newark senior citizens in attendance. Joining them were Mayor Cory A. Booker and Councilman at Large Donald Payne Jr.
Booker, no stranger to circus openings, had to leave early. So did Payne - but not before addressing the crowd with Ringmaster Tony Tone during intermission.
"UniverSoul brings quality entertainment to Newark," said Essex County Freeholder Payne in the ring. "It's an honor for them to be here - they picked us. Now I have to go back to City Hall to help make life better for you."
Ringmaster Tone involved the audience with sing-a-longs, shout-outs and selected 15 men, women and children for on-the-spot dance contests.Bengal tigers were one of at least four animal acts, including 10 trained French poodles and elephants. The elephants either came out for several acts and some 30 audience members climbed aboard.
A Chinese eight-member troupe performed acrobatics in the first half and juggled drums in the second. There were also African acrobats and a third group of aerialists who hailfrom the Dominican and Central African Republics.
Tone and ushers also brought out four-foot-diameter beach balls for the crowd to toss around while stagehands broke down equipment.
The UniverSoul Circus will fold its tent after June 20 and when it will head to Connecticut. For more information, visit UniverSoulcircus.com.
SAXONBURG, PA FIREMAN'S CARNIVAL
Mark Sedlak, 8, of Saxonburg, goes down a slide Thursday at the Saxonburg Firemen's Carnival. Erica Hilliard For the Valley News DispatchSaxonburg Firemen's Carnival packs in decades of fun
By Tom Yerace, VALLEY NEWS DISPATCH
Friday, June 18, 2010
As their seats plunged about 30 feet, Nicholas and Chelsea Dyer's faces looked as though their hearts had leaped into their throats.
The "Super Shot" at the Saxonburg Firemen's Carnival can have that effect on its riders.
The effect on Mike and Becky Dyer of Lower Burrell, the parents of Nicholas, 6, and Chelsea, 10, was much different.
They could hardly stop laughing.
"They were hilarious," Becky said.
His feet safely on the ground and his father's arm around him, a smiling Nicholas said, "It was fuuunnnn."
The Dyers were among hundreds of people who packed the carnival grounds Thursday night to enjoy the 79th edition of a Saxonburg --- and Alle-Kiski Valley -- tradition.
"Mike lived in Saxonburg, he grew up in Saxonburg, and when we dated, this is where we came," Becky said. "Now we bring the kids."
"This is the first year we let the kids ride the rides themselves, and they're fun to watch," she said.
Nevaeh Barlow, 7, of Butler, plugs her ears Thursday as the fire trucks pass during the Saxonburg Firemen's Carnival parade along Main Street. Erica Hilliard For the Valley News DispatchWith rides and food ranging from strombolis to fried Oreos, the weeklong carnival serves as Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Department's major fundraiser.
It's billed as having the largest firemen's parade east of the Mississippi.
The parade took place Thursday on a cool,bright evening that drew several
thousand people to line the parade route through town.
"They were all along Water Street, they were all along Butler Street and Main Street," said Carol Neubert, the carnival chairwoman who manned an ambulance in the parade. "They were standing three and four deep on every street."
Among them were Gary and Melissa Costel and their three sons, Andrew, 8, Michael, 6, and Timmy, 5, who live in Penn Township and were attending the parade and carnival for the first time.
"The kids are finally old enough to come," Gary said.
Andrew was looking forward to seeing the fire trucks.
"I have about eight or 10 little ones," he said.They're more excited about going to the carnival," Gary said. "They spotted the rides."
Farther down the street, Charlene Johns of Cabot, Winfield Township, said she's attended the parade every year since she was little and never tires of it.
"It's fun, plus there's friends and family, and my son's a fireman. So we show up to support them," Johns said.
Watching the parade in front of his millwork business on Main Street, Chuck Matus said, "The (visitors) are really good. Saxonburg is the kind of place that people love to come to.
"I think it reminds them of the good, old small-town days."
Neubert pronounced the carnival's first four days a success and hopes for the same today and Saturday.
"I think it's going just fine," she said. "The weather has cooperated, thank God."
CINNAMINSON, NJ CARNIVAL
The St. Charles Borromeo Carnival draws more than 100,000 visitors each year for rides, games, food and more. The event continues through Saturday on the church grounds in Cinnaminson. Cinnaminson carnival gives traditions a fun ride
By JANINE E. MOONEY • For the Courier-Post • June 18, 2010
The 42nd annual St. Charles Borromeo Carnival is in town, bringing the community another year of fun and thrills. The excitement will continue through Saturday.
The 42nd annual St. Charles Borromeo Carnival is in town, bringing the community another year of fun and thrills. The excitement will continue through Saturday.
The carnival is always a huge success, but would not thrive without the help of more than 1,400 active volunteers, organizers said.
About 60 people are assigned to oversee specific areas of the fair, such as food booths.
And Pete and Jen Stansky are in charge of the whole event this year.The Stanskys are new to the position, but not to the event.
KELLY MILLER THIS WEEKEND AT:
Saturday, Sunday & Monday, June 19 - 21
Charlestown, RI * Ninigret Park
Show Times: Sat: 2:00, 5:00 & 7:30 / Sun: 2:00 & 5:30 / Mon: 4:30 & 7:30Sponsored By: Charlestown Chamber of CommerceAdvance Tickets Available At:Charlestown Chamber of Commerce4945 Old Post RoadCharlestown, RI401-364-3878or visitwww.charlestownrichamber.com
Tuesday, June 22
Berkley MA * Berkley Common
Show Times: 4:30 & 7:30 p.m.Sponsored By: Berkley Lions ClubAdvance Tickets Available At:Sedell's Pharmacy, Mechanics Bank, Marty's USRV, Rockland Trust & Common Crossing
THE MEADOWLANDS FAIR--
The original Batcopter from the 1960s TV show — here giving a lift to Adam West (Batman) and Julie Newmar (Catwoman) — will offer two-minute rides at $30 to fair visitors. Other attractions include the usual array of rides as well as free concerts and a sea lion show.TV's Batcopter swoops in on State Fair Meadowlands
Thursday, June 17, 2010
BY JIM BECKERMAN The Record, STAFF WRITER
Holy cool promotions, Batman!
The original Batcopter – airborne cousin to the Batmobile in the campy 1966-1968 TV series – will be winging its bat-way to the annual State Fair at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, where it will be competing with racing pigs, deep-fried Oreos, circus clowns and more than 150 rides and attractions. The fair, in the sports complex parking lots, runs tonight to July 5
There's a lot of 'Batman' fans wherever you go," says pilot and owner Eugene Nock of Sarasota, Fla., who flies his custom copter to scads of events each year. "The Batcopter is a happy thing. I think it brings back good memories. It's all about fun. I think that's what people remember."
For $30, you can take a two-minute ride in the helicopter that flew Batman (Adam West), Robin (Burt Ward) and Batgirl (Yvonne Craig) – their signatures are on the instrument panel — to their knockdown-dragouts with the Joker, the Riddler, Catwoman and the Penguin. Pilot Nock still does publicity events, each year, with these and other "Batman" actors.
"I only do the biggest events in the country, because the Batcopter deserves that kind of coverage," says Nock, who will also be piloting an aerial stunt show.
There's a lot more at the Meadowlands fair, of course – magic acts, free concerts, "human oddities" sideshows, the Piccadilly Circus, a sea lion show, a "Bubble Wrap popping event" on June 27, and the usual bumper crop of carousels, coasters, Ferris wheels, Himalayas and Scramblers.
But the Batcopter, built originally for the 1966 "Batman" spinoff feature film and used later in the series, is in a bat-class of its own – not least because of its checkered career as one of TV's first regularly employed whirlybirds.
Not only was the Batcopter – a Bell 47, model G3B-1 — in front of the camera on the "Batman," "Green Hornet" and "Lassie" series, but it also was used by ABC behind the scenes to film fires, floods and the early Super Bowls. "This was the first helicopter in California that was used for helicopter camera," Nock says.
The Batcopter came into Nock's possession almost by accident.
His Florida company, NockAir, does promotional events and movie stunt work; in the late 1990s he had been looking to add a copter to his fleet. He made a few calls, and soon he had dibs on a machine in Oregon.
Every U.S. helicopter is assigned an individual "N" registration number, displayed prominently on the side of the machine. This bird's number was N3079G. Something about that number – seen in the logbook Nock was sent as a prospectus — was strangely familiar. "The minute I saw that I started laughing," he says. "I called my wife, I called my friends. I said, 'You won't believe what I have on my desk. It's the logbook of the original Batcopter!' "
The sleek red dragonfly of a copter, with its glass-bubble cockpit, is a righteous machine in itself. But Nock, who comes from a show business family (his brother is Bello the Clown from the Big Apple Circus and formerly with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey), recognized the value of its "Batman" associations. He spent $300,000 to refurbish it and bring it back to its former bat-splendor. "I think I was the perfect guy to end up with the machine," he says. "I respect it. I'm a bat-fan."
Just how hot is the Batcopter? Hot enough to have its own agent.
"The Batcopter and Burt Ward have the same agent, believe it or not," Nock says. "If you want to book the helicopter, you have to go through this guy."
E-mail: beckerman@northjersey.com
WHAT: State Fair Meadowlands.
WHEN: 6 p.m. to midnight Monday to Thursday; 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday; 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. to midnight Sunday. Special hours tonight (5 p.m. to 1 a.m.); July 3 and 4 (2 p.m. to 2 a.m.) and July 5 (2 p.m. to midnight). Through July 5.
WHERE: East Rutherford. 201-372-4080 or njfair.com.
HOW MUCH: $7 adults, $5 for children Monday to Thursday; $9 for adults, $6 for children Fridays, weekends and holidays.
Holy cool promotions, Batman!
The original Batcopter – airborne cousin to the Batmobile in the campy 1966-1968 TV series – will be winging its bat-way to the annual State Fair at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, where it will be competing with racing pigs, deep-fried Oreos, circus clowns and more than 150 rides and attractions. The fair, in the sports complex parking lots, runs tonight to July 5
There's a lot of 'Batman' fans wherever you go," says pilot and owner Eugene Nock of Sarasota, Fla., who flies his custom copter to scads of events each year. "The Batcopter is a happy thing. I think it brings back good memories. It's all about fun. I think that's what people remember."
For $30, you can take a two-minute ride in the helicopter that flew Batman (Adam West), Robin (Burt Ward) and Batgirl (Yvonne Craig) – their signatures are on the instrument panel — to their knockdown-dragouts with the Joker, the Riddler, Catwoman and the Penguin. Pilot Nock still does publicity events, each year, with these and other "Batman" actors.
"I only do the biggest events in the country, because the Batcopter deserves that kind of coverage," says Nock, who will also be piloting an aerial stunt show.
There's a lot more at the Meadowlands fair, of course – magic acts, free concerts, "human oddities" sideshows, the Piccadilly Circus, a sea lion show, a "Bubble Wrap popping event" on June 27, and the usual bumper crop of carousels, coasters, Ferris wheels, Himalayas and Scramblers.
But the Batcopter, built originally for the 1966 "Batman" spinoff feature film and used later in the series, is in a bat-class of its own – not least because of its checkered career as one of TV's first regularly employed whirlybirds.
Not only was the Batcopter – a Bell 47, model G3B-1 — in front of the camera on the "Batman," "Green Hornet" and "Lassie" series, but it also was used by ABC behind the scenes to film fires, floods and the early Super Bowls. "This was the first helicopter in California that was used for helicopter camera," Nock says.
The Batcopter came into Nock's possession almost by accident.
His Florida company, NockAir, does promotional events and movie stunt work; in the late 1990s he had been looking to add a copter to his fleet. He made a few calls, and soon he had dibs on a machine in Oregon.
Every U.S. helicopter is assigned an individual "N" registration number, displayed prominently on the side of the machine. This bird's number was N3079G. Something about that number – seen in the logbook Nock was sent as a prospectus — was strangely familiar. "The minute I saw that I started laughing," he says. "I called my wife, I called my friends. I said, 'You won't believe what I have on my desk. It's the logbook of the original Batcopter!' "
The sleek red dragonfly of a copter, with its glass-bubble cockpit, is a righteous machine in itself. But Nock, who comes from a show business family (his brother is Bello the Clown from the Big Apple Circus and formerly with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey), recognized the value of its "Batman" associations. He spent $300,000 to refurbish it and bring it back to its former bat-splendor. "I think I was the perfect guy to end up with the machine," he says. "I respect it. I'm a bat-fan."
Just how hot is the Batcopter? Hot enough to have its own agent.
"The Batcopter and Burt Ward have the same agent, believe it or not," Nock says. "If you want to book the helicopter, you have to go through this guy."
E-mail: beckerman@northjersey.com
WHAT: State Fair Meadowlands.
WHEN: 6 p.m. to midnight Monday to Thursday; 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday; 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. to midnight Sunday. Special hours tonight (5 p.m. to 1 a.m.); July 3 and 4 (2 p.m. to 2 a.m.) and July 5 (2 p.m. to midnight). Through July 5.
WHERE: East Rutherford. 201-372-4080 or njfair.com.
HOW MUCH: $7 adults, $5 for children Monday to Thursday; $9 for adults, $6 for children Fridays, weekends and holidays.
AMERICAN CROWN CIRCUS
Big top circus a five-generation affairBy Ben Wilgus, June 17, 2010
Family traditions often involve going to the same vacation spot each summer, the same restaurant every Friday night or unfailingly gathering on certain holidays, year after year. Certain family traditions date back several decades, such as the way grandma makes her pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving dinner, or if you receive the same gift from Aunt Flo each Christmas.
This does not apply to the Osorio family.
The Osorio’s family tradition is not one that is common among those in the United States, but it’s one that once you are a part of, you don’t want to leave. The Osorio’s are a circus family and with more than 90 years of circus experience, you can say their family tradition is unlike any other.
Brothers Frank, Leo and Robert along with their parents and sister run the American Crown Circus-Osorio out of Las Vegas, NV and will be performing for three days at Waterfront Park in Downtown Martinez on June 22-24.
There will be two shows, one at 5:30 p.m. and the other at 7:30 p.m.
The American Crown Circus-Osorio will have several attractions, including the Globe of Death, where motorcycle riders perform tricks in a circular ball Also performing will be a contortionist, a high wire act, a teetering board act with flips and special tricks and everyone’s favorite circus attraction – clowns.As a traveling circus, they rely on sponsors to help with costs and to find places to perform.
While in Martinez, the American Crown Circus-Osorio is sponsored by Main Street Martinez
.As a fourth generation circus family, Frank, Leo and Robert now have their children involved and there is now a fifth generation of Osorio’s in the circus life. “One of my daughters actually works the ticket booth and handles all the bookkeeping and accounting stuff, while my parents stay in Las Vegas and handle a lot of things. Everyone else handles the day-to-day stuff,” Frank Osorio said.
As kids the Osorio brothers learned the high-wire act from their parents, first starting to learn to walk on the 5/8” wire a foot off the ground, then three-feet, then working their way up to 30 feet above the ground.“It’s a mind game. You just train yourself to do it and it becomes second nature to you after a while, being up there. We trained seven days a week for two-to-three hours per day,” said Frank.
Jesus Osorio created the original Circo Osorio in 1927. Later on Frank, Leo and Robert’s father, Hermino, became a trapeze artist, a lion trainer and the first person in Mexico to create the human cannonball. Even though working for the family was important, each of the Osorio children got their education, and when the time came, they resorted back to their love – working in the circus.
The family moved from San Antonio, Texas to Florida where the kids worked on their high-wire act. “A lot of people who perform in the circus are from Florida. The weather is really nice in the winter time, which is when you train for the upcoming year,” Osorio said
In 1990 the brothers got a job working in the midway at the Circus Circus in Reno, NV.
They were known as the Electrifying Osorio Brothers where they worked until 1995 when they moved and took a job at the Circus Circus in Las Vegas, NV. They worked the high-wire act there until 2001 when they started the American Crown Circus-Osorio. “The window of opportunity to perform in the circus is small. But once you work for the circus, there is always something for you to do,” Osorio said.
Prior to working at each of the Circus Circus’, the Electrifying Osorio Brothers worked at The Great Escape Park in New York, Busch Gardens in Florida and Knotts Berry Farm in California. The brothers performed two-man highs, flips and a variety of other tricks in their performances.“People would come and pay to watch us walk on a high-wire. It was really enjoyable,” Osorio said.
Currently the American Crown Circus-Osorio employs roughly 25 people between performers, an event crew and administrative people back in Las Vegas.
Traveling across the country they visit Nevada, California, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Mississippi, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico.“It’s great. We basically get paid to travel eight months of the year and we get to meet people and see difference places of the country, that we normally wouldn’t see,” Osorio said.
Prior to coming to Martinez, the circus spent time in Newark and will then be traveling to Suisun City.Not everyone in the family works for the American Crown Circus-Osorio, as sister Maria Vargas-Osorio and husband Alex Vargas work for the Ringling Brothers Circus. Maria is in charge of the wardrobe department and Alex is in charge of the animals.“My father used to say, people come to the circus to get away from their problems. We want people to enjoy themselves and we feed off of the people,” Osorio said.
While none of the brothers still do the high-wire act, they still travel and Frank said the months when they are at home, organizing for the next year, he can’t wait to be out on the road.
COMMERFORD & SONS DATE REPORT---
FILE PHOTOLions Club carnival kicks off Millerton summer
By CORY ALLYN - Staff ReporterJune, 17, 2010
MILLERTON, NY — The Millerton Lions Club wanted to do something a little different this year for its big fundraiser, according to Lions President Todd Clinton. In the past, the annual circus has provided the local organization with most of its funding, but this year the first ever Millerton Lions Club Carnival filled Eddie Collins Field with rides, games, animals, food and much more.
“The circus had for some of us outlived itself,” said Clinton Sunday afternoon, as the carnival began to wind down. “So we decided to go a different avenue this year.”
Running from Thursday, June 10, to Sunday, June 13, the carnival was run by R.W. Commerford & Sons, a Goshen, Conn., based business that operated the rides, games and petting zoo for the carnival.
“They’ve been very respectful of the park, which was one of our concerns from the very beginning,” Clinton continued. “They’ve been a pleasure to deal with.”
Helping the Lions Club were three not-for-profit organizations. American Legion Post 178, the Millerton Fire Department and the Sunday in the Country food drive organization all had food booths set up, next to tents where carnival-goers could take a break from the rides to grab a burger or steak sandwich.
Parents who brought their kids had plenty to keep them busy. There were the carnival rides, exotic animals at the petting zoo, and even camels to ride. The Marrapodi family took advantage of it all.
“It’s pretty cool,” Al Marrapodi said of the carnival while watching his 3-year-old son, Tom, ride around on a camel. The Marrapodis, from Hillsdale, said they would be back next year.
Three teenagers just coming off a potentially nausea-inducing ride on Friday night had one-word adjectives to describe their night.
“Stupendous,” said 15-year-old Emily Lynch.
“Awesome,” added 16-year-old Allison Lacko.
“Fabulous,” concluded 15-year-old Cristina Evans.
Clinton, who was spotted Sunday afternoon making good on a bet with Sunday in the Country’s Dave MacMillan that had them taking turns riding the camel, added that there was no way the Lions Club could have handled putting on a carnival by themselves. He thanked the three not-for-profits for helping with parking and food, and the village and its police department for providing a constant presence.
Disappointing weather didn’t stop the event from being a success, he said. There was plenty of positive feedback about the carnival and lots of ideas for next year’s event.
“This is the foundation,” Clinton said. “This is something to build on for future years.”
“The circus had for some of us outlived itself,” said Clinton Sunday afternoon, as the carnival began to wind down. “So we decided to go a different avenue this year.”
Running from Thursday, June 10, to Sunday, June 13, the carnival was run by R.W. Commerford & Sons, a Goshen, Conn., based business that operated the rides, games and petting zoo for the carnival.
“They’ve been very respectful of the park, which was one of our concerns from the very beginning,” Clinton continued. “They’ve been a pleasure to deal with.”
Helping the Lions Club were three not-for-profit organizations. American Legion Post 178, the Millerton Fire Department and the Sunday in the Country food drive organization all had food booths set up, next to tents where carnival-goers could take a break from the rides to grab a burger or steak sandwich.
Parents who brought their kids had plenty to keep them busy. There were the carnival rides, exotic animals at the petting zoo, and even camels to ride. The Marrapodi family took advantage of it all.
“It’s pretty cool,” Al Marrapodi said of the carnival while watching his 3-year-old son, Tom, ride around on a camel. The Marrapodis, from Hillsdale, said they would be back next year.
Three teenagers just coming off a potentially nausea-inducing ride on Friday night had one-word adjectives to describe their night.
“Stupendous,” said 15-year-old Emily Lynch.
“Awesome,” added 16-year-old Allison Lacko.
“Fabulous,” concluded 15-year-old Cristina Evans.
Clinton, who was spotted Sunday afternoon making good on a bet with Sunday in the Country’s Dave MacMillan that had them taking turns riding the camel, added that there was no way the Lions Club could have handled putting on a carnival by themselves. He thanked the three not-for-profits for helping with parking and food, and the village and its police department for providing a constant presence.
Disappointing weather didn’t stop the event from being a success, he said. There was plenty of positive feedback about the carnival and lots of ideas for next year’s event.
“This is the foundation,” Clinton said. “This is something to build on for future years.”
CIRQUE SHANGHAI REVIEW--
'Cirque Shanghai: Cloud 9' on Navy Pier: Cheering their return, thrills, spills and all
THEATER REVIEW: "Cirque Shanghai: Cloud 9" ??? Through Sept. 6 on the Pepsi Skyline Stage at Navy Pier; Tickets: $12.50-$19.50 at www.ticketmaster.com
Somewhere in the middle of “Cirque Shanghai: Cloud 9” — the annual Chinese circus performance on Navy Pier — something went wrong with a balancing act and several performers took an unscheduled Saturday afternoon tumble. One brave young lady, hanging precipitously off the edge of a bicycle, went up in the air, tugged to safety by the wire attached to her back.
Since “Cirque Shanghai” has billed itself for five years as a feast of acrobatic proficiency, you might think that was one of the low points of the show. In fact, it was the reverse. Everyone near me seemed to perk up in their seats, a grin breaking out across their faces and their hands rushing to applaud. Onstage, the performers dusted themselves off, re-attached their smiles and did the trick again. Perfectly.
I've been going to “Cirque Shanghai” for all of its five years. The first year was pretty bad. It was the debut of a Chinese acrobatic show that was terrified of merely being a Chinese acrobatic show, and thus there were was a lame comedian and some dumb theme involving Marco Polo. The comic was thrown overboard, thank goodness, and, since then, Cirque Shanghai has become a consistent and much-loved summer tradition. This year's edition features the usual spirited set pieces, including juggling, balancing, twirling and, for the first time, a globe filled with interweaving Chinese motorcyclists.
read more at:http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/the_theater_loop/2010/06/cirque-shanghai-cloud-9-on-navy-pier-cheering-the-return-of-cirque-shanghai-thrills-spills-and-all.html
COLE BROS NEW JERSEY DATE---
BlueClaws to Host Cole Bros. Circus,
August 5-8 June 17, 2010 -
South Atlantic League (SAL) Lakewood BlueClaws LAKEWOOD, NJ -
The circus is coming back to FirstEnergy Park!
For the fourth year in a row, the BlueClaws will host the Cole Brothers Circus of the Stars, and for the first time, there will be four days worth of shows.
Thursday, August 5th and Friday, August 6th, the shows will be at 4:30 and 7:30. There will be three shows on Saturday, August 7th (1:30, 4:30 and 7:30) and two more on Sunday, August 8th (1:30 and 4:30).
Tickets will go on sale Monday at 9 am in person at FirstEnergy Park or on the phone at 732-901-7000. The Cole Brothers Circus of the Stars has sold out their FirstEnergy Park shows in each of the first three years, so interested fans are encouraged to reserve their spot early.
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.
Circus acts are subject to change.
As in years past, children 12 and under will receive a free general admission ticket. Adult general admission tickets are just $12. Reserve seats are $15 and VIP seats are $17.
The Cole Bros. Circus is celebrating its 126th year and is the oldest American Circus performing under the Big Top.The Lakewood BlueClaws are in their 10th season of providing family fun and affordable entertainment at the Jersey Shore.
Thursday, August 5th and Friday, August 6th, the shows will be at 4:30 and 7:30. There will be three shows on Saturday, August 7th (1:30, 4:30 and 7:30) and two more on Sunday, August 8th (1:30 and 4:30).
Tickets will go on sale Monday at 9 am in person at FirstEnergy Park or on the phone at 732-901-7000. The Cole Brothers Circus of the Stars has sold out their FirstEnergy Park shows in each of the first three years, so interested fans are encouraged to reserve their spot early.
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.
Circus acts are subject to change.
As in years past, children 12 and under will receive a free general admission ticket. Adult general admission tickets are just $12. Reserve seats are $15 and VIP seats are $17.
The Cole Bros. Circus is celebrating its 126th year and is the oldest American Circus performing under the Big Top.The Lakewood BlueClaws are in their 10th season of providing family fun and affordable entertainment at the Jersey Shore.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
KELLY-MILLER IN SOUTHEAST---
Workers with the Oklahoma-based Kelly Miller Circus set up the big top on the site of the former Golf Dome off Route 22 in Southeast for two Wednesday performances. (Michael Risinit/The Journal News)
Elephants, camels come with circus in Southeast
By Michael Risinit • mrisinit@lohud.com • June 17, 2010
SOUTHEAST — For Becky, Lisa and Tracy, Wednesday morning was just another day. The three elephants, all in their mid-30s, stepped out of their trailer and began munching hay. For Julia Courtney, 11, Sabrina Segretti, 11, and Nicholas Santucci, 10, the day was a chance to delay their appearance at the C.V. Starr Intermediate School in Southeast.
The latter trio were among 40 or so onlookers gathered on the site of the former Golf Dome off Route 22 to watch the Oklahoma-based Kelly Miller Circus (caretakers of the pachyderm trio) set up for two performances. Julia, who won six tickets in a drawing held by the Value Village store, was about as silent as the elephants when asked what she was hoping to see at the circus. Turns out, it was the elephants, her mom said."We'll be here tonight (Wednesday)," Sandi Courtney said. "It's nice that they have a circus."
SOUTHEAST — For Becky, Lisa and Tracy, Wednesday morning was just another day. The three elephants, all in their mid-30s, stepped out of their trailer and began munching hay. For Julia Courtney, 11, Sabrina Segretti, 11, and Nicholas Santucci, 10, the day was a chance to delay their appearance at the C.V. Starr Intermediate School in Southeast.
The latter trio were among 40 or so onlookers gathered on the site of the former Golf Dome off Route 22 to watch the Oklahoma-based Kelly Miller Circus (caretakers of the pachyderm trio) set up for two performances. Julia, who won six tickets in a drawing held by the Value Village store, was about as silent as the elephants when asked what she was hoping to see at the circus. Turns out, it was the elephants, her mom said."We'll be here tonight (Wednesday)," Sandi Courtney said. "It's nice that they have a circus."
After two shows Wednesday in Southeast, the same big top is expected to rise today in Cortlandt — on the baseball field behind Town Hall.
Its visit to Southeast harkened back to the town's early days. Southeast, as well as Somers, lay claim to being the birthplace of the early traveling American circus. Hachaliah Bailey, a Somers farmer, purchased an elephant around 1805 and began exhibiting it for a fee in surrounding towns. Bailey mentored Nathan Howes of Southeast, whose family created its own successful circus operation. His brother, Seth B. Howes, became one of P.T. Barnum's partners.
READ MORE AT: www.lohud.com
RINGLING IN LAS VEGAS
Jun. 17, 2010Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson presides over the festivities as the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus comes to town for a four-day run at the Orleans Arena.
Las Vegas Review-Journal
‘The Greatest Show on Earth’
Circus brings jaw-dropping acts that are the real deal
By JOHN PRZYBYS
‘The Greatest Show on Earth’
Circus brings jaw-dropping acts that are the real deal
By JOHN PRZYBYS
In an age of CGI-laden movies and TV shows that have distorted the very concept of “reality,” it’s nice that the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus exists.
The Flying Caceres attempting quadruple somersaults on the trapeze? The Puyang Troupe’s acrobatic artistry? The Balancing Body Benders cramming three people into an area the size of a milk crate? The assorted animals, clowns, dancers, acrobats and other performers who will take over the Orleans Arena today when the circus returns to town for a four-day run?All real. All live. And all performing in front of your very eyes, without the benefit of computers or green screens.
Don’t misunderstand: The “Greatest Show on Earth” is happy to embrace technology — video screens, for instance — to create a more wow-worthy show, says ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson, but only when that doesn’t mean “selling our souls.”
The result: Today, just as it was nearly a century-and-a-half ago, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus remains “a show for children of all ages,” Iverson says, “and the goal is always to prove that it can be just as appealing for any and every child, whether they’re 2 years old or 102 years old.”
read more at: http://www.lvrj.com/neon/-_x91-the-greatest-show-on-earth-_x92--96546674.html?ref=674
The Flying Caceres attempting quadruple somersaults on the trapeze? The Puyang Troupe’s acrobatic artistry? The Balancing Body Benders cramming three people into an area the size of a milk crate? The assorted animals, clowns, dancers, acrobats and other performers who will take over the Orleans Arena today when the circus returns to town for a four-day run?All real. All live. And all performing in front of your very eyes, without the benefit of computers or green screens.
Don’t misunderstand: The “Greatest Show on Earth” is happy to embrace technology — video screens, for instance — to create a more wow-worthy show, says ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson, but only when that doesn’t mean “selling our souls.”
The result: Today, just as it was nearly a century-and-a-half ago, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus remains “a show for children of all ages,” Iverson says, “and the goal is always to prove that it can be just as appealing for any and every child, whether they’re 2 years old or 102 years old.”
read more at: http://www.lvrj.com/neon/-_x91-the-greatest-show-on-earth-_x92--96546674.html?ref=674
SUMMER CIRCUS IN SARASOTA
Summer circus treat at the Historic AsoloBy JANUARY HOLMES - jholmes@bradenton.com
Circus is a universal language.
No matter how you say it — cirque, circo, cirkus — once the lights dim and the ringmaster takes center stage, no interpretation is needed. Unless someone doesn’t understand the concept of fun.
The Ringling Museum of Art, in partnership with Circus Sarasota, presents what the world loves about the circus arts through “Circus, Cirque, Circo: A Family Tradition” beginning Wednesday at the Historic Asolo Theater.
It’s basically circus international,” aerial artist Dolly Jacobs, who will be one of the highlights of the show, said of the summer event. “The circus is my life. It’s one of the oldest forms of family entertainment. . . . You can bring your grandparents, your parents, your kids, your grandkids. You can all go together and enjoy it. It’s a very important part of Americana, but it’s worldwide.”
This will be the fourth summer Circus Sarasota has been featured at the intimate theater.
The one-hour show, which runs through Aug. 1, includes a hula hoop artist and a balancing/contortion act.
There’s also the award-winning, high energy of the Dancing Gauchos, who use fire, whips, percussion and more. Plus, the world’s greatest 12-year-old juggler, Ty Tojo
Read more: http://www.bradenton.com/2010/06/17/2367437/summer-circus-treat-at-the-historic.html#ixzz0r6SarItS
Circus is a universal language.
No matter how you say it — cirque, circo, cirkus — once the lights dim and the ringmaster takes center stage, no interpretation is needed. Unless someone doesn’t understand the concept of fun.
The Ringling Museum of Art, in partnership with Circus Sarasota, presents what the world loves about the circus arts through “Circus, Cirque, Circo: A Family Tradition” beginning Wednesday at the Historic Asolo Theater.
It’s basically circus international,” aerial artist Dolly Jacobs, who will be one of the highlights of the show, said of the summer event. “The circus is my life. It’s one of the oldest forms of family entertainment. . . . You can bring your grandparents, your parents, your kids, your grandkids. You can all go together and enjoy it. It’s a very important part of Americana, but it’s worldwide.”
This will be the fourth summer Circus Sarasota has been featured at the intimate theater.
The one-hour show, which runs through Aug. 1, includes a hula hoop artist and a balancing/contortion act.
There’s also the award-winning, high energy of the Dancing Gauchos, who use fire, whips, percussion and more. Plus, the world’s greatest 12-year-old juggler, Ty Tojo
Read more: http://www.bradenton.com/2010/06/17/2367437/summer-circus-treat-at-the-historic.html#ixzz0r6SarItS
MIGHTY MOO FESTIVAL--SPARTANBURG, SC
Cars proceed down Main St. Cowpens during the Mighty Moo parade on June 14, 2008.Mighty Moo mighty funAnnual festival is a reunion for veterans from across the country
By Dudley Browndudley.brown@shj.com
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 .
Cowpens' annual Mighty Moo Festival is more than an opportunity for the small town to enjoy carnival food and crown Miss Cowpens. It's also a reunion for veterans living around the country, including some World War II vets.
This is the 33rd year of the Mighty Moo Festival, which will attract a camera crew from the U.S. Department of Defense this year. Two naval ships, including one currently stationed in Japan, have carried the name of the small Spartanburg County town. Five sailors serving on the ship will be in Cowpens this weekend and those who've served on the ship in previous years will also reunite during the Mighty Moo Festival.
“They're proud to know the town they represent in the military is so supportive,” said Pam Camp, chairwoman of this year's Mighty Moo Festival.
The festival opened Wednesday night with a showing of “The Patriot” in Veteran's Park to commemorate the town being the site of a Revolutionary War battle. Remaining festivities include carnival rides, street dances, the Miss Cowpens pageant, parades, a ceremony recognizing veterans, fireworks and a gospel concert will conclude this year's festival Sunday evening.
The festival's parades start at 9:15 Saturday morning with children dressed in red, white and blue marching through downtown. The town's Mighty Moo Parade, which includes 80 to 100 participates, will take place downtown at 10 a.m. with USS Cowpens veterans serving as grand marshals. The parades will be followed by a ceremony in Veterans Park that recognizes all veterans in attendance.
George Martin, a Cowpens businessman, wrote a letter to President Franklin Roosevelt asking that an aircraft carrier be named after the town. The first USS Cowpens was commissioned in 1943 during World War II. The second USS Cowpens was commissioned in 1991.
This is the 33rd year of the Mighty Moo Festival, which will attract a camera crew from the U.S. Department of Defense this year. Two naval ships, including one currently stationed in Japan, have carried the name of the small Spartanburg County town. Five sailors serving on the ship will be in Cowpens this weekend and those who've served on the ship in previous years will also reunite during the Mighty Moo Festival.
“They're proud to know the town they represent in the military is so supportive,” said Pam Camp, chairwoman of this year's Mighty Moo Festival.
The festival opened Wednesday night with a showing of “The Patriot” in Veteran's Park to commemorate the town being the site of a Revolutionary War battle. Remaining festivities include carnival rides, street dances, the Miss Cowpens pageant, parades, a ceremony recognizing veterans, fireworks and a gospel concert will conclude this year's festival Sunday evening.
The festival's parades start at 9:15 Saturday morning with children dressed in red, white and blue marching through downtown. The town's Mighty Moo Parade, which includes 80 to 100 participates, will take place downtown at 10 a.m. with USS Cowpens veterans serving as grand marshals. The parades will be followed by a ceremony in Veterans Park that recognizes all veterans in attendance.
George Martin, a Cowpens businessman, wrote a letter to President Franklin Roosevelt asking that an aircraft carrier be named after the town. The first USS Cowpens was commissioned in 1943 during World War II. The second USS Cowpens was commissioned in 1991.
CIRCUS SCIENCE SHOW
Renowned juggler Rhys Thomas will teach kids about physics and gravity with "Circus Science" showCircus Science Science Museum Oklahoma, 2100 N.E. 52nd
Anyone who took physics in college knows that it requires a great deal of mental juggling to maintain any hope of getting a decent grade.
But Rhys Thomas’ “Circus Science” takes things to a whole other level.
Hosted by Science Museum Oklahoma, 2100 N.E. 52nd, “Circus Science” is a traveling show that uses big top-styled performance and juggling to educate children on the basics of physics and the principles of gravity. Sherry Marshall, director of the Oklahoma Museum Network, said the show does a great job of blending fun and education.
“People really enjoy the circus, and jugglers,” she said, “but this show makes it relevant to (the) real world, and you can see many real-world applications.”
Marshall said it’s important for children to have at least a basic understanding of what makes the world work, which is why “Circus Science” works.
“Science in everyday things is just amazing,” she said. “(Thomas) helps us realize that.”Thomas is a well-respected performer who has appeared on numerous television programs, NBA half-time shows and opened for acts like “Weird Al” Yankovic and The Smothers Brothers.
Thomas is currently touring the country with his “Circus Science” show, including several recent stops in Oklahoma.
Various museum performances are slated throughout the day Friday and Saturday. Admission to the museum and dome theater is $14.95 for adults and $11.95 for seniors and children 4-12. Kids 3 and under are free.
CIRCUS VARGAS NEWS FROM CALIFORNIA
Published: June 16, 2010 Circus Vargas back at Westminster Mall
By DEEPA BHARATHTHE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
By DEEPA BHARATHTHE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
WESTMINSTER – Circus Vargas is back at the Westminster Mall and will kick off shows Thursday.This year, the circus is offering free tickets to unemployed Orange County residents. Free tickets can be obtained for any week day show from the box office by showing a layoff notice or stub from the most recent unemployment check.Circus Vargas' President Nelson Quiroga said this is their way of thanking the public for supporting them all these years."We are all in this together," he said. "...We won't turn our backs on the people who made us the success we are today."This year's show will feature several new acts from motorcyclists riding in globes to aerial acts, said host Jon Weiss."We also have the pre-show for families so they can see up, close what we do and how we do it," he said. "The audience gets the opportunity to be part of the show."Circus Vargas runs through June 28. Tickets prices range from $15 to $55. Information: 877-468-3861 or visit http://www.circusvargas.org/.
KELLY MILLER RETURNS---
Circus comes back to Southeast New York
By Michael Risinit • mrisinit@lohud.com • June 16, 2010
SOUTHEAST — The circus returned to Southeast this morning, as workers for the Oklahoma-based Kelly Miller Circus unloaded camels, elephants and ponies on the site of the former Golf Dome off Route 22. By 10:30 a.m., the big top was up. Two shows will take place later today, at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., as part of a dual fundraiser for the Brewster Education Foundation and the Brewster Fire Department.
Southeast, as well as Somers, lays claim to being the birthplace of the early traveling American circus. Hachaliah Bailey, a Somers farmer, purchased an elephant around 1805 and began exhibiting it for a fee in surrounding towns. Bailey mentored Nathan Howes of Southeast, whose family created its own successful circus operation. His brother, Seth B. Howes, became one of P.T. Barnum's partners.Tickets at the circus box office are $14 for adults and $7 for children. Tomorrow, the circus will be in Cortlandt, on the baseball field behind Town Hall.
SOUTHEAST — The circus returned to Southeast this morning, as workers for the Oklahoma-based Kelly Miller Circus unloaded camels, elephants and ponies on the site of the former Golf Dome off Route 22. By 10:30 a.m., the big top was up. Two shows will take place later today, at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., as part of a dual fundraiser for the Brewster Education Foundation and the Brewster Fire Department.
Southeast, as well as Somers, lays claim to being the birthplace of the early traveling American circus. Hachaliah Bailey, a Somers farmer, purchased an elephant around 1805 and began exhibiting it for a fee in surrounding towns. Bailey mentored Nathan Howes of Southeast, whose family created its own successful circus operation. His brother, Seth B. Howes, became one of P.T. Barnum's partners.Tickets at the circus box office are $14 for adults and $7 for children. Tomorrow, the circus will be in Cortlandt, on the baseball field behind Town Hall.
Read more about this tomorrow on Lohud.com and in The Journal News.
UK Circus Offers Therapy for Clown-Fearing Adults
Wednesday, 16 Jun 2010, 9:22
(NewsCore) - A circus touring Britain has launched a unique "clownselling" service aimed at overcoming peoples' fears associated with its show's starring duo, a spokesperson told NewsCore on Wednesday.
The free workshops allow those suffering from Coulrophobia -- the fear of clowns, rated as Britain's third biggest phobia behind spiders and needles in a recent poll -- to confront their feelings and even access their own "inner clown."
Paul Carpenter, who runs the sessions along with his fellow clown partner and the ringmaster at John Lawson’s Circus, explained that it was adults rather than children who were in need of the therapy.
"Many of them have a preconceived idea of clowns as knife-wielding psychos and they're petrified, very frightened," he said.
"This is partly to do with the role of clowns in horror movies like Stephen King's 'It.' We want to counter the negative image associated with clowns and show them it's just an act."
In order to face their phobias, participants first see clown actors in ordinary clothes, before been taken on a backstage tour where the clowns gradually transform into their characters.
They are then encouraged to talk about their fears and dress up as clowns themselves, if they want to.
Carpenter said the service, currently in southwestern England, had so far been successful, with only a handful of adults unable to complete the final transformation into a clown.
The fear of clowns may be a predominantly British preoccupation. In April, a Swiss city saw the launch of an "evil clown service," whereby parents could hire a psychotic-looking mime to stalk their children at birthday parties.
Actor Dominic Deville, who fronted the scheme, reported that it was very successful and that the kids "absolutely loved" his chilling antics.
The free workshops allow those suffering from Coulrophobia -- the fear of clowns, rated as Britain's third biggest phobia behind spiders and needles in a recent poll -- to confront their feelings and even access their own "inner clown."
Paul Carpenter, who runs the sessions along with his fellow clown partner and the ringmaster at John Lawson’s Circus, explained that it was adults rather than children who were in need of the therapy.
"Many of them have a preconceived idea of clowns as knife-wielding psychos and they're petrified, very frightened," he said.
"This is partly to do with the role of clowns in horror movies like Stephen King's 'It.' We want to counter the negative image associated with clowns and show them it's just an act."
In order to face their phobias, participants first see clown actors in ordinary clothes, before been taken on a backstage tour where the clowns gradually transform into their characters.
They are then encouraged to talk about their fears and dress up as clowns themselves, if they want to.
Carpenter said the service, currently in southwestern England, had so far been successful, with only a handful of adults unable to complete the final transformation into a clown.
The fear of clowns may be a predominantly British preoccupation. In April, a Swiss city saw the launch of an "evil clown service," whereby parents could hire a psychotic-looking mime to stalk their children at birthday parties.
Actor Dominic Deville, who fronted the scheme, reported that it was very successful and that the kids "absolutely loved" his chilling antics.
KELLY-MILLER CIRCUS (FROM STEVE KEELER)
hello dicki visited the kelly miller circus in greenwood lake ny monday night june14th . it was a very entertaining show ! i loved it . they have afifty's music theme in in a few acts just before intermission cool tohere elvis at the circus . nice tiger act , three dog acts if youinclude the dog elephant gimmick . glowns , jugglers , camels and hulagirls ! well done nostalgic circus !! well thats three circusperformances in a week ! two cole brothers and kelly miller once could gotommorow again !! it was a packed house tonight and good crowds atcole brothers too the 730 looked sold out !! hope you enjoy the photos
take care steve keeler
BEAUTIFUL!FLASH IS CASH!
