netherlands national circus promo video

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Circus set to roll into Holmfirth for the first time in 18 years

by Nick Lavigueur, Huddersfield Daily Examiner
 Apr 7 2012

THE circus is set to roll into Holmfirth for the first time in almost two decades.

No, it’s not politicians heading out on the campaign trail, but the Netherlands National Circus arriving at the Cattle Market.

The last circus to visit the Holme Valley town was the now-defunct Chipperfields Circus in 1994.

Netherlands Circus spokesman, Chris Barltrop, said they were very excited to return to a town with such a rich performing heritage.

In the 1940s Holmfirth was home to circus family the Overends, otherwise known as The Ladringlos.

The family famously kept a tiger, which lived in the back garden of their house at Rotcher and was often seen walking the streets of the town on a string.

Fenella the tiger never attacked anyone and, after some initial trouble with the council, she remained in Holmfirth cared for by sisters Kassie and Meg until she died in 1950 aged 10.

Mr Barltrop, said: “It’s marvellous to be on tour here with such a special show.

“This circus is from Holland, but the idea of circus performance was a British invention and the circus is close to people’s hearts everywhere.”

The all human circus – one of Europe’s largest – will set up at the Cattle Market Field off Woodhead Road for three days from Monday, April 16.

THE circus did not begin, as the name implies, in ancient Rome.

The modern circus simply borrowed the title of a much gorier Roman spectacle.

The show we call a circus first took place in London in 1768 and has since been exported all over the world.

The inventor of the circus was an ex-Cavalryman called Philip Astley.

A war hero, Astley earned a living giving displays of trick riding in the open air on the south bank of the Thames.

He realised that if he rode in a circle it helped him keep his balance and also allowed spectators to see better.

His shows were so successful that he took on a clown – Mr Merryman – to fill in while he changed costume.

Then he added some acrobats and the circus was born! He went on to Paris and presented shows to Marie Antoinette.

Circuses have gone on to make legends, including Blondin, who crossed Niagara Falls on a tight-rope, the huge elephant Jumbo, and the man who invented the flying trapeze and also gave his name to the most famous piece of gym-wear ever, Frenchman Jules Leotard.
Read More http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/local-west-yorkshire-news/2012/04/07/circus-set-to-roll-into-holmfirth-for-the-first-time-in-18-years-86081-30710797/#ixzz1rMJYx5Qx

All's Fair: Music, rides, games filling the fairgrounds 



A group of girls enjoy the Rock ’N’ Roll ride at the Flagler County Fair Wednesday. The fair continues until Sunday. (News-Tribune | David Massey) 
from: news-journalonline.com
By Patrick Appolonia, CORRESPONDENT 
April 7, 2012
Those who want to be a part of the onstage entertainment at the Flagler County Fair & Youth Show -- and take a shot at winning $250 -- get their chance tonight on the fair stage with a karaoke contest beginning at 6 p.m. 


Penny Buckles, treasurer of the Flagler County Fair & Youth Show Inc., organizers of the fair, said the karaoke contest was one of the new events at the fair. 


The midway also features bigger rides, with a new vendor this year, Buckles said, in an effort to appeal to teens and other older fair goers. 


Those looking for classic rides need not worry as favorites like the Himalaya and the Scrambler still remain an essential addition. 

 

There are also a number of attractions for younger fairgoers who want to get up close and personal with miniature horses, donkeys and goats inside the Kids Zone petting zoo. This new addition features interactive exhibits such as the Milkable Cow, where youngsters can get the experience of dairy farming. The exhibit is on loan from the state fair. 


Entertainment for the weekend includes the Northeast Florida Dance Academy and 3Nmotion Dance Studio today. 


On Sunday, youngsters can participate in an Easter egg hunt. Musical entertainment Sunday will be the Cajun/zydeco band Porchdogs. 


Those who come with an appetite won't be disappointed. There are an array of food vendors featuring standard fair foods like hamburgers, lemonade and funnel cakes and some new additions, like deep-fried Oreo cookies. 


The fair continues today from noon to midnight and from 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Gate admission is $5 for adults today and $3 on Sunday. Children under 12 are free. 


Another interactive exhibit, "Farmer for a Day," offers youth the chance to pick vegetables from a garden and put them in a basket.

The fair's educational mission extends to what has always been the heart of most county fairs -- livestock shows. 


"That's why we have the livestock program, for the kids, and the exhibits because it's all educational," Buckles said. 


This year the annual livestock show takes place today and Thursday and the livestock auction is Friday. 


While midway rides and foot-long corn dogs may draw some to the fair, for 4-H and FFA members, the livestock auction is the highlight of the event. 


"What happens is the kids are raising animals for their college funds," Buckles said. 


The fair organization offers a scholarship program as well, she added. 


Buckles said with so many events going on in Flagler County this time of year, and with the Easter holiday this weekend, a lot of effort went into setting up the fair. 


"I try to keep everyone's interest," she said. "We have a Cajun Zydeco band, which is real popular. And then we have, for the first time ever, a karaoke contest on Saturday." 


Buckles said she hopes the addition of karaoke brings people to the fair. 


"Karaoke is really popular here," she said. "I'm hoping that draws a good crowd." 


In addition to the educational and entertainment value the fair provides, it also helps promote local tourism efforts, said Georgia Turner, vice president of tourism development at the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce & Affiliates. 


"The more we have to do here the better," Turner said. "It's just amazing from a county this size how much we have to do." 


Turner said the wide range of events on the calendar, like the county fair, paint a positive picture for potential visitors. 


"It makes it look like a vibrant place to visit," she said. 


The Flagler County Fair & Youth Show begins tonight and runs through Sunday. More information is available online at flaglercountyfair.com

The Detroit Shrine Circus is at Hazel Park Raceway today and Sunday. 
(Detroit Shrine Circus)

 

From The Detroit News: 
April 7, 2012
48 Hours: Your guide to Metro Detroit's weekend best
 By Melody Baetens and Jocelynn Brown
 The Detroit News
Detroit Shrine Circus at Hazel Park Raceway: Wacky clowns, majestic animals and wild stunts are all part of the spectacle of the Shrine Circus. This year, it also offers a petting zoo featuring camels, elephants, horses and more. 10:30 a.m., 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. today-Sun. $24. Dequindre and 10 Mile, Hazel Park. (866) 992-CIRCUS.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120407/ENT05/

Circus Comes To Town, Investigated By Feds


 

By Mike Valerio | Reporter
April 6, 2012


ONSLOW COUNTY -- A popular circus rolls into town, but it visits the area without an important federal license.
The Cole Bros. Circus arrived in Jacksonville Thursday morning without a federal animal exhibitor license. It has been without the permit since February 2008. So how is the circus performing this holiday weekend?
"We don't own any animals here," ringmaster Chris Connors said. "All the animals at this show are owned by individual people."
During an animal cruelty investigation launched by the United States Department of Agriculture, Cole Bros. voluntarily surrendered its exhibitor license in 2008. Three trainers employed by the circus then took on the responsibilities of applying for licenses, giving the company a clean slate.
According to USDA officials, an animal cruelty investigation is still ongoing concerning allegations of abuse from 2006 to 2010. A Cole Bros. spokesperson denied the allegations 

Cole Bro. Circus headed to Havelock
Three days, six shows

Five-year-old Enzo Dillion, right, covers his face in laughter at the antics of Tom E. Boy, aka Tom King, a clown from the Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars on Monday. The clown visited Child Care Network on U.S. 70 and other day cares in advance of the circus, which is in Havelock April 9, 10, and 11.
Drew C. Wilson/Havelock News
April 05, 2012
Little Enzo Dillion broke down in laughter as Tom E. Boy, a clown from the Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars played one trick after another on him Monday.

Enzo wasn’t alone as all of the youngsters at Child Care Network on U.S. 70 were in stitches when the clown, also known as Tom King, made a series of advance visits to Havelock to drum up interest in the Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars and give away tickets. The circus is coming back to town April 9, 10 and 11 for six shows at Walter B. Jones Park.

King found it easy to bust these kids out with hilarity only a clown can produce.

“I absolutely love it. I’ve done it for 25 years,” King said. “There is nothing like the look on their faces. These kids are very receptive. It’s all in the tone of your voice.”

“No matter what your age, when you got to the circus you’re young again,” said John Flanagan, of VFW Post 7315, the host organization for the circus again this year.

“It’s just something that breaks the monotony. Come out and enjoy the show. We have so many other problems through out life that a little entertainment would relieve some of the pressure,” Flanagan said.

Some 400 free tickets are being distributed to active duty military dependents, Flanagan said.

According to Bill Dundee, a marketing representative for Cole Brothers, the circus trucks will pull into Havelock late Sunday night.

Dundee said that the circus has a new tent.

“It’s bigger than the one we had last year. It’s bigger than a football field,” Dundee said.

“If you‘ve never seen them raise the tent come see them raise that tent.  It’s orchestrated mayhem…50 guys out there doing what they do best,” Dundee said.

Dundee said the tent will be raised from sunrise to about noon on Monday.

This is the 128th edition of the Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars. Headlining in this year’s show will be amazing animal acts including Asian elephants, Judit and Juergen Nerger’s Splendid Tigers and Abuhadba’s “Dressed for Success” French Poodles. Also part of the show will be Romania’s Cretu Family doing springboard gymnastics along with Lana and Company, from Kazakhastan, an amazing balancing act. The Globe of Death, in which motorcycles ride around inside a steel sphere, will return along with the Human Cannonball along with many, many other family entertainment acts.

“It’s about the only thing that’s left that’s G-rated.  There no nudity, no bad language and it’s a family show and that’s what people like,” Dundee said.

In past year’s the circus has only been in Havelock for two days, but Dundee said high gas prices will keep the show parked in Havelock for three days this year.

According to Flanagan, tickets can be purchased at the Painted Pelican in Morehead City, Kittrell Auto Sales, Tops Cigars and Coastal Mini Storage in Havelock.

General admission is $14, which can be upgraded for an additional $3 for reserve seating. Add $6 to the general admission price for VIP seating in the first eight rows closest to the performance area.

Free tickets for children can be obtained by going online to www.freekidstickets.com of www.gotothecircus.com. Advance tickets can be bought by phone at 1-888-332-5200.

Show times are 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. on April 9, 10 and 11.

World’s fair exhibit at Nelson opens Saturday

By ALICE THORSON
The Kansas City Star
By ALICE THORSON The Kansas City Star

Updated: 2012-04-07

World’s fair exhibit at Nelson opens Saturday Sweet Emotions: Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker collaborate at Sprint Center Jennifer Love Hewitt plays against type in ‘The Client List’ Arts advocate meets KC leaders Tim Finn | Ink’s Map Fest launches at RecordBar More music, a forum and films grow Ink’s Map Fest FilmFest promotes indie spirit ‘American Reunion’ eats humble ‘Pie’ | 2 ½ stars Q&A with Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum First Friday offers early taste of summer My Likes | Kate Donohue ‘American Reunion’ seeks a bigger piece of ‘Pie’ This week in KC: Aquarium opening, Sporting KC, Easter parade ABC Cafe serves delicious, authentic Cantonese fare Troupe reaches back to vaudeville, burlesque for follies at the Folly Frank Basile has had a long love affair with the baritone sax Stargazing | A very Bond Olympics and a pocketbook apology New audio releases | Lionel Richie sails into country with ‘Tuskegee’ Digital movie delivery changes industry with each remote click New on DVD | ‘We Bought a Zoo,’ ‘War Horse’, ‘Chasing Madoff’ In a city that has never had a world’s fair, a new show at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art offers a splendid substitute.
“Inventing the Modern World: Decorative Arts at the World’s Fairs, 1851-1939” is a parade of greatest hits from almost a century’s worth of fairs, presented in an environment designed to give a “you are there” feeling.
The museum has been preparing for this show for months, and beginning Saturday visitors can enjoy beautiful objects, flashy presentation pieces and technological innovations — all the things that made a world’s fair visit an experience of a lifetime.
Besides introducing popular products and amusements like the zipper, the Ferris wheel and the ice cream cone, the world’s fairs offered an opportunity for nations to polish their images before the world. The fairs were the place for countries to show off their creativity and innovation, art and industry.
“This whole exhibition is about marketing,” says curator Catherine Futter, who organized the exhibit with Jason T. Busch of the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh.
The two start things off with a bang in the form of a huge, gleaming silver vase that exemplifies the tour de force technical accomplishment that was a specialty of the fairs.
Designed by Henry Hugh Armstead for C.F. Hancock & Sons, it’s called the Tennyson vase for its vivid scenes of Arthur and Guinevere, Lancelot and Merlin from the poems of Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Exquisitely detailed down to the texture of the chain mail worn by the knights of the roundtable, it was hailed at the time as an “admirable work” that “upheld the renown of England” in the 1867 Paris Universal Exposition.
National pride was a big driver of what countries exhibited at the fairs, and it seems no accident that the Norwegians chose to sail a reconstructed Viking ship to the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, a fair held to celebrate the arrival of Columbus in 1492. The Norwegian display also included a silver centerpiece in the shape of a Viking ship by the Oslo-based silver firm David-Andersen.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/04/06/3538615/worlds-fair-exhibit-at-nelson.html#storylink=cpy

Performer finds circus life to be quite charming 

Nina Carden will have large boa constrictor snakes for the audience to touch at Circus Spectacular with shows Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates. | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media 

By Mike Danahey mdanahey@stmedianetwork.com

from:  couriernews.suntimes.com 

April 5, 2012

Updated: April 6, 2012 2:31AM

You might picture kids in the well-off North Shore suburb of Highland Park taking ballet or music lessons, perhaps dreaming of one day performing in town at the Ravinia Festival, where the Chicago Symphony summers.

While that may be, one kid took lessons of a different sort that led to her hitting the road and traveling with the circus — performing, among other things, by handling snakes.

“I was 8 years old, looking for something to do, and the park district had a circus camp. Theater, dance, physicality appealed to me, and they all came together here,” Nina Carden said.

Those sessions had her hooked and led to taking classes at a circus school that had opened up in Evanston; attending and then teaching at Circus Smirkus, a renowned camp in Vermont; and eventually to her current job with the George Carden Circus Spectacular, which is putting on six shows this weekend at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, beginning tonight.

“This has to be in your blood. It’s not easy, but I love the nomadic lifestyle,” Carden said.

The troupe numbers 50 performers and 50 crew members. It puts on about 700 shows a year and spends at least 10 months on tour. In cold weather, those performances are in arenas, while summer means setting up the show outdoors. The acts all help with that set up and take down, and “supply their own way of living,” she said.

In Carden’s case, that means driving from town to town with her husband, Larry, in an RV and cooking for some of the other performers or heading out to local restaurants. And Carden also gets a kick out of being recognized in small towns when doing mundane things such as laundry.

Carden’s husband is the elephant trainer, and her father-in-law is the owner of the circus. The couple met a little more than four years ago when Carden was with another circus, and within six months they were married.

Carden said the Circus Spectacular is “traditional, with a modern twist.”

To that end, there are, indeed, three rings and acts from more than 15 countries.

During the show, Carden dances, performs three different types of aerial acts, and rides an elephant. The circus also features 14 tigers; a duo that hangs high above the arena by their hair while spinning and juggling flaming batons; motorcycle daredevils; and a human cannonball.

A pre-show allows the audience to interact with circus people and ride elephants, camels and ponies — and to pet one of three boa constrictors Carden might be holding.

She used to have pythons, too, which Carden said she prefers because of them being more visually interesting. But the law now disallows her having them, she said, in large part because of how an unknown number of the serpents in Florida have escaped or been let loose from their owners into the Everglades.

Carden said snakes are misunderstood and pose no problem, unless “they feel threatened or they’re hungry and you smell like food.”

As for being misunderstood, back in Highland Park, Carden said some people have turned up their noses and are surprised she is living in a trailer. But her mother works at the Art Institute of Chicago, her father is a jazz musician, and they are both supportive of her career path.

“My best friend lives in Chicago, has a nice place and a great job. It’s always good to see her. But when I leave, I am so happy that’s not me.” 

Circus Spectacular show times are today at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. An interactive pre-show starts one hour prior to curtain.

Tickets cost $14 to $45, and special offers may be found online at www.2012circus.com. Tickets are on sale now at www.SearsCentre.com.

Traveling circus will donate some proceeds to revitalize the community

Camille Doty  

April 5, 2012 

PORT LAVACA - Carson & Barnes Circus will be at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. 

Tickets are available online at BigTopShow.com. A portion of sales will benefit the Port Lavaca Mainstreet, Inc.

"This circus likes to team up local entities like nonprofit and economic groups," said Marcus Vela, the director of publicity.

He added that the organization wants to add more than just entertainment value to the communities. 

The big top show has been traveling the nation since 1937. It will be a two-hour of classic circus acts, daring high-wire feats and the antics of dozens of clowns. 

Animal lovers get a chance to see prancing horses and high-IQ dogs, however the biggest stars of the show are the elephants, according to the news release.

"It's so exciting to see elephants come into the ring and perform," Vela said. Early arrivers get a chance to ride camels, ponies, and elephants. There's also a petting zoo.

Prices range from $8 - $16 at the gate and $6 - $10 in advance with discount coupon.

Vela said the show is up-close and personal and people could be as close as 10 feet away from the main attraction. 

"This is an overall amazing show," Vela said. "I've seen the shows so many times and I'm still flabbergasted."

Circus to be in Bismarck for two days

By JESSICA HOLDMAN | Bismarck Tribune 

BismarckTribune.com

 Thursday, April 5, 2012  

The circus is back in town with lots of new acts, including a singing ringmaster and a movie star elephant.

Five white tigers, “the human cannonball” Jennifer Smith, the Poema family acrobats and other performers will take to the ring for The Missouri Slope Shrine Circus at the Bismarck Civic Center Friday and Saturday.

Rosie, the elephant from the movie “Water for Elephants,” will dance for the crowd and stand on her hind legs.

In the Poema family act the father will juggle his children with his feet as they tumble and flip, said show producer Cindy Migley. The Hannefords, a family of four children ages 5 to 16 and their father, will perform on the Russian swing. The swing is a large pendulum. When it swings to a certain height, the performers will let go and do somersaults into a net

“The show is really geared to be family oriented,” Migley said. “You’ll see a lot of kids running around.”

The Vitals, a husband and wife, will do their crossbow act. He will shoot balloons as his wife holds them in her teeth Migley said. He also will shoot an arrow through an apple on her head. Catherine Hanneford will perform her bareback trick riding act and then be lifted into the air for an aerial ballerina display.

There also will be elephant and pony rides, face painting and a moon bounce during intermission and after the show. Twenty bicycles will be given away to kids at every performance.

“It’s going to be as good or better as it always has,” Charlie Jeske, Civic Center general manager, said.

Reserved seats are $16 and general admission is $12. All profits will go to the Shriners to help sick children.

“It's a great event,” Jeske said. “It's good for the young and young at heart and it's for a good cause.”

Performances start at 1:30 and 7 p.m. Friday. Saturday's performances are at 10 a.m., 2 and 7 p.m.

Read more: http://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck/circus-to-be-in-bismarck-for-two-days/article_ee9d1798-7f57-11e1-9937-0019bb2963f4.html#ixzz1rGVwnK9g

Kelly-Miller Circus Returns to Benefit Level Volunteer Fire Company; Tigers, Elephants, Camels, Clowns, Dogs, Ponies, Aerialists, Acrobats and More

FROM: DAGGERPRESS.COM

From the Level Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.:

World celebrated Kelly-Miller Circus brings thrills, chills, and fabulous, affordable family fun to Level for a second year!

Tigers, Elephants, Camels, Clowns, Dogs, Ponies, Aerialists, Acrobats and much, much more make marvelous magic in America’s one-ring wonder. The local appearance of Kelly-Miller Circus is sponsored by the Aldino Sod Farm, home of the Legends of the Fog Haunted Attraction and will benefit Level Volunteer Fire Company. Assistant Chief Rhonda Polk says “Last year’s Circus was a huge success with nearly 2000 people in attendance.” The Circus will be held one day only, Saturday June 9, 2012 at the Legends of the Fog Show Grounds, 500 Carsins Run Road. Show times are 2:00 & 5:30 pm.

At 9am on Circus morning the public is invited at NO charge to witness the elephant-powered raising of the Big Top. “This is an excellent opportunity for everyone to see a part of the Circus many people don’t have the opportunity to see”, says Jason Gallion, President of Level VFC. “Guided tours are also available on Circus morning.”

On Friday May 25th Carlee and Charlie, two circus clowns, will be in Harford county entertaining and educating groups on circus life. To schedule your free clown presentation, or for more information on the circus, contact Assistant Chief Rhonda Polk at lifesaver911@comcast.net.

Hernando County Fair returns for nine-day run

 

Liandri Grobler, 19, with North American Midway Entertainment removes plastic bulb covers for washing on a food trailer being set up Thursday morning for the Hernando County Fair in Brooksville. The fair runs today to April 14.
By Beth N. Gray, Times Correspondent
Tampa Bay Times 
Friday, April 6, 2012 
BROOKSVILLE — With all of the usual attractions — livestock, goods from the kitchen and sewing room, tractor pulls and thrilling rides — plus some new features, the Hernando County Fair and Youth Livestock Show opens today for a nine-day run.


In addition to traditional market steers, swine, rabbits and poultry, the fair is adding dairy cattle to this year's barn and judging lineup for the first time in many years.


"Leaders said they wanted the dairy kids to have a chance to participate," said fair manager Sandra Nicholson.


Eighteen cows will parade before judges at 11 a.m. today and move out in time for their evening milking at home.


"This is only the start," Nicholson explained. "We'll start on (a milking facility) early next year."


Additional livestock judging will include: poultry today, open beef and rabbits Saturday, market swine Wednesday, swine showmanship Thursday, and market steers and beef showmanship April 13.


The market livestock auction of steers, pigs, pens of three meat rabbits and pens of three meat chickens will be at 11 a.m. April 14, with lunch for buyers at 2 p.m. in the barn.


The fair will pay out some $9,800 in prize premiums in competitive events.


Animal attractions at the fairgrounds will feature Mr. Armadillo's Backyard with baby animals daily; a Mutton Bustin' contest on Monday evening, in which youths attempt to ride a sheep for 6 seconds, and a greased pig contest on Tuesday evening, during which youths and adults will compete to catch a slippery swine.


A herd of unusual quadrupeds, camels, will join the farm animals. The ships of the desert are coming from an exotic ranch in Virginia to offer fair-goers rides for $5.


"No age limit," said Nicholson, who intends to mount one, as does entertainment chairwoman Mona Simpson-Premorel.


This year's entertainment lineup includes Miss and Mrs. beauty pageants at noon Saturday, tractor and truck pulls at 6 p.m. Saturday and a demolition derby at 7 p.m. April 14.


Performing daily with new acts will be No Joe's Clown Circus.
read more at:
http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/hernando-county-fair-returns-for-nine-day-run/1223690

The circus is in town! 
Big Apple troupe invites audiences to 'Dream Big' and bid farewell to Grandma the Clown




International Clown Hall of Fame inductee Barry Lubin and his unforget-table clown, Grandma, say farewell to Big Apple Circus in this tour. Bertrand Guay/Big Apple Circus.
By Tracey Dee Rauh
from: eagletribune.com
Thu Apr 05, 2012
'Twas a time, not so long ago, when the circus was a primary form of entertainment for the American population.
For adults, these travelling spectacles that numbered more than 100 around the country performing for as many as 12,000 spectators per show, were not only fun to watch. They also were a means for acquiring information about the world at large, especially outside cities.


For children, they were one of the greatest thrills of growing up in 19th- and 20th-century America. And 12 years into the millennium, the ecstasy remains.


"The circus is the only ageless delight that you can buy for money," wrote the great American author Ernest Hemingway. "Everything else is supposed to be bad for you. But the circus is good for you. It's the only spectacle I know that, while you watch it, gives the quality of a truly happy dream."

 

Bertrand Guay/Big Apple Circus. The Shandong Acrobats from China surprise audiences with their 11–man human juggling show
Lucky for us, the tradition continues: The Big Apple Circus has raised its big top at Boston's City Hall Plaza, where it will remain through May 13. In its 34th season and in the spirit of Hemingway's quote, the World's Greatest Circus invites the audience to "Dream Big," with an all-new show in an intimate tent. No seat is further than 50 feet from the ring.
READ MORE AT:  http://www.eagletribune.com/lifestyle/x611944234/The-circus-is-in-town

Ridgeland festival tons of fun for kids


 

Written by
Sherry Lucas 
from: clarionledger.com
Apr. 4, 2012
KidFest! Ridgeland,, MS-- opens the gates for kid fun Friday and stretches the appeal across four days and two weekends at Freedom Ridge Park.
Opening weekend offers Easter egg hunts at 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The Cowboy Monkey Rodeo is also a first weekend draw.
The festival, which originated as Circus Days, is now in its 10th year and managed to find success even as it battled weather issues in the past.
"I think it's something that people are starting to look forward to," said Chris Chance, Ridgeland director of recreation and parks. "I'm very proud of the event. I don't know of another event where you can go pay $8 at the gate to get in (with an online coupon) at the gate and get to do what you get to do out there." Amusement rides, pony and train rides, shows and activities are all included.
"That's always been our goal, to have affordable family fun."
This year sees some changes, with new attractions Sea Lion Splash, Gator Boys and Mutts Gone Nuts. Organizers will determine if there's a core following of 10,000 to 15,000 of the same folk coming annually, or will changes appeal to new audiences, Chance said. With good weather, the event has drawn up to 17,500.
Festival favorites the Fearless Flores Family - Globe of Death, who last year were finalists on the NBC's America's Got Talent, and Skin & Bones Comedy Circus will be featured on KidFest!'s second weekend.
Gator Boys Alligator Wrestling offers education and action. See baby gators up close, but watch the bigger guys at a distance, when alligator wrestlers show the hands-on, old Florida way. Their 30-by-30-foot travel enclosure has a pool and a perimeter fence
read more at:
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20120405/FEAT/204050352/Ridgeland-festival-tons-fun-kids?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CHome%7Cs

 

BILL PRICKETT VISITS--
MOOLAH SHRINE CIRCUS--ST CHARLES, MO
PRODUCED BY ROYAL HANNEFORD CIRCUS
SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 2012
PART I





Spent an enjoyable Sunday afteroon in St. Charles, Mo. visiting the Royal Hanneford production for the Moolah Shrine. Mark
  Rethemeyer, Circus Dir. said that attendance at all the scheduled shows had been good and nothing but favorable comments
  from the patrons.  Billy Martin, RM, was inducted as a new member of the temple on  Sat. The  ICE BABIES production number
  was outstanding and is shown on the cover of the Mar/Apr 2012 issue of White Tops. Angela Martin, Dulce Aguilar, Adrianna
  Poema Parker, Gilda Fernandes, and Kim Sue Valla, and others were responsible for new production number as well as the
  stunning new costumes. Angela Martin did a great share of the design and sewing of the costumes. 

 

 

Angela Martin and David Zoppe reading the WHITE TOPS

 

New Shriner Billy Martin
ALL PHOTOS BY BILL PRICKETT

BILL PRICKETT VISITS--
MOOLAH SHRINE CIRCUS--ST CHARLES, MO
PRODUCED BY ROYAL HANNEFORD CIRCUS
SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 2012
PART II


Kin Sue Valla assisting with snake pictures and all the production numbers.

 
Carson & Barnes elephants--Viola & Kelly

Gayle & TJ Howe, Howell's Circus Train

 
TJ Howell and Larry Stout

Nina & Viola, elephant rides

 

Barney Loter, Pony Rides

ALL PHOTOS BY BILL PRICKETT!

Piccadilly Circus coming to county fairgrounds

By David Greisman

from: balitmoresun.com

April 4, 2012

The big top will stop in Howard County next week, when the Piccadilly Circus brings its elephants, acrobats and other animal and human performers to the county fairgrounds in West Friendship.

The circus will run from April 11-15, with shows at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; at 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday; and at 1, 3:30 and 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Discounted tickets are available online at TheFunCircus.com. Tickets will also be available at full price at the box office. The online prices are $30 for an adult general admission ticket (free for a child), and $38 for an adult ringside VIP ticket ($8 for a child).

The circus is advertising racing camels, dancing zebras and motorcycle daredevils, among other attractions. Anyone arriving before the show can take rides on camels, elephants and ponies, and go to a free petting zoo.

At 95, oldest clown keeps the smiles coming

 

In this March 29, 2012, photo, Floyd "Creeky" Creekmore puts on his makeup before a visit with children at a circus in Billings, Mont. Guinness World Records has anointed the world's oldest performing clown, and it's none other than Creekmore, a former Montana rancher who's been donning the big nose and bright makeup for almost eight decades. (AP Photo/MatthewBrown) (Matthew Brown)
from: cbsnews.com
April 5, 2012
BILLINGS, Mont. — Floyd "Creeky" Creekmore is one of the quieter acts in the circus, his larger-than-life clown shoes shuffling methodically as he works the crowd, igniting surprised giggles and slack-jawed wonder from children that look up to encounter Creekmore's wrinkled eyes smiling through thick makeup.
At 95 years old, the former Montana rancher recently dubbed the oldest performing clown in the world has fewer magic tricks up his oversized sleeves than he once did. He gave up juggling several years ago after a stroke, and has long since parked the home-made bicycle he once incorporated into his acts.
But when the Shrine Circus comes through Billings, where Creekmore lives with his 96-year-old wife, Betty, Creeky the Clown returns to life.
At home in his kitchen, while Betty dozes in the living room, Creekmore pulls on a multi-colored, striped jacket and dons a bright orange wig topped by a yellow hat. He glues on a rubber nose, carefully ties his shoes.
When his shaky right hand sends a line of make-up askew on one side of his face, Creekmore just makes the other side a little crooked, too.
"I'll stay back from the crowd so they don't notice," he says.

Others have laid claim to the title of world's oldest clown, including an 81-year-old member of the Moscow Circus, Oleg "The Sun Clown" Popov and Andy "Bumbo" Beyer of Santa Ana, Calif., who was widely publicized as the oldest until his retirement three years ago at the age of 91.
But turns it out that Creekmore had a 20-month advantage all along, clowning away in his low-key style in eastern Montana. He now carries the imprimatur of Guinness World Records, which declared him world's oldest performing clown in February after friends applied on his behalf.
Fellow performers and family members says Creekmore has started to slow down, yet gives no sign of ending his periodic performances.
"Even if his body is telling him no, his mind won't stop," said grandson Tom McCraw.
read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-502927_162-57409704/at-95-oldest-clown-keeps-the-smiles-coming/

Nearly 95 years later, Tarzan returns

from: tri-parishtimes.com

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Tue Apr 3, 2012.

ERIC BESSON
Ninety-nine years and six months ago, a Chicago pencil-sharpener salesman’s story about an infant who was raised by an advanced species of apes in the mossy African jungle published in “All-Story Magazine.”

The story would engender a century’s worth of sequels and replications, good and bad, and provoked a contemporary South African to become a full-time character actor devoting his life to mimicking one of fiction’s first (non-traditional) superheroes. Edgar Rice Burroughs, the creator of Tarzan, wrote 25 sequels to the first story. A Tarzan authority set to release a documentary on the subject this month says six television shows, 40 authorized films and close to 80 unauthorized films have been produced internationally about the Lord of the Jungle.

DeWet Du Toit, a 24-year-old South African, has made it a goal to land the next featured role as Tarzan. Du Toit comes to Morgan City as part of the "Tarzan, Lord of the Louisiana Jungle Festival."

Not long after the story garnered mainstream appeal, its impact was felt in Morgan City. The swampland was determined by filmmakers to have the moss needed to portray Burroughs’ African jungle, the necessary number of black residents to stand in for an African tribe and the railway to transit the set from Los Angeles. Thus, “Tarzan of the Apes,” one of the first six films to gross more than $1 million, and the first feature film to shoot on location in Louisiana, was accented in 1917 in the lush Atchafalaya Basin.

Al Bohl and his daughter, Allison shoot footage in St. Mary Parish bayous for their documentary “Tarzan: Lord of the Louisiana Jungle,” which premieres April 13 at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium.

Tarzan returns to St. Mary Parish this month, figuratively, literally, loudly and silently, for the area’s first Tarzan, Lord of the Louisiana Jungle Festival.

Elephants parade through Downtown Louisville .

by WHAS11

WHAS11.com

Posted on April 4, 2012

Circus animals parade through downtown Louisville

 
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus was in town Wednesday and unloaded elephants from train for walk to the KFC Yum! Center
Business First by Ed Green, News integration editor
from: bizjournals.com
April 4, 2012,
 Circus animals paraded through the streets of downtown Louisville Wednesday as the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus came to town.
The circus will perform shows Thursday through Sunday at the KFC Yum! Center.
Animals were unloaded from trains on 11th Street, near Broadway, and paraded down Broadway to 9th Street. They then traveled to Market Street and on to the Yum Center. 

Elephants lined up for a stroll through downtown Louisville.

Officials with Vienna, Va.-based Feld Entertainment, the promoter for the circus, could not be reached to provide details about the animals paraded through downtown Louisville.
According to the circus’s Web site, shows will start Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Admission ranges from $15 to $70.
Ed Green manages day-to-day operations of Business First's Web site.

 Easter acrobats old hands at juggling work and family

AMY MCNEILAGE
from: caseyweeklyberwick.com.au
04 Apr, 2012
ASHTON'S CIRCUS is older than the nation itself. The 160-year-old dynasty has entertained crowds at almost every Australian town and this week will enter the Sydney Royal Easter Show Big Top for the first time.

Ashton Entertainment - one of three Ashton troupes - remains a small family enterprise, led by fifth-generation Jan Ashton and her Spanish-born husband, Brasil Rodriguez. The couple perform alongside their daughters Tamara and Chantel and Tamara's son, Remi.

Together they represent Australia's longest-running family circus, and 24-year-old Chantel Rodriguez jokes she will never marry an Australian because they would probably be related.

Her 12-year-old nephew, Remi Rodriguez, is the youngest in the group and entered the ring at 16 months, performing in the bareback horse riding act.

Today he presents the high perch with his 58-year-old grandfather, Brasil, who met Jan Ashton while travelling to Australia in a famous Spanish circus called ''the Boys''.

In his daring perch act, Remi performs acrobatic tricks atop a nine-metre pole that is supported by his grandfather.

"People love Remi," said Brasil, who has performed for the King of Spain, Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso.

"Wherever he goes he just wins the crowd."

Ashton Entertainment tours with 10 vehicles. They do all of their own rigging and pitch their own tent. The nomadic life means they rarely stay in a town for more than a week. "We usually move on a Monday and start setting up," said Jan. "Tuesday we drive to the next town to do our publicity, then Wednesday and Thursday we put up the tent and we'll usually [perform] Friday, Saturday and Sunday."

The family has a house in Brisbane, but Chantel says it acts as more of a storage unit. "Wherever the circus is feels like home," she said. "Wherever the tent is, is home for us."

Ashton Entertainment's Circus Circus will perform throughout the Royal Easter Show at the Big Top Amphitheatre, April 5-18. 

The Schumann`s

Uploaded by SchumannCirkus on Apr 13, 2011

The Schumann Riding Show Paris anno 1900, with Paulina, Katja, Albert, Max, Jacques and Benny Schumann. Cirkus Schumann 1964. The Cirkusbuilding of Copenhagen. Denmark.

'Circus of Fun' Theme of 90th Du Quoin Fair; Circus Hollywood to Anchor Free EntertainmentDu Quoin Evening Call
Apr 03, 2012
Du Quoin, Ill. —
“Circus of Fun”, the Du Quoin State Fair’s theme for its 90th anniversary production, says it all.
    
 One of the most respected names in the circus industry, “Circus Hollywood”, has been signed to bring its vast production to southern Illinois where it’ll present daily shows at this year’s Du Quoin State Fair scheduled for Aug. 25 through Sept. 3.
    
“We’re very excited about being successful in signing “Circus Hollywood” as it’s in a league of its own in the circus industry,” said Fair manager John Rednour, Jr.  “Bringing this show to southern Illinois is going to make a lot of young kids happy.  And, maybe a few older fair-goers as well.”
   
A production of Serge Coronas, “Circus Hollywood” has four generations of success behind it and has progressed from its initial aerial thrill show in 1952 at the famed Steel Pier in Atlantic City to an array of international daredevils, animal trainers, clowns, aerialists and acrobats.
    
 At Du Quoin the circus will be presented at least twice daily with a third show scheduled for weekends.  And, all performances will be free to fair-goers.
    
“We’ve been fortunate in being able to present some of the finest free entertainment in the Midwest for our fans in recent years,” Rednour said.  “This simply is like icing on the cake and we feel it’s appropriate being this is the Fair’s 90th year in business.”

Flagler County Fair & Youth Show kicks off today 


 

Carnival rides sit loaded on trucks at the Flagler County Fairgrounds Monday in advance of the fair’s opening today. (N-J | Aaron London
By AARON LONDON, Staff Writer
from: Daytona News-Journal online 
April 4, 2012
BUNNELL -- The midway will be lit up like Times Square tonight as the Flagler County Fair & Youth Show kicks off a five-day run. 


But big rides and games aren't the only things going on at the Flagler County Fairgrounds off County Road 13. 


"We are chartered under the Department of Agriculture and we are required to educate the local community in Florida agriculture," said Penny Buckles, treasurer of the Flagler County Fair & Youth Show Inc., organizers of the event. "That's why we have the 4-H and FFA programs we have." 


Buckles said combining the educational mission with enough fun to attract visitors to the county fair can be a challenge. 


One thing the fair has going for it is a willingness to keep looking for interesting attractions. This year, children at the fair will have the opportunity to learn about dairy farming with "The Milkable Cow," Buckles said. 


"We have the free kids' zone, which includes the petting zoo, and we have an exhibit from the state fair called 'The Milkable Cow,' " she said. 


The exhibit features a life-sized cow that simulates the experience of milking an actual cow, Buckles said. 


Another interactive exhibit, "Farmer for a Day," offers youth the chance to pick vegetables from a garden and put them in a basket. 


The fair's educational mission extends to what has always been the heart of most county fairs -- livestock shows. 


"That's why we have the livestock program, for the kids, and the exhibits because it's all educational," Buckles said. 


This year the annual livestock show takes place today and Thursday and the livestock auction is Friday. 


While midway rides and foot-long corn dogs may draw some to the fair, for 4-H and FFA members, the livestock auction is the highlight of the event. 


"What happens is the kids are raising animals for their college funds," Buckles said. 


The fair organization offers a scholarship program as well, she added. 


Buckles said with so many events going on in Flagler County this time of year, and with the Easter holiday this weekend, a lot of effort went into setting up the fair. 


"I try to keep everyone's interest," she said. "We have a Cajun Zydeco band, which is real popular. And then we have, for the first time ever, a karaoke contest on Saturday." 


Buckles said she hopes the addition of karaoke brings people to the fair. 


"Karaoke is really popular here," she said. "I'm hoping that draws a good crowd." 


In addition to the educational and entertainment value the fair provides, it also helps promote local tourism efforts, said Georgia Turner, vice president of tourism development at the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce & Affiliates. 


"The more we have to do here the better," Turner said. "It's just amazing from a county this size how much we have to do." 


Turner said the wide range of events on the calendar, like the county fair, paint a positive picture for potential visitors. 


"It makes it look like a vibrant place to visit," she said. 


The Flagler County Fair & Youth Show begins tonight and runs through Sunday. More information is available online at flaglercountyfair.com
read more:
http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/flagler/2012/04/04/flagler-county-fair-youth-show-kicks-off-today.html