Oriental Shriners Circus set for Sunday

SHRINE

RACHAEL OSBORNE

Features Editor Plattsburgh Press Republican

Sat Sep 17, 2011
MORRISONVILLE — This year's Oriental Shriners Circus will offer something for everyone, organizers say.
Entertainers will gather under the big top for two shows Sunday, at 1 and 5 p.m., at Clinton County Fairgrounds on Route 22B in Morrisonville.
"They change it up every year for us," George Mudd, Peru resident and chief rabban of the Oriental Temple Shriners, said of Walker Brothers's circus acts. "There's not one main attraction."
The circus, he said, is for all ages and includes jugglers, tightrope walkers, acrobats, a woman who does a bit with a horse and more. Popcorn, food and beverages are also a guarantee.
"We keep our circuses as family friendly as we can," he said.
The Shriners will also continue the tradition of admitting two children under the age of 12 for free with each paid adult ticket, which costs $12.
"In today's economy, basically, where can you take an adult and two children for $12?" Mudd said, adding that the group greatly appreciates the community's support.
In years' past, the Oriental Temple Shriners held the circus fundraiser at the Crete Civic Center or Plattsburgh State. Last year, they moved it to the fairgrounds and held the show under a tent.
"We found it (the tent) gives more of an atmosphere of a circus," Mudd said. "We did get a lot of comments last year on the tent. People seemed to like it."
Walker Brothers, just coming off shows at the New York State Fair in Syracuse, has been a hit with area children at previous performances.
In one act, children juggle, do acrobatics, and other little ones from the crowd are invited down for a closer look, Mudd said.
"Seeing other kids about their age performing, that's what makes them really enjoy it. You can see the smiles and laughter."
"We do it for the kids," he said. "The North Country is very good to Oriental."
Purchase tickets at the admission office Sunday or online at www.ticketweb.com.

The Amazing American Circus Poster:

The Strobridge Lithographing Company

Celebrating our fascinating circus heritage, The Amazing American Circus Poster showcases 80 brilliantly colored, boldly bombastic posters advertising the feature attractions from all corners of the globe and peerless performers of the big top.

The Cincinnati-based Strobridge Lithographing Company was one of the country’s leading printers for the circuses. Their posters were unrivaled in their artistry and provide us with a detailed portrait of the American circus in its Golden Age, when it was unrivaled as the premiere entertainment institution in the country.
The Amazing American Circus Poster exhibition was organized by the Cincinnati Art Museum and The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: “Because democracy demands wisdom.”

SAD NEWS FROM ILLINOIS

We just received word of the death, yesterday, of Bobby Green.

Bobby played the calliope and announced for many shows.

Especially The Hugo Based shows and the Silverlake Family.

He was our neighbor when we lived in Gibsonton, FL.

Robert Greene

(January 17, 1933 - September 16, 2011)

This picture of Bobby was in an article that I published

May 27, 2011 on the blog and can be found in the blog archives.

Robert Greene, 78, of Ottawa died early Friday morning, September 16, 2011, at Ottawa Pavilion.
Memorial services will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, at Mueller Funeral Home, with Rev. Duane Kaufman, officiating. Following the services, the Ottawa Veteran’s Group will fold and present the flag. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday

Robert was born on January 17, 1933, in Ottawa, to Robert J. and Katherine (Johnson) Greene. He was Ottawa High School graduate of 1951. Bob joined the circus, four days after graduating from high school, and played the calliope in 25 travelling circuses, in 48 states, during his career. The only time he missed performing in the circus, were the years he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a member of American Legion Post 33, and the Showman’s Club, Gibsonton, Florida.
He is survived by one brother, William (JoAnn) Greene, of Ottawa and 2 nephews, Mark (Mary) Greene and Randy (Angie) Greene, both of Ottawa.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be directed to the family.

Resorts Hosts The Polynesian Circus & Cirque Risque at the Superstar Theater



Resorts Casino Hotel presents the Cirque Polynesian and Cirque Risque this fall for a series of shows that will entertain people of all ages. Resorts Casino Hotel and producer Tuffy Nicholas present two world-class circuses at the famous Superstar Theater. Dennis C. Gomes, owner, president and C.E.O. of Resorts, said. "With the combination of Cirque Polynesian and Cirque Risque, we really do have something for everyone." Video produced by Lew Steiner, Publisher, Atlantic City Weekly & ACWeekly.com.

MILLER-WOODCOCK ELEPHANTS

Elephant Act from the 1950s Super Circus TV Show

Circus skips elephant parade in Sacramento

Bryan Patrick / bpatrick@sacbee.com

Brian French feeds Banko, left, and Ziam on Thursday outside Power Balance Pavilion. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus trucked elephants from train to arena instead of staging its traditional "elephant walk," which drew the ire of animal-rights activists last year.

By Cynthia HubertFriday, Sep. 16, 2011
For possibly the first time in history, the elephants of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus skipped their public, trunk-to-tail walk through Sacramento following their arrival in town this week.
Instead, the pachyderms stepped off the train that delivered them to the capital and directly into trucks that took them to Power Balance Arena, where they are performing through Sunday.
Their relatively quiet arrival was in contrast to last year, when animal activists and city officials monitored every inch of their three-mile trek along Del Paso Boulevard to the arena. PETA members were ordered to leave the scene, and city officials later tangled with Ringling about whether four of its elephants were fit to perform.
The attention stemmed from the city's enforcement of a new ordinance that allowed officials to inspect and monitor the care of circus animals while in Sacramento.
This year, Ringling opted out of the parade that delights the public, said Tom Albert, a spokesman for Feld Entertainment Inc., which owns Ringling.

Bryan Patrick / bpatrick@sacbee.com

Lori Mitchell a handler for Ringling Bros for 12 years, plays around with Romeo the Zebra outside Power Balance Pavilion. September 15, 2011.
Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/09/16/3914464/circus-skips-elephant-parade-in.html#ixzz1Y70FETVk.

Fair game: It's the season for midway games and fried food

By Melissa Ruggieri

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Some people go for the deep fried butter. Others really, really want to win that goldfish. Then there are those who inexplicably enjoy being spun in a machine like a human cone of cotton candy.And, of course, there are the sedate attendees, the ones who prefer to watch people eat deep fried butter, attempt to win a goldfish and get turned upside down on rides. They might even be there for the music.
The reasons don’t matter as much as the reality that people love fairs. Open up a field, stock it with vendors selling gargantuan turkey legs and tchotchkes, fill up the other half with farm animals and amusement park rides and midway games and a captive audience is sure to flock.
Late September is the official start of fair season in Georgia. Here’s a look at three of the biggest annual attractions and what they have planned for your entertainment this year.
You can be sure it involves a vat of oil.

read more:

http://www.accessatlanta.com/AccessAtlanta-sharing_/fair-game-its-the-1180952.html

Ringling Bros. - Celebrate Barnum 200 at Peoria Civic Center

Resorts' Circus Camp offers Atlantic City children an inside look at Cirque Polynesian

Kareem Watson, 10, of Atlantic City, uses his arm to twirl a Cyr Wheel with the help of Cirque Polynesian performer Anna Jack on Thursday at Resorts Casino Hotel during Circus Camp. 'It was fantastic,' Kareem said.

ATLANTIC CITY - When 10-year-old Kareem Watson grows up, he wants to master the Cyr Wheel and entertain the masses with the fast-paced swirling that he could describe only with large, circular arm motions.
"The big hoop that spun all around," Kareem said Thursday.
Kareem was one of about 25 Atlantic City children who participated in Circus Camp at Resorts Casino Hotel. The two-hour program was a collaboration between casino officials and the city's Division of Recreation.
The event featured portions of the ongoing Cirque Polynesian show being performed at the casino and gave children the opportunity to try their hand at some of the performances they saw.

Anthony Smedile Atlantic City

CircusChief Steven Silulu performs with Cirque Polynesian on Thursday during Circus Camp at Resorts Casino Hotel.
"This is so lovely for all the kids in the neighborhood," city resident Naomi Dixon said.

Anthony SmedileAtlantic City Circus
Tula Martin, a lyra dancer with Cirque Polynesian at Resorts Casino Hotel, looks on as Nini Parker, 5, of Atlantic City, tries the lyra Thursday during Circus Camp.
read more:
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/resorts-circus-camp-offers-atlantic-city-children-an-inside-look/article_5ab1749a-e004-11e0-9ef4-001cc4c002e0.html

Behind the Scenes of The Midnight Circus
chicagonewscoop.org

One more weekend for the Mountain State Fair near Asheville

There's still time to enjoy the Mountain State Fair, running through Sunday night at the WNC Agricultural Center. / Special to the Citizen-Times Written byTony Kiss
from: Asheville Citizen-Times
Sep. 14, 2011
FLETCHER — The N. C. Mountain State Fair is wrapping up this weekend, but there’s plenty of fun to be found for the next three days at the WNC Agricultural Center.The fair is an ever-changing experience. One night, the big draw might be a band or performer, or there could be a buzz around a barn or a spectacular carnival ride experience. Even if you’ve already been to the fair this year, its fun to catch one more visit.Here are five ways to enjoy the fair now through Sunday evening.
READ MORE
http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20110916/ENT/309160023/One-more-weekend-for-the-Mountain-State-Fair-near-Asheville?odyssey=tab%7Cmostpopular%7Ctext%7CENT

Fair cancellation no surprise to vendors

By Elizabeth Skrapits (Staff Writer)f

rom:citizensvoice.com

Published: September 16, 2011
For the first time since it started in 1855, the Bloomsburg Fair has been canceled, and local vendors will miss not only the revenue but the annual tradition of taking part in the area's biggest fair.
Catastrophic flooding by the Susquehanna River devastated the town of Bloomsburg, including the fairgrounds. The fair's board of directors opted to cancel this year's event, which was scheduled to run Sept. 24 to Oct. 1.
This would have been the 59th year at the fair for Grotto Pizza, General Manager Armand Mascioli said.
"We'll miss being there," he said. "We've had a pretty dedicated group of customers we see at the fair every year."
Although disappointed, Mascioli said, "It was not a surprise that they were going to cancel it. They were up against a situation that was way beyond fixing in a two-week period."
Michael Mootz, owner of Mootz Candies in Hanover Township, remembers the first year he took part in the Bloomsburg Fair was in 1975, when Hurricane Eloise forced the weeklong fair to close for two days.
He would like this year's fair to have been postponed, but understands why it was canceled: the devastation was too severe this time. Mootz said his son went to Bloomsburg and took 40 to 50 photos, and, "When I saw that, I didn't think they would be able to open," he said.
Over the years, Mootz said the business has developed regular customers - "we sell tons of fudge" - and he has gotten to know a lot of the other vendors at the fair.
"Obviously we're going to miss seeing the people and miss the revenue," he said.
Mootz Candies participates in about 10 fairs, and Bloomsburg is the largest and most profitable, he said. Between 400,000 and 500,000 people attend the fair, which has hundreds of vendors. It has "expanded tremendously since we started going there in '75," he said. Not having it this year will be a loss of revenue for the town of Bloomsburg, he said.Read more: http://citizensvoice.com/news/fair-cancellation-no-surprise-to-vendors-1.1204025#ixzz1Y6wMQXld

NH's Rochester Fair starts 10-day run

Friday, September 16, 2011

ROCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — The 136-year-old fair in Rochester, N.H., is starting its 10-day run, featuring a Paul Bunyan lumberjack show, a circus, and a magic act.
The fair claims to be the oldest in the state. It certainly is the longest, starting Friday and ending Sunday, Sept. 25. Most fairs span four days.
The fair says it saw record attendance last year, with more people viewing its agricultural and building exhibits.

"WHEN SHOW BUSINESS

WAS SHOW BUSINESS"

1969 RBBB Circus The Incredible Upsidedowness of The Hildalys :
Rigging Devised and Designed by Andre Prince Hildaly.



Uploaded by Gyorgyzsilak on Sep 14, 2011
Dolly Jacobs from USA
Evelyn and Andre (Takacs) from Hungary
Duo Armon - Kornel Paray and Sandor Franko from Hungary

Bloomsburg Fair Canceled
By Peggy Lee

from: www.wnep.com

8:48 p.m. EDT, September 14, 2011

The 157th Bloomsburg Fair is canceled due to flood damage.
It was the announcement Bloomsburg Fair officials said they did not want to make, still it was the only choice they had.
After a closed door meeting between the fair's board of directors and local officials and the board's legal team Wednesday evening, it was decided to cancel the 157th annual Bloomsburg Fair, despite attempts to salvage the event.
There are possible health risks because of all the flooding and the police and fire departments are exhausted and would not be able to handle the crowds associated with the fair.
"Took into a lot of considerations, we had legal advice, there's a lot of problems in the health area," said the Bloomsburg Fair Association President Paul Reichart. "And the board supports closing the fair this year."

The Bloomsburg Fairgrounds last Thursday was left under several feet of water when Fishing Creek overflowed its banks.
After the waters receded, vendors with stands at the fair volunteered to tackle the muddy mess, in the hopes the fair would still go on by the scheduled September 24th start date.
Vendor Charles Baker, owner of B & C Cafe in Bloomsburg said there was still a lot of work to be done, but thought they could do it.
"Their fences have to be restored, they have been wiped out by the flood. Buildings are being power washed. There's a bunch of great volunteers down here helping out," said Baker. "I'm optimistic it's going to open but if it doesn't, I know we gave to our best shot."
But the devastation wasn't only within the fairgrounds.
Homes lining the fairgrounds' perimeter each tell a story of a family's loss.
Homeowner Shane Wright lives right at the fairgrounds' entrance and said this was not the time for the fair..
"Just we're trying to rebuild and have to deal with traffic coming through here. just seems like it wouldn't be a good option for us or the whole neighborhood," said Wright.
There is a possibility that something will be held at the fairgrounds later this year, but the main goal of the fair association is to recover and ready themselves for next year.
Volunteers are still needed to help clear away the debris left behind by the flooding.

Sept. 29 thru Oct. 9 2011

The Meadow Event Park

DOUBLE CLICK TO ENLARGE AND READ!

BYRD FAMILY TENT (CFA) LUNCHEON

SEPT. 10,2011

FROM: BILL PRICKETT

(ALL PHOTOS BY BILL PRICKETT)

Jake & Marilyn Sorill, Gary & Barbara Byrd, Julio & Traci Cavallini

I had a very enjoyable Wed, Sept 07, 2011, when I attended the Byrd Family Tent (CFA) luncheon in S. Jacksonville, IL, and saw
the Carson & Barnes circus. The show has been reviewed several times, and all that I can say is it is outstanding. All the performers
are excellent, loved the "spec" and its costumes, and the beautiful elephant blankets. There was a good crowd, the weather was
great for a change, and many happy customers. I spent 10hrs. on the lot, and was able to update my photos, meet Karyn in the
show road office, talk with Brad Pirkl,RM, and other performers. Between shows we had a great meal in the cook house.

Lin Beeley, Charlie Bellatti (sec), Bill Prickett (empty chair),

Peyton(6), Kristin and Gustavo Parra, Rick Purdue, (Pres),

Dave Williams (yellow shirt)

Gary & Barbara Byrd

Barbara Byrd & Kristin Parra-expecting!

BYRD FAMILY TENT (CFA) LUNCHEON

PART II

Traci Byrd-Cavallini

Charlie Bellatti, Jay Jamison & Alex Acero

Alex & Mom, Lilly Acero

Charlie Belatti, Chip Arthurs & Jay Jamison

Dave Williams, Gary Byrd, Charlie Belatti

FROM MIKE NAUGHTON--Friday, Sept 16 -- 12 NOON SRQ CIRCUS LUNCH BUNCH

Lockwood Diner17th Street, just a little east of Lockwood Ridge Road little plaza opposite Walgreens and Auto Zone

Just a group of friends hanging out and talking CIRCUS,no dues, no politics, no BS (that's my line and I take full responsibility)

Ladies and Gentlemen, In-laws and out-laws are welcome, bring a friend if you want.

Lockwood Diner is a small family place and we want to gather some of the tables together for our group - let me know if you might attend so we can save a place.

Or contact Pete Adams - circusp@comcast.net 941 378 9596or Don McGarvey - canvasboss1@aol.com

This event is NOT intended to compete with any other Sarasota happening, it is just another opportunity to get together. The 3rd Friday of the month was selected to space it apart from other regular activities. Feel free to send this email to your friends or post on the Internet.See you at the circus,Mike

NEWS FROM PA. FLOOD AREA
ELYSBURG — Despite serious flood damages, Knoebels Amusement Park hopes to have most of its facilities open this weekend. Spokesman Joe Muscato says flooding in the park was worse than in 1972. Parts of the park had never had water before and some buildings were moved. The clean-up started as soon as the water from Roaring Creek and Mugser’s Run receded. Each ride at the park is being thoroughly inspected before being reopened. The roller coasters, including the Phoenix, are fine but other rides were damaged. The Daily Item reports, plans are to post on the park’s website – www.knoebels.com - a list of rides that will be available this weekend.

BLOOMSBURG - The annual Bloomsburg Fair in Columbia County is one of the largest and longest running fairs in Pennsylvania. But after it was flooded out by the Susquehanna River, the fate of the fair is up in the air. The Bloomsburg Fair is scheduled to start on September 24th, so far organizers say they have not made a decision on whether to cancel it. On Monday, vendors who have stands at the fair volunteered their time, tying to clean up the mess left behind after last week's flooding. Fair organizers say anyone wanting to help won't be turned away. Fair officials say they plan to make a decision whether to hold the Bloomsburg Fair by 6 o'clock Wednesday evenening.

The 2011 Springfield Circus Spectacular Comes To JQH Arena

7 Circus Performances, October 6th thru October 9th

Performers from 15 countries will dazzle circus fans with new, amazing feats in the biggest and best Circus ever.

Edited Press Release

newsalerts@ky3.comSeptember 13, 2011

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – JQH Arena roars to life with tigers, elephants, and daredevils as the Circus Spectacular rolls into Springfield for 4 days. Performers from 15 countries will dazzle circus fans with new, amazing feats in the biggest and best Circus ever.

The Circus Spectacular is the only interactive circus in the world!

This year’s show includes the opportunity of a lifetime, as audience members are welcomed into the circus rings before, during intermission, and after the circus to meet the stars, ride ponies and elephants, and take photographs.

The Circus is throwing a Pre-Party for all who wish to visit with local celebrities, or for those who just love to clown around!

Michelle Audrey is delighted to act as emcee on behalf of the Circus, “This is a show that is all about family fun and creating memories.”

READ MORE:http://www.ky3.com/news/ky3-springfield-circus-the-2011-springfield-circus-spectacular-comes-to-jqh-arena-20110913,0,4609072.story

L.A. County Fair again packing a big economic punch

http://www.lacountyfair.com

Cynthia Kurtz, Correspondent

from: www.pasadenastarnews.com

Posted: 09/13/2011

IT'S that time of year again folks.

The Los Angeles County Fairgrounds (Fairplex) is a beehive of activity because the L.A. County Fair is well underway here in the San Gabriel Valley. The Fair has something for everyone - food, shopping, rides, music, entertainment and education.
Most of us think about food first when its Fair time, and yes, there is an abundance of deep-fried foods on a stick. Still, it is not exclusively a place for foods we shouldn't eat. There are over 300 food choices, including 50 food trucks that will visit the Fair this year and you'll find yogurt, smoothies, fruits and salads among the offerings.

The Doobie Brothers, Boz Scaggs, and Earth Wind and Fire are just a few of the music choices. Unfortunately, you already missed the Beach Boys show.
At the exhibits you can learn a lot about our world and our health. The "Our Body: Live Healthy" exhibit is back by popular demand, showcasing the wonders of the human body with complete cadavers.
While all the rides, exhibits, circus acts and animals are fun, these aren't the only exciting things about having the Fair nearby. There is also a lot of buying and selling that generates economic activity and creates jobs for the San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles County and California. An estimated 1.4 million residents and visitors will attend the L.A. County Fair between Sept. 3 and Oct. 2. Every chocolate-covered banana someone eats, stuffed lion toy someone wins and concert someone hears drives our economy and produces jobs. read more: http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/business/ci_18888987

Public invited to Lion Club magic show

By Gleaner Staff

Evansville Courier & Press

Posted September 13, 2011

The public is invited to the Grand Illusion Magic Show at 7 p.m. Saturday in the South Middle School gym.
The event is sponsored by the Henderson City Lions Club and features Roger and Lee Ann Despard in the largest magic show of its kind in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee and Ohio.
According to a press release, Roger Despard is still performing Harry Houdini's "death-defying Milk Can Escape."
The magic show will also include razor-sharp swords, a woman being levitated and many more illusions.
The couple has performed throughout 30 states, worked with Ed McMahon, appeared on WGN's Bozo Circus among other television programs, a press release said.
Officials said that during the last 20 years, Roger and Lee Ann Despard have raised more than $1 million for groups such as the Lions, Kiwanis and Rotary clubs and D.A.R.E. programs.
Proceeds from Saturday night's performance will go toward purchasing eyeglasses for those who can't afford them.
Ticket prices in advance are $7.50. At the door the prices are $10 for adults, $7.50 for elementary students and children 5 and under are admitted for free.

Circus brings a trunk show to Vernon Hills, IL

Come for the elephants but stay for the tiger, jugglers, acrobats and clowns when the Kelly Miller Circus comes to Westfield Hawthorn Mall this weekend.

By MYRNA PETLICKI Contributor

from: www.lakeforest.suntimes.com

September 13, 2011

A Wild West segment is the latest addition to the popular Kelly Miller Circus, which returns to Vernon Hills Sept. 16-18. Performances are 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday at the Westfield Hawthorn Mall, Route 60 and Milwaukee Ave.
“We’re going to take people out West,” said General Manager Jim Royal. “We’ve got a champion rope-spinner, an aerial ballet and a dancehall theme.”
All the favorite attractions are back — plus some new performers. “It wouldn’t be the circus without our three elephants,” Royal said. “We have a new tiger trainer who’s got an amazing act, and jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, clowns — everything that makes a circus so much fun.”
Tickets are $10 in advance, $6 for children at the Vernon Hills Village Hall, the Vernon Hills Park District’s Sullivan Center and the Hawthorn Mall Information Desk; $15 and $7 at the door.

Kelly Miller Circus Wows Young Crowds

The Kelly Miller Circus arrived at Sunset Park in Lake in the Hills to perform two shows. The event drew guests of all ages, particularly young, first-time circus-goers.

Before the show started, circus-goers could pay for elephant rides outside the big tent. The Kelly Miller Circus provided two elephants for riding and also offered pony and camel rides. Credit: Stephanie Price

By Stephanie Price

FROM: lakeinthehills.patch.com

September 12, 2011

Armani Herrera is just three years old, but already has a passion for animals.
"He loves animals," said Armani's mother, Lorena Herrera, of Lake in the Hills.
For that reason, Lorena and her husband, Marco, brought Armani and his older brother Mark, 6, to the Kelly Miller Circus on Saturday at Sunset Park.
The circus, based out of Hugo, Oklahoma, was in town and performing two shows under a big tent at the park.
"This is perfect for him," Lorena said. "He rode a camel last year, but his favorite animal is the elephant."

A Kelly Miller Circus attendant guides the elephant providing rides to circus patrons on Saturday afternoon at Sunset Park in LITH. Credit: Stephanie Price
The Herreras enjoyed a slow, relaxing elephant ride outside the big tent before the show began. The two boys didn't seem the least bit concerned about the elephant's size. Once the ride was completed, little Armani mimmicked the elephant's trunk wag and sounded a pint-sized elephant wail.
The Kelly Miller Circus offered its guests rides on camels and ponies as well.

Families enjoyed cotton candy, popcorn and bought souvenirs before the show. Circus workers provided whimsical works of face paintings for the little ones.
"We love the circus," said LITH resident Donna Behrens, who was at the Kelly Miller big tent on Saturday with daughter, Hannah, 6, and son Braden, 4.
"We come every year," Behrens said. "Our favorite parts are the elephants and the tigers."
The tigers kicked off the show, one even peformed a furry-footed moonwalk move to the music of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean."
The Kelly Miller Circus appearance in Lake in the Hills was sponsored by the Algonquin-LITH Jaycees.

MORE KELLY-MILLER PICTURES

FROM

LAKE IN THE HILLS

from: lakeinthehills.patch.com

Taste of Utah Brings Local Foods to the Utah State Fair

By Marsha Maxwell, About.com Guide

September 11, 2011

The Utah State Fair, going on now until Sunday, Sept. 18, offers a lot of the weird and exotic foods state fairs are known for, such as fried butter, python on a stick, and grilled maggot and cheese sandwiches (I'm not kidding). It also presents fair goers with lots of opportunities to try foods with origins a little closer to home.
The Taste of Utah tent at the Utah State Fair, presented by Utah's Own, will offer samples from more than 50 local food companies producing breads, snacks, sweets, beverages, ice cream, meat, poultry and a lot more, Tuesday, Sept. 13, from noon to 8 p.m. Admission to the Taste of Utah tent is included with your fair ticket.
Some of my favorite Utah food companies will be there, including Fat Boys and Creamies ice cream, Beehive Cheese, Rico's Mexican foods, and Apple Beer. So will a few newcomers and companies whose products I've been meaning to try. Click on the link below for a map showing all the vendors who will be on hand, and come out Tuesday to sample a Taste of Utah.

Cirque auditions draw aspiring artists with lofty dreams

Timber Brown demonstrates his flexibility during auditions for new Cirque du Soleil performers in the “O” Theater at the Bellagio.

By Delen Goldberg

from The Las Vagas Sun

Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011

Maybe the bubbles got to her. A year ago, Hilary Sweeney was a scientist for Pepsi — and performed aerial acts at nights and on weekends. She came to love it so much that on Monday, she swapped her business suit for a tan leotard and dangled upside down from a rope in the middle of the Bellagio’s O Theater, hoping to make this a permanent gig.
Rebecca Freund, on the other hand, has long had circus in her blood. Her aunt and uncle rode elephants under the big top, and her cousin performs as a trapeze artist on the East Coast. Although Sweeney jokes that she “ran off to join the circus,” Freund seems to have prepared for a role as an aerialist all her life.
Despite their divergent paths, both women share a similar goal: to become a featured performer with Cirque du Soleil. Sweeney and Freund were among a handful of aerial artists who auditioned Monday for the French Canadian production company that has redefined circus entertainment from clowns and cotton candy to theater-quality dancing and acting.READ MORE AT:http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/sep/13/dreams-performing-cirque-show-draw-aspiring-artist/

World's largest traditional circus coming to Fort Scott

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Fort Scott Tribune

The 75th edition of the Carson & Barnes Circus will perform at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the event as a fundraiser to support many of its local community projects.
Carson & Barnes Circus travels with its city-block long tent to some 200 towns and cities each 10-month season.

Emphasis this year is on a new concept in circus presentation which blends over eight decades of circus tradition and family ownership with new acts and up-close audience viewing, achieving a new height in quality family entertainment, a news release said.
The general public is invited, and early birds on Sept. 20 can watch as the first units of the caravan begin arriving about an hour after dawn. More than two-dozen types of exotic and domestic animals, featuring a large traveling zoo, are unloaded, fed and watered and made available for viewing. Adding to the excitement, people, elephants and technology work side by side to put up the big top.
The performers are artists from around the world, including the United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Russia and Italy. Acts consist of aerial trapeze, high wire, motorcycle acrobatic teams, jugglers and clowns, along with performing elephants, camels, dogs and horses. Special for 2011 is the award-winning clown and world-renowned "King of Comedy" Alex, who will entertain guests with high bounding feats on the trampoline.
Advance general admission tickets are available at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and Country Cupboard at special discount prices for adults at $12 and children (2-11) at $6 before circus day. Tickets the day of the show are $18 for adults and $10 for children. Customers may also choose to go online and get tickets at full price at www.carsonbarnescircus.com. Tickets can be upgraded to preferred seating for an additional charge online or at the box office.

After standing on brink of closure, Tennessee State Fair rides again

By Kelly Halom

from: insidevandy.com

Published Sep. 12, 2011

The Tennessee State Fair opened on Friday, marking Nashville’s success in preserving a tradition that has lasted 105 years.

The grassroots effort needed to preserve the Tennessee State Fairgrounds loomed large at this year’s Fair.
In 2010, Mayor Karl Dean announced his intention to close the grounds and use the 120 acres for a mix-use development in order to increase the economic value of the land. Nashvillians responded with a petition-drive to add a fairgrounds referendum to the August 2011 ballot, which was overwhelmingly approved.

The Fair’s rescue was good news to the fair’s colorful cast of characters, who bring a quality of uniqueness to the proceedings.

Take Phillip Hendricks, for example. He has worked with monkeys for four years in the Banana Derby, an event where monkey jockeys ride on small dogs around a track to the applause and cheers of enthusiastic fans. When asked how he got involved in the business of monkey jockeys, Hendricks replied, “I used to be a lawyer in Chicago, but then I ran away and joined the circus.”

Then there’s Riverboat John, who provides strings, songs and stories to small audiences outside his booth every weeknight. Riverboat John is also chock-full of fun facts such as this: it’s against the law to use elephants for agricultural purposes in the state of Tennessee.

Few can match the dedication shown by Michaela Boeglin and Abigal Georges, two teenage girls who have been traveling from out-of-state for five years to show off their livestock in the Tennessee State Fair. They bring all of their own accommodations for the weekend and sleep right by their cattle on home-brought cots. When asked why the Tennessee Fair was their fair of choice, Boeglin remarked, “Everyone’s so nice here.” Any fair enthusiast will find everything they need at the Tennessee State Fair — and then some.

From typical attractions including the ferris wheel, fun house, tilt-a-whirl, live music, acrobats and livestock competitions to food both familiar — turkey legs, funnel cakes, foot long corndogs – and new — a delicacy known as a “hot beef sundae” — the Tennessee State Fair offers something to every fairgoer.

But the true pride of this state fair lies in the tradition and community behind it.

Emily Fletcher, who is in charge marketing and sponsorships remarked, “Everyone here is a really big believer in it.”

Two Air Shows for the Price of None in Ocean City

Daredevil wing walker Jane Wicker hangs from the wing of her airplane. Wicker will be featured during the Sunday show.

OCEAN CITY - Two air shows will be held at this family resort the weekend of Sept. 17-18. Both are free.Jersey Shore Guide By Press ReleaseThe 26th Annual Ocean City Airport Festival is set for Sat., Sept. 17 at the Airport, 26th and Bay Ave. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Airport’s grounds will be packed with unusual air planes. There will be an awards ceremony at 2 p.m. for the most outstanding aircraft on display.
Highlight of the ground display will be a rare Mitchell World War II B 25 Bomber that gained fame for its flexibility and durability during that conflict. It was brought to national attention in April of 1942 when General Jimmy Doolittle led 15 B-25’s from the aircraft carrier “Hornet” in America’s first attack on mainland Japan. The B-25 will take off from the Airport at the conclusion of the Festival at 3 p.m. It was made available to Ocean City by the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum.
This World War II B 25 Bomber will be displayed at the show on Saturday and will take off from the runway at 3 p.m.
Among the many other features of the event will be an exciting Kite display by Air Circus of Ocean City from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Airport’s runway. Various stunt kites will literally dance in the air operated by Doug Jewell and his team of kite enthusiasts.
At 12:30 p.m., the N.J.Pine Barrens RC Club will present an exciting model airplane display. Some of the miniature jets will attain speeds of over 100 miles per hour while performing exciting maneuvers.
The event will be child friendly with a paper airplane making and flying contest at 11 a.m. There will be categories for children from 4 to 12. First place winners will receive a free ride on a real airplane, the Red Baron. A paper clip sculpting contest will be held during the day, plus a yo yo demonstration and Bubble display by Air Circus. There will be free face painters.
The youth band 1-2-3 Draw will entertain. There is a mini playground at the entrance to the airport.
There will be an antique auto display with a Runway Parade at 11:20 a.m., helicopter and airplane rides for a fee, and much more. Refreshments will be available.
On Sun., Sept. 18, stunt pilots will perform a two hour Aerobatic Air Show over the beach. The dazzling display will be visible the entire length of the City’s boardwalk from 1 to 3 p.m.
The Aerobatic Show will feature 12 acts including individual performances and groups flying in formation. Featured performances include Aerobatics world champion, Rob Holland, Jane Wicker, a daredevil wing walker who has appeared in numerous movies and the Iron Eagle Aerobatic team.
Also featured will be Bill Gordon flying an Aurora 450 Stearman; Jim Beasley in a Spitfire Mk. XVIII; the Fire Birds Aerobatic Team; Randy Devere piloting CJ-6 Aerobatics; the NE Raiders Formation Team; stunt pilots Kevin Russo, Kendall Simpson and Jack Knutson and a Vintage T-6/SNJ Flight.
For information call the Public Relations Officer, (609) 525-9300, nights and weekends call 609-364-4010.

The Big E

West Springfiled, Mass.

Circus protest at Castle Hill

by Bev Jordan

from: www.hills-shire-times.wherewelive.com.au

12 Sep 11

Animal lovers joined an Animal Liberation protest outside the Lennon Bros Circus in Castle Showground on Saturday to voice their concerns over animal cruelty.
Campaign co-ordinator Emma Hurst said Hills Shire Council was one of the few councils in NSW not to implement a circus ban on council land.
Dori Kiss who was part of the protest at Castle Hill Showground said it was awareness campaign aimed at people attending the afternoon show.
“A lot of people took leaflets. I don’t think they are aware of the stress these animals go through.
“Lennon Bros has three lions, a numbers of monkeys, lamas, ponies, geese and dogs.”
A State-wide ban on circus animals is due to be debated in Parliament on Wednesday .
A petition with more than 10,000 signatures calling for an end to circuses with animals in NSW was presented to parliament by Sydney State Independent MP Clover Moore.

WE'RE JOINING THE CIRCUS.....

Monday, September 12, 2011

Grimsby Telegraph

ROLL up, roll up! Russell's International Circus is bringing the big top back to town this year ... and a Grimsby Telegraph reporter is going to take part.
Voted Britain's Best Circus 2010 in an online poll, organisers promise this year the show is even bigger and better than ever.
Spectators can look forward to the death-defying revolving rocket routine from Amanda Russell, a second generation Russell who choreographs the shows and runs the circus with husband Rusty Russell, a hilarious clown and ringmaster.
You will also get to witness the amazing Jumping Juniors, who will be flying through the air, unharnessed, from the terrifying, all-new springboard.
And, if training goes well, on Tuesday, Telegraph reporter James Dunn will be joining the Jumping Juniors. Sadly, the performance will not be before the public – but his colleagues will be on hand to tell you all about it.
Strongmen Tibi and Krisztian will be entertaining the crowds with their incredible hand-to- hand balancing act.
Captain Antonio Candela will be heating up proceedings with his fire-breathing act, and expect Ramon to be shining bright with some UV juggling.
There are also all the classics to look forward to, with clowns Alex and Skinny, comedy from Lizzy, 8ft inflatable clowns Big Bill and Giant George and Disney characters for the kids.
Rusty said: "We are delighted to bring you an all-new circus spectacular which is a blend of the top international circus artistes with the very best of British skills.
"We are proud to present award-winning British comedy alongside the very best in aerial artistry, a show full of breathtaking thrills, laughter and excitement, creating a mixture of emotions that will leave your heart pounding and will stay in your mind for the rest of your life."
No animals take part in the show.
Russell's arrived in Humberston Road, near Pennells Garden Centre, yesterday and is now setting up for the first show on Wednesday.
There will be shows at 5pm and 7.30pm on Wednesdays Thursdays and Fridays, at 3pm and 6pm on Saturdays, and at 2pm on Sundays, until they leave on Sunday, September 25.
Ticket prices range from £8 to £12 for children and £10 to £16 for adults, but you can get two tickets for the price of one if you present this article at the door.
Standard Northcliffe promotions rules apply – visit www. thisisgrimsby.co.uk/houserules The article must be presented to receive the two-for-one discount. Photocopies will not be accepted, and it is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. The offer is subject to availability. Promoter's terms and conditions may apply.
For more information on the circus, visit www.russells circus.co.uk

First International Circus in Palestine Concludes Shows

By May GhabenRAMALLAH,

September 11, 2011

(WAFA) – ‘Artists against the Wall’ and ‘A Smile Changes the World’ were the themes of Festiclown first international circus show held in the Palestinian Territory.
The circus, which included 20 different international circus groups from all over the world, concluded on Sunday its acts with a show Ramallah bringing smiles and laughter to hundreds of Palestinian children.

Ivan Prado, director of the circus, told WAFA that after meeting in 2009 with the Palestinian circus school students his dream became to perform in Palestine.His story in Palestine starts in 2003, when his group held a number of circus shows in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.“We witnessed bombing, shelling and tanks coming after us,' he said. 'Even the driver of the ambulance that used to move us around after curfew hour had his arm broken by Israeli soldiers.”

All this and more only made him hold on stronger to his dream of holding “the first international circus of its kind in Palestine.”

'‘Rebellious clowns' is what the Festiclown people call themselves.

They rebel against the apartheid wall and the 'genocide carried out by Israeli forces against the Palestinian people,' said Prado

.In cooperation with the Spanish consulate, Ramallah municipality, the Palestinian circus school and circuses from all over the world, including Spain, Argentina, Chili, Portugal, USA and a number of Palestinian groups and street artists, the circus was a success and the laughter and smiles on the faces of the children, and even the adults, were the answer that Prado and Fiestaclown circus were looking for.“If red nosed clowns can get through the Wall and bring peace and hope to their hearts and souls, so can politicians,” Prado said.The circus was held in Ramallah, Nablus, Jerusalem and a number of refugees camps.
M.G./F.R.

'Cirque De Legume:' Animal-Vegetable-Maniac Circus

In this image released by 59E59 Theaters, Jaimie Carswell, left, and Nancy Trotter Landry, are shown in "Cirque de Legume," performing off-Broadway at 59E59 Theaters in New York. (AP Photo/Karen Greco PR; Mark Fearon)
By JENNIFER FARRAR Associated Press NEW YORK
September 12, 2011
(AP) Flouting the age-old parental refrain, "Don't play with your food!" comes a zany Irish production called "Cirque de Legume" which is all about playing with food. Specifically, with root vegetables.
The chewing, spewing and other abuse of leafy produce has been raised to an art form by the hilarious, deliberately awkward duo performing "Cirque de Legume," which opened Sunday night off-Broadway at 59E59 Theaters as part of the yearlong 2011 Imagine Ireland festival. It's an animal-vegetable-maniac circus, laden with slapstick and humor at the expense of a basket of vegetables.
The 55-minute show was created by performers Jaimie Carswell and Nancy Trotter Landry, both professionally-trained clowns, and Pablo Ibarluzea, who directs. Their sad circus decor is one red chair adorned with a yellow star, yet Carswell and Landry cleverly employ ordinary vegetables and impeccable comedic chops to create the impression of a complete amateur circus, featuring performing animals and attempted feats of daring.
In their skilled hands and crazed imaginations, ordinary vegetables are absurdly elevated and then, usually, messily macerated. A head of Romaine lettuce becomes a howling performing dog, while Landry wields a pair of leeks like whips and several long red chili peppers like knives. Minor roles are handled by a magical potato, instrumental cucumbers and an elegant artichoke or two.read more:http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=14497410

Sunday State News Briefs: Police investigating fall of performer at Circus World

Wisconsin News from: piercecountyherald.com

Sep 11, 2011

BARABOO - Baraboo police are investigating the fall of a circus performer Saturday morning. Hannah Crist suffered unspecified injuries when she fell 10-to-15 feet from a swing during a magician's act. Crist was reportedly performing as a magician's assistant at the Circus World Museum. A crowd witnessed the accident. Onlookers say the 23 year old performer was alert and conscious after the fall to a concrete surface, but she was disoriented. Crist was taken to a hospital.

RED SHELTON TRIBUTE SHOW

Made in the USA! - Las Vegas' Only Red Skelton Tribute Show

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Las Vegas, NV-AZ (1888PressRelease) September 12, 2011 - Richard Bernard Skelton, better known to the American public as Red Skelton, was born the son of a circus clown in the small town of Vincennes Indiana. Vincennes is the home of the Red Skelton Festival that happens every year during the second week of June.
Red Skelton was born on July 18th 1913 in a home that sits across the street from Vincennes University, home of the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center, officially dedicated on Friday, February 24, 2006.
Red Skelton took pride in being an American and when World War II broke out he immediately went to enlist to serve our country. He asked for no special treatment while in the army and was asked to be the funny man that he was after doing all the regular drills and routines expected of all enlisted men.
Red worked very hard as a private in the United States Army and because of his commanding officers ordering him to perform for the troops or risk disciplinary actions, he remained a private. Private Skelton spent many a night entertaining the brass and then went out of his way to make sure the morale of his fellow ranks were always at their highest through his comedy antics.
Brian Hoffman's Tribute to Red Skelton remains true to the great American spirit of Red Skelton. This show is "Made in the USA" and performed by an American using products that are made in the USA in one of America's favorite destinations,... Las Vegas, NV.
To help get America going again the Red Skelton Tribute show is offering a great recession buster.

Visit http://www.RedSkeltonComedyShow.com/show_tickets.html to order your tickets to see Remembering Red A Tribute to Red Skelton show in Las Vegas. Use promo code USA to get half off your tickets saving you up to $19.96 per ticket. This offer is only good for online reservations. Have a safe trip when Visiting Las Vegas.http://www.RedSkeltonComedyShow.com

Evergreen State Fair Sets Revenue Record

Published:2011-09-11

http://www.snohomishtimes.com

The Evergreen State Fair, the largest annual event held in Snohomish County and one of the biggest in the Northwest, set a new record this year for on site gate admission and parking revenues totaling nearly $1.4 million.
In addition, the fair collected more than 50,000 pounds of non perishable food items during two Fridays of the 12 day fair, in support of local food banks throughout Snohomish County.
Preliminary gate and parking numbers show revenues totaling $1,388,490.00, surpassing the previous record collection of $1,368,846 set in 2007. Good weather also attributed to higher than expected receipts at vendors such as the iconic Purple Cow. The Snohomish County Dairy Women’s Association, which operates the Purple Cow, had their second best year during its 51 year history with $64,300 in gross receipts. Butler Amusements also reported near record gross receipts on carnival rides and amusements.
This year’s highlights included major improvements to the Evergreen Speedway, the opening of the new Evergreen Event Center, ride upgrades including state of the art LED lighting, top music acts such as the Band Perry and OneRepublic and the opportunity for talented folks from around the region to showcase products and to celebrate the area’s agricultural roots.
Fair planners scheduled special pricing or free entry during eight of the 12 days of the fair. Keeping with the "Hungry for Fun" theme, each person who brought three non perishable food items was granted free admission on Fridays as part of the "Friday Food Bank Frenzy." Six days had discounts or were free for seniors and children. More than 20,000 people took advantage of the discounts or free and reduced fair opportunities.
Another key element to this year’s success was a great marketing plan and leveraged media buys, generated through a new and innovative partnership between Snohomish County and the new Evergreen Speedway operator, High Road Promotions.