Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Equine virus may keep horses out of circus

by Cailey McDermott

5/31/2011

Because of the recent outbreak of equine herpes virus in Colorado, horses may not perform with the Jordan World Circus troupe at Chaffee County Fairgrounds in Poncha Springs Thursday.
Fairground manager Jim Mick said if the horse ban for the arena is lifted he will know by today.
Mon-Ark Shrine Club treasurer Bob McCormick said he doesn't know if the world circus has been traveling with horses while they've been doing shows throughout the state.
McCormick said he called circus owner, Jody Jordan of Las Vegas, Nev., to give him a "heads up" about the virus outbreak and the ban on horses at the fairgrounds.
Earlier this month the circus performed in Greeley and was not allowed to use horses in that show, he said.
Animals regularly featured in the show and expected Thursday are lions, tigers and elephants. Camels and bears have also been featured.
For the first time since Mon-Ark Shrine Club began presenting the circus in the 1960s the event will be in a new location.
Traditionally held on the Salida High School football field, it will be moved to the fairgrounds because of construction of the new high school.
McCormick said he thinks the venue will be better suited for the circus troupe to set up and break down.
There will be shows at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m Thursday. The circus is a fund-raiser for Shriner Hospitals for Children.
Tickets will be available at the gate or online at www.thejordanworldcircus.com. Also featured on the website are free tickets for children 12 years old and younger.

No comments:

Post a Comment