THE BALLOON MAN

Little circus delights
— By Chesley Oxendine Times Correspondent
from:  muskogeephoenix.com
November 28, 2012


Mel Silverlake, right, and his granddaughter Sierra perform a magic trick using knotted napkins and a paper bag.
 Fort Gibson got a taste of the big tent’s lights, sounds and popcorn Friday night when the Santa Claus Holiday Circus came to town — courtesy of American Legion Post 20.
 Set up inside Fort Gibson High School’s old gymnasium, the circus put on a set of acts specifically geared for smaller locales. Performers included everyone from plate spinners to a group of coordinated poodles, all dressed in vivid outfits.
 The circus’ antics earned raucous laughter from a crowd of more than 100 people. Between acts, guests were encouraged to enjoy cotton candy and souvenirs from a concession stand that filled the small gym with the smell of popcorn.

 

The "Argentine Guacho" performs a dance using whirling blankets during Friday night's Santa Claus Holiday Circus.
The circus’ antics earned raucous laughter from a crowd of more than 100 people. Between acts, guests were encouraged to enjoy cotton candy and souvenirs from a concession stand that filled the small gym with the smell of popcorn.
 Some of the visitors even got in on the fun, like Fort Gibson resident Libby Matthews, who ended up dancing with famous Christmas character the Grinch during an intermission.
 Matthews said even though it was her children that convinced her to come at first, she enjoyed herself.
“I came for my kids, but this was really good,” she said. “I had a good night.”
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