THE BALLOON MAN

Circus fans support the arena

Thursday, January 13, 2011
Adding her own flair to a simple black hat, Peggy Martin was among hundreds of people showing up to support the Venice Circus Arts Foundation at its Venice Circus Arena ribbon-cutting ceremony.
"Every circus needs a clown," was Martin's reason for her clown hat that was color coordinated with her orange foundation T-shirt.
Clowns riding cycles, a juggler, unicyclists and dancers from Attitudes in Dance all following Patty Perla aka Pattycake the Stiltwalker, who led the first circus parade on the grounds since the 1990s.
The foundation hosted the Jan. 8 event to draw attention to its goal of revitalizing and restoring the circus arena and grounds. In addition to using the arena as a venue for events, members hope to someday bring back the circus to Venice.

Patty Perla aka Pattycake the Stiltwalker led the parade that included clowns, dancers, unicyclist and other entertainers wanting to be apart of the ribbon cutting circus parade at the Venice Circus Arena.
Emcee Karen Dove talked about the work that has already been completed since a major cleanup of the grounds started back in May, the appeals to the Venice City Council that garnered the foundation five years for their project, and the Founders' Ring, where people can make donations to help with the project.
Among those at the event to support the project were Venice Mayor John Holic, Vice Mayor Kit McKeon and former Venice Mayor Dean Calamaras.
Calamaras moved to Venice in the late 1970s, when the circus still had its winter headquarters in the city. He said he remembered trains bringing in the circus and the animals until the 1990s.
"Let's get it rebuilt, then hopefully get the circus to return," Calamaras said.
Holic remembered seeing the final circus performance and parade in Venice.
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