THE BALLOON MAN

Circus Vargas makes comeback in Inland Empire

Circus Vargas entertainers perform Sunday in San Bernardino during the show's 43rd season. (Melissa Pinion-Whitt/Staff)

from: dailybulletin.com

Melissa Pinion-Whitt, Staff Writersbsun.com

04/15/2012

SAN BERNARDINO - Ken Philott hasn't gone to see the circus since he was a boy. But he has fond memories of watching trapeze artists, animals and other performers. 

"We used to watch them come into town on the train," the Colton resident said. 

So he decided to relive some of those memories of the big top on Sunday, the second-to-last day of Circus Vargas' stop in San Bernardino. This time, he brought his wife, Sue, and two granddaughters, Sydney, 3, and Savannah, 1. 

Monday is the circus' last day in San Bernardino. The next stop is the Mall of Victor Valley in Victorville for a week, then Ontario Mills for two weeks. 

It's the 43rd season for the circus, and this year's production includes Broadway-style 

performances, with singing and dancing at the opening and closing of the two-hour show. 

"We've had a full house at pretty much every show," said Kevin Venardos, ringmaster and creative director. 

He said the show continues to enjoy success despite the struggling economy. 

"In many cities, we may be one of the only live events that people have seen before, especially young people," he said, "and that's a great honor." 

For 15-year-old Sandy Chavez of San Bernardino, resident, Sunday was her first time at the circus. The San Gorgonio High School student was looking for something to cheer her up. 

"I was just hoping it will brighten my day," she said. 

Unlike other long-running circuses such as Ringling Bros., Circus Vargas has no animal performers. But it does have plenty of performing humans, doing everything from juggling to aerial stunts. 

Katya and Nelson Quiroga, who own the circus' production company, say Circus Vargas has been coming to Southern California for more than 40 years. The pair previously worked as trapeze artists under the name "The Flying Tabares." 

"It's a great crowd here in the Inland Empire," Katya Quiroga said. 

Tickets range from $25 to $60. 

The shows today are at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. at Waterman Avenue and Hospitality Lane.