Crash cancels circus elephant walk
Officials say no injuries and show will go on
11 Apr 2012,
BILL PRICKETT VISITS--
GEORGE CARDEN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUS
PEORIA, IL
Monday, April 9, 2012
George Carden Circus Int'l showed in Peoria, Il, on Monday 4-09-12. There was almost a full house at the 4:30 show and it
appeared that the 7:30 show would also have a good crowd. Met George Carden, son Larry, and Billy Morris, elephant man.
The equipment was all clean and looked great. The show traveled from the Chicago area and were headed to "next town",
Danville, Ill. Audrey Alvarado is the Ringmistress and does a great job. Running order: Daniel Raffo, 10 Royal Bengal Tigers.....
Aerial presentation.....Kiki the clown....Hula Hoops in all three rings....Denise, female cont......"The Georgettes", five aerial silks......
Dominquex family with dogs......intermission......Hair Hang presentation in all three rings....Jugglers......Gabby, clown and audience
volunteer.....Three elephants presented by Larry Carden in ring three, and three elephants presented by Billy Morris in ring one...
The audience loved the performance. The weather had been ideal, but Monday afternoon it started to turn cold and the wind
arrived. As they were showing in an open ended type pole sturcture, it was not really comfortable to sit and watch the show.
Ashley Frisco and daughter, Aaliyah, visited the 4:30 show. Ashey had worked on the Carden organization for twelve years.
Elephants (r to l)-
Boo, Cindy, Betty, Jenny, Vickie, Tony, & Janice
GEORGE CARDEN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUS
PEORIA, IL
Monday, April 9, 2012
George Carden Circus Int'l showed in Peoria, Il, on Monday 4-09-12. There was almost a full house at the 4:30 show and it
appeared that the 7:30 show would also have a good crowd. Met George Carden, son Larry, and Billy Morris, elephant man.
The equipment was all clean and looked great. The show traveled from the Chicago area and were headed to "next town",
Danville, Ill. Audrey Alvarado is the Ringmistress and does a great job. Running order: Daniel Raffo, 10 Royal Bengal Tigers.....
Aerial presentation.....Kiki the clown....Hula Hoops in all three rings....Denise, female cont......"The Georgettes", five aerial silks......
Dominquex family with dogs......intermission......Hair Hang presentation in all three rings....Jugglers......Gabby, clown and audience
volunteer.....Three elephants presented by Larry Carden in ring three, and three elephants presented by Billy Morris in ring one...
The audience loved the performance. The weather had been ideal, but Monday afternoon it started to turn cold and the wind
arrived. As they were showing in an open ended type pole sturcture, it was not really comfortable to sit and watch the show.
Ashley Frisco and daughter, Aaliyah, visited the 4:30 show. Ashey had worked on the Carden organization for twelve years.
Elephants (r to l)-
Boo, Cindy, Betty, Jenny, Vickie, Tony, & Janice
Balance of Elephant Herd
Concessions
Cat Cages
Hatti, Age 2 yrs
ALL PHOTOS BY BILL PRICKETT
BILL PRICKETT VISITS--
GEORGE CARDEN CIRCUS INTERNATIONAL
IN PEORIA, IL
April 9, 2012
PART II
Tractor--Willard Equipment Company
GEORGE CARDEN CIRCUS INTERNATIONAL
IN PEORIA, IL
April 9, 2012
PART II
Tractor--Willard Equipment Company
Larry Carden, Ashley Frisco & Isreal (Prop Boss)
Carol Frisco, Billy Morris, Joe Frisco Sr & Larry Carden
Ashley, Joe Sr, Carol and Aaliyah Frisco
Nina Carden
Joe Frisco Sr and Larry Carden
ALL PHOTOS BY BILL PRICKETT
Show combines pop and rock songs with psychedelic-circus spectacle
This performer eventually has 18 hula-hoops spinning to Britney Spears’ “Womanizer.” / Special to news-press.com.
Written by Charles Runnells
FROM: ft meyers new-press.com
Apr. 12, 2012
Neil Goldberg didn’t know what he was getting himself into when he started working on his first pop-rock circus show.
Try two years of hand-wringing and headaches, plus a never-ending playlist of potential songs.
In all, Goldberg and his staff listened to about 10,000 songs for his newest Cirque Dreams show, “Pop Goes the Rock,” which appears Tuesday at The Philharmonic Center for the Arts. Some songs didn’t fit Goldberg’s vision of a pop-rock circus spectacle. But with most of them, he simply couldn’t get the song rights.
Welcome to the world of copyrights and licensing agreements – something Goldberg never had to deal with before. Composer Jill Winters writes most of the music for his popular psychededlic circus shows.
“It was a constant one step forward, two steps back,” says the Cape Coral man, founder and artistic director for the Pompano Beach circus company.
Eventually, Goldberg and company narrowed things down to 24 approved songs, including chart toppers such as “She Bangs,” “In the Summertime,” “Zoot Suit Riot” and “Beautiful.”
And the result, he says, was well worth all the frustration and legal hoop jumping.
Just watch the show, he says. You’ll see roller skaters doing tricks to “The Heat Is On,” a woman spinning 18 hula-hoops to “Womanizer,” unicyclists juggling to “Jump (For My Love)” and acrobats standing on their hands and rapping along to “Rappers Delight.”
“How’s that for a picture?” Goldberg says and laughs.
Goldberg combines the songs and circus performers with laser lights, eye-popping costumes and a carnival funhouse set. The show includes a live rock band and the dance crew Static Noyze, which appeared on the MTV reality show “America’s Best Dance Crew.”
As musical director, Winters worked closely with Goldberg on the songs and eventually gave them all a Cirque Dreams spin. So “Womanizer” has a jazzier feel, and “No More Mr. Nice Guy” comes with a dance beat.
Circus comes to town, with big bang, thrills
Demarco Smith, 5, shows his tie to clowns at the Cole Bros. Circus on the grounds of the Wilmington International Airport as part of the N.C. Azalea Festival Thursday. The circus runs until Sunday, April 15, 2012.
by Mike Spencer
By Julian March
Julian.March@StarNewsOnline.com
From: starnewsonline.com
April 12, 2012
The only place in Wilmington you could find a pink poodle walking on its hind legs Thursday was the Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars.
People lined up outside the big-top circus tent a full half-hour before the afternoon show at 4:30 outside the Wilmington International Airport.
The circus, in town as part of the N.C. Azalea Festival, opened Thursday and will continue through Sunday.
In the tent, men carried red trays topped with pink cotton candy, snow cones and bags of overflowing popcorn.
The honor guard consisted of a clown with carrot-orange hair and a blonde curly-headed sidekick with high red socks.
"Are you ready for the circus?" bellowed the ringmaster, clad in a red coat with sequins that glittered in the spotlights.
The animals
Children squealed as the ringmaster announced the arrival of a Siberian and Royal Bengal tigers that raised their paws in the air and stood on their hind legs. They jumped through a hula hoop and walked between poles, their lithe bodies easily sliding back and forth as the white and black Siberian tiger stood regally overhead.
Pink show poodles in hot pink tutus and peacock-like feathers walked on their hind legs and rode a scooter.
Elephants were a sure crowd-pleaser. The littlest elephant, "Baby Val" sat on her hind legs or stood on her head with her hind legs in the hair.
During the intermission, Beth Morrell rode an elephant with her 9-year-old son, Austin. It was the first time either had ever been on the back of an elephant.
Crowds packed the Big Top to watch a variety of acts perform at the Cole Bros. Circus on the grounds of the Wilmington International Airport as part of the N.C. Azalea Festival Thursday, April 12, 2012. The circus runs until Sunday, April 15, 2012. Photo By Mike Spencer/STAR-NEWS
"It was the best elephant ride I've ever taken," Austin said. "If I could, I would do it all day."
read more at:
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20120412/ARTICLES/120419871
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Circus train collides with dump truck
By Bob Fowler
Knoxville News Sentinel
Posted April 10, 2012
OLIVER SPRINGS — The circus made an abrupt, unscheduled stop in Anderson County Monday night when a train — containing nine elephants, horses and more than 300 circus employees — collided with a dump truck stuck on the tracks.
No one was injured, Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Joey Lindsay said.
The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus train was traveling west toward Knoxville at about 35 mph around 9:45 p.m. when it struck the dump truck.
Lindsay said the mile-long train, owned by the circus, was on its way "to do a show in Virginia." He said the employees' living quarters are on the train.
After the collision, "Circus personnel checked with everybody and their animals," the trooper said.
Norfolk Southern reportedly had to swap locomotives in Knoxville because there were damaged engine lights, Lindsay said.
The truck driver exited the truck and tried to flag down the approaching train, the trooper said.
The truck and the trailer it was hauling are owned by Tubby's Construction Inc. of Lancing, Tenn. Owner Larry "Tubby" Williams said Tuesday the dump truck received "major damages," and he's still trying to determine what happened.
The collision occurred at the intersection of Marlow Circle and Powder Mill Lane in the Marlow community.
More details as they develop online and in Wednesday's News Sentinel.
‘Hunger Games’ star Jennifer Lawrence on squirrel scene in 'Winter's Bone': 'Screw PETA'
The actress had to skin a squirrel in the Oscar-nominated 2010 film
From Mike Naughton--
from: New York Daily News
By Ehab Zahriyeh
April 10, 2012
Jennifer Lawrence may have been channeling her "Hunger Games" character, Katniss Everdeen, when she recently attacked People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals .
In the new blockbuster film, Katniss hunts animals for survival before she enters in her Capitol city's do-or-die competition in which she must kill her peers for the amusement of her corrupt government. But "Hunger" wasn't the first film Lawrence got blood on her hands.
In a scene from the Oscar-nominated 2010 movie "Winter's Bone," Lawrence had to gut a squirrel, aggressively ripping the fur off its flesh.
The 21-year-old superstar recalls the cringe-worthy moment in recent interview with Rolling Stone, revealing that the squirrel scene was not faked.
"I should say it wasn't real, for PETA," she said. "But screw PETA."
Naturally, after Lawrence's choice words drew ire, the animal rights organization has put up a tough fight.
"She’s young and the plight of animals somehow hasn’t yet touched her heart," PETA president Ingrid Newkirk told Gothamist. "As Henry David Thoreau said, 'The squirrel you kill in jest, dies in earnest.' We are told that this squirrel was hit by a car, but when people kill animals, it is the animals who are 'screwed,' not PETA, and one day I hope she will try to make up for any pain she might cause any animal who did nothing but try to eke out a humble existence in nature."
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/hunger-games-superstar-jennifer-lawrence-attacks-peta-rolling-stone-interview-article-1.1059041#ixzz1rjajv35i
I've never heard of this actress, but my daughters are well aware of her. Perhaps this actress' statement will make an impression on the younger generation and encourage others to speak up about PETA.
The Daily News called PETA "controversial", so the paper doesn't buy the PETA media blitz. Mike
N.C. Azalea Festival volunteers relive warm memories
Sandee Spradley, a 36-year volunteer with the N.C. Azalea Festival, rides an elephant in an N.C. Azalea Festival parade in the early 1990s. Contributed photo
By Brittany Michelle Hughes
Contributed article
source: starnewsonline.com
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
The N.C. Azalea Festival is made possible each year by the many volunteers who contribute their time and talent to the annual showcase. Festival staffers estimate around 1,000 volunteers are involved in various capacities.
Here are some of their stories:
Frances Lamb
Frances Lamb is no stranger to the N.C. Azalea Festival – she’s been involved off and on for more than 45 years.
She joined the festival in 1966. One of her favorite memories is of the “Cottage Lane Art Show,” when she dressed as an artist and escorted visitors through the art exhibit answering questions and describing the art.
Although the “Cottage Lane Art Show” has not been a part of the Azalea Festival’s events in most recent years, Lamb looks forward to the street fair and concerts.
In 1959, Lamb got Ronald Reagan’s autograph when he was grand marshal for the festival; several years later she was able to visit the White House during his presidency.
One of her most interesting memories is of Barry Sadler, an American soldier, author and musician (“The Ballad of the Green Berets,” 1966), who visited Wilmington as a celebrity guest in the late ’60s. He wanted to watch the parade from the reviewing stand but, considering his popularity, there was fear he would be mobbed en route to the stand.
Beverly Anne Jurgensen, the parade messenger for the festival, asked Sadler to simply take off the famous green beret he was wearing. They hopped in her 1951 MGTD and he was safely escorted to the reviewing stand.
The 1993 Queen Azalea, Kelly Ripa, stands out as outgoing and personable to Lamb, and she appreciated how Lindsay Shaw, Queen Azalea in 2010, connected with the younger generations.
read more at:
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20120410/ARTICLES/120419968
The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus Tour Dates for 2012 Announced by ACheapSeat.com
ACheapSeat.com has just published a calendar, detailing The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus tour dates for 2012.
New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/11/2012 -- The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus 2012 tour is expected to bring laughter and joy to families nationwide. To help fans keep up to date with the tour schedule, ACheapSeat.com has published their own calendar, detailing each and every stop on the tour.
“The Ringling Brothers Circus has been entertaining the public for over a century since their creation in 1884,” said an ACheapSeat.com “Other the years the circus has undergone a number of changes to become the breathtaking show that it is today. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience to experience the magic of the show in person, and we have therefore provided detailed listings of the tour dates to our website visitors to ensure that no-one misses out.”
In addition to the tour calendar, ACheapSeat.com has provided visitors with a brief overview of the circus act, plus an exciting YouTube video of show highlights. As with other events on the website, ACheapSeat.com identifies the latest news updates taken from the world’s media to ensure than fans are aware of every single piece of news regarding the tour.
To view the 2012 tour calendar for the Ringling Brothers Circus act, and for more information on how to purchase Ringling Brothers Circus Tickets, visit http://www.acheapseat.com/ringling_bros_and_barnum_and_bailey_circus_tickets.html
Dates for other entertainment acts and sporting events can be found at http://www.acheapseat.com/ where visitors simply type in the name of the act they wish to see and immediate search listings and news updates are provided.
About ACheapSeat.com
ACheapSeat.com is a website dedicated to providing the public with up to the date information on entertainment and sporting events held across the country. ACheapSeat.com lists detailed ticketing information for sports including baseball, basketball, football, wrestling, and golf. Recently published by the site, was a special 2012 Ryder Cup section.
Carson and Barnes Circus brings family-friendly fun, portion of profits to Port Lavaca
Photo by Angeli Wright
Members of the Flying Cavallinis fly through the air on the trapeze during a performance of the Carson and Barnes Circus Tuesday at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds. Four members of the Cavallini family - three women and one man - took turns leaping from swings without falling to the net below.
from: victoriaadvocate
Erin Pradia •
April 10, 2012
PORT LAVACA - Kent McCain's eyes shone as he sat on his dad's lap during the horse show giving tribute to Native Americans at the Carson and Barnes Circus Tuesday afternoon.
The 2-year-old clapped his hands and grinned as the horses twirled in unison.
His parents, Will McCain, 29, and Kara McCain, 28, enjoyed watching the show, then encouraged their son's applause.
The McCains traveled from Ganado to watch the show with Will's brother-in-law Garret O'Donnell, 32, and his two sons Blane, 2, and Brody, 4.
Kent danced up and down to the music as a man did stunts on a wooden plank balanced on a cylinder. His parents seemed awed by the stunt man as he added four stools between himself and the cylinder.
The Carson and Barnes Circus performs more than 500 shows in about 20 states annually, but in a tribute to the Lone Star State, dancers performed a circus-style line dance to "Cotton Eyed Joe" - complete with lasso tricks - as they introduced the elephant act.
A portion of ticket sales profits from the shows in Port Lavaca will benefit the Port Lavaca Mainstreet, Inc.
"The money will help us promote our downtown area," said Russell Cain, president of the Mainstreet Committee. "We are trying to raise money to develop the irrigation in Fay Bauer Sterling Park. We look forward to continuing to develop our Main Street and helping businesses grow there."
During the 15 minute intermission, guests were invited to stretch their legs and get sno cones, cotton candy and nachos from the concession stands.
In addition to fun snacks, children could have their faces painted, play in the moon bounce, ride the train, buy souvenirs from booths or ride an elephant.
A petting zoo featured llamas, donkeys and goats.
Port Lavaca family Emilio Sanchez, 29, Serrena Morales, 26, and her 9-year-old children Adrian DeLeon and Alyssa DeLeon, said they enjoyed the family friendly event.
Alyssa was impressed by the tricks done on the trampoline. Although she has jumped on a trampoline before, she doesn't ever plan to try the tricks she saw Tuesday night because they looked too scary.
Adrian enjoyed watching the dog show - particularly when the dogs went horseback riding.
"It's been fun for the whole family," Sanchez said.
"Something new," Erika Garcia, 34, agreed.
As a working mother, she said it was nice to have an event she could attend with her sons, Erik Garcia, 4, and her 2-year-old son Brock Garcia.
"All of it has been nice. I really liked the acrobats on ropes," Garcia said. "I can't wait to see the rest of the animal acts."
VIDEO : Shrine Circus comes to Port Huron
from: voicenews.com
Published: Tuesday, April 10, 2012
The Shrine Circus paid a visit to Port Huron last week. The animals, clowns and performance actors held court inside McMorran Arena last Tuesday for matinee and evening shows with sizeable crowds attending both sessions. The event marked the first time the Shrine Circus, which raises funds for the Shriner Hospitals, had appeared in Port Huron. The event was conducted by ringmaster Richard Curtis.
Tennessee firm interested in saving state fair
SFVA Inc., the nonprofit that owned and operated the fair, moved into liquidation with a Chapter 7 bankruptcy last month.
By: Randy Hallman
Richmond, VA Times-Dispatch
April 11, 2012
RICHMOND, Va. --
Mark Lovell wants to resuscitate Virginia's state fair, but it won't be easy.
Lovell owns Universal Fairs LLC, based in suburban Memphis, Tenn. The company stages fairs and other festivals and expositions in Memphis, Mississippi, Seattle and other places.
Universal recently took over the financially troubled Georgia State Fair and plans to operate it in a 10-day run starting April 27. Now he says he wants to do the same in Virginia, where the Virginia State Fair went bankrupt.
SFVA Inc., the nonprofit that owned and operated the fair, moved into liquidation with a Chapter 7 bankruptcy last month. An auction is set for May 22 to sell the 331-acre Meadow Event Park in Caroline County where the fair had been held since 2009, along with the fair's name and other assets.
Lovell said Tuesday that he plans to bid on the fair's name and is a potential bidder for the property. But for the time being, at least, he is trying to clear the way to stage the fair at its former home at the Richmond International Raceway Complex, which sits in central Henrico County just outside Richmond's northern boundary.
read more at:
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2012/apr/11/tdmain01-tennessee-firm-interested-in-saving-virgi-ar-1833099/
Bellevue, Nebraska Rejects Permit from Circus
Apr 11, 2012
Associated Press Bellevue Rejects Permit from Circus
Bellevue has rejected a permit application from the Carson and Barnes Circus to hold shows at Bellevue University.
The City Council voted against the permit on Monday. No one from the circus came to Monday's public hearing.
The circus, which has been criticized for its treatment of animals, wanted to come to Bellevue in June.
Some residents wanted the circus to come to town, saying it would be a boost to the economy. Resident Chuck Frederick urged the council to give the circus a chance.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Review: Circus Hilarious
Circus Hilarious at the Hippodrome Yarmouth
Stacia Briggs
from: eveningnews24.co.uk
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Surely the best partnership in British Circus, father-and-son team Clive Webb and Danny Adams, return to the Hippodrome for their 10th Easter with a typically fast-paced, laugh-a-minute show
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The duo, who have announced they will also be returning to Great Yarmouth for their fifth summer season later in the year, are quite simply brilliant.
If you think you don’t like clowns (and I am generally amongst your number) don’t be put off in the slightest: this is slapstick with a really deft touch that genuinely had our whole family in fits of laughter.
This year’s show is packed with jokes, stunts and routines which give you a whole new respect for circus families who produce these high-octane shows twice a day, every day throughout an entire season.
Joined by Clive’s other sons Johnny Marx and Michael Potts, the natural chemistry between the four is superb and aided by the fact you can tell they all enjoy trying to make each other laugh in addition to making their audience laugh.
While Johnny leads the all-clown rock band Clownforce (I particularly identified with the scene where he smashed a child’s guitar to smithereens. How I have wanted to do the same thing myself on several occasions), Michael is another straight man for Danny. He’s great: and he looks fantastic in a dress.
There’s messy slapstick humour that will see the first few rows in the audience get a soaking, a chance for the audience to volunteer to take to the stage and plenty of opportunities to sing along.
Additionally, there are some nice dance routines from the Circus Hilarious Dancers and some fabulous gymnastics from a talented trio who use each other’s bodies as springboards and ladders to create some incredible acrobatic feats.
A review of the Hippodrome can never be complete without a mention of the real star of the show, the circus building itself, which remains my favourite building in Norfolk – atmospheric, glamorous and quirky, it’s the perfect setting.
If you miss the circus this Easter, under no account should you miss it in the summer: in my house, summer doesn’t start until we’ve been to the circus.
Circus Hilarious is at the Great Yarmouth Hippodrome Circus until Thursday. Shows every day at 2.30pm and 6.30pm (April 12, 2.30pm show only). Tickets cost from £10 for children. For more details and to book tickets, call 01493 844172 or visit hippodromecircus.co.uk.
Groups want Manchester aldermen to ban animal performances
By BETH LAMONTAGNE HALL
New Hampshire Union Leader
Published Apr 10, 2012
MANCHESTER — The Board of Mayor and Aldermen may soon take up a request from local animal rights activists to prevent performances within the city that use exotic animals as part of the show.
The request is targeted at companies like Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which has performed in the city in recent years. Jean Slepian of Stoddard and dozens of animal rights supporters across the state sent a letter to Mayor Ted Gatsas last month asking the aldermen to pass an ordinance banning performances with exotic animals similar to ordinances passed in other cities, such as Stamford, Conn.
Alderman Ed Osborne asked Assistant City Solicitor Tom Arnold if such an ordinance would be possible, but Arnold was unsure if state law allowed such an ordinance.
The committee voted unanimously to send the issue to the full board of aldermen, which will likely send it on to the Committee on Administration for discussion. During that hearing, Arnold said, he should have more information about whether an exotic animal ban is allowed under state law.
In the documentation provided by Slepian was a United States Department of Agriculture news release announcing a record-setting $270,000 fine levied last year against Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus' parent company Feld Entertainment for violating the Animal Welfare Act between June 2007 and August 2011. The USDA found that the circus abused elephants and other exotic animals during the animals' training. As part of the settlement, Feld agreed to create a training plan for all employees who work with animals.
For the past two years, the World Championship Chili Cookoff and the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at the Verizon Wireless Arena were held the same weekend in October. The two events were hailed as successes for drawing thousands of people to the city.
Circus train plows into dump truck
Reporter: Jacob Haskew
from: volunteertv.com
Updated: Tue 7:56 AM, Apr 10, 2012
OLIVER SPRINGS, Tenn. (WVLT) -- A Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus train made an unexpected stop Monday night after colliding into a dump truck stalled on the train tracks.
The accident happened around 10:00 p.m. near the intersection of Marlow Circle and Powder Mill Lane.
The train was carrying 300 employees along with several circus animals.
There are no injuries reported according to Tennessee Highway Patrol.
The train was just passing through Knoxville with no shows planned here in the near future
Reporter: Jacob Haskew
from: volunteertv.com
Updated: Tue 7:56 AM, Apr 10, 2012
OLIVER SPRINGS, Tenn. (WVLT) -- A Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus train made an unexpected stop Monday night after colliding into a dump truck stalled on the train tracks.
The accident happened around 10:00 p.m. near the intersection of Marlow Circle and Powder Mill Lane.
The train was carrying 300 employees along with several circus animals.
There are no injuries reported according to Tennessee Highway Patrol.
The train was just passing through Knoxville with no shows planned here in the near future
Monday, April 9, 2012
Circus coming to Oran on Monday
Apr 8, 2012
The Culpepper & Merriweather Great Combined Circus will perform two shows on Monday at the Tilles Memorial City Park in Oran, Mo. The first will begin at 5 p.m., and the second will begin at 7:30 p.m. Neal E. Boyd, recording artist and winner of the 2008 "America's Got Talent," will perform the national anthem at both performances. Tickets can be purchased in advance at $6 for children and $9 for adults. They are available at Oran City Hall, Oran Alliance Bank, Oran Kwik Stop, Eftink Hardware, Morley Building Supply, Chaffee Food Giant, Ratattulie's Restaurant in Benton, Mo., and Advance Town & Country. No advance tickets will be sold on the day of the shows. They will be available at the gate for $7 for children and $12 for adults. Proceeds from the event will be used by the local Optimist for youth projects.
Circus performers tune up acts
Hanneford Circus starting today at the 109th Field Artillery Armory a family affair all around.
High-wire performer Jonathan Lopez tests the rigging on Saturday in preparation for the upcoming Hanneford Circus at the 109th Field Artillery Armory in Wilkes-Barre.
by Jerry Lynott
from: the abingtonjournsl.com
WILKES-BARRE – One club tumbled through the air, then another and another until Jonathan Rinny juggled six of them.
As easy and effortless as it looked, it’s taken years of practice for the 20-year-old from Argentina.
On Saturday afternoon he found a spot to work on his act between the empty bleacher seats in the 109th Field Artillery Armory where he and other performers will appear with the Hanneford Circus.
appear with the Hanneford Circus.
The 23-vehicle caravan carrying the troupe of jugglers, tight-rope walkers, dancers and animal acts arrived in town over the weekend and many of them went to work preparing for the 11 shows scheduled today through Saturday.
Marleny McIntyre practices a juggling routine with her husband, Carlos, in preparation for their act with the Hanneford Circus at the 109th Field Artillery Armory in Wilkes-Barre.
As Jonathan Lopez, wearing a pair of running shoes, toed the high wire more than 20 feet above the floor, Rinny practiced with six clubs, one more than he juggles in his show.
“I’ve been juggling since I was 7,” he said Rinny. “I would like to learn everything about juggling.”
He’s a fourth generation performer who has chosen the circus as his career.
“At this date it wouldn’t be a good idea to stop,” he said.
Besides juggling, he pedals about atop a seven-level unicycle and mesmerizes audiences with his balancing skills on the Rolla-Bolla cylinders.
There are only three or four people in the world who can balance on eight cylinders like him, he said, and “in the United States nobody does it” besides him.
Rinny’s devotion to performing is common among circus people, said Billy Martin, ringmaster of the circus.
read more at:
http://theabingtonjournal.com/stories/Circus-performers-tune-up-acts,134721
Big top show ready to go
Igor Aristov, left, and wife Tatiana along with their son, George (not pictured) are jugglers and acrobats who will be added to the bill when Circus World opens its summer season May 19.
from: THE BARABOO TIMES REPUBLIC
By Ed Zagorski
Apr. 9, 2012
Come one, come all.
When Circus World kicks off its summer season, the entertainment will dazzle and illuminate the minds of its audience.
“We will definitely have something for everyone,” said David SaLoutos, Circus World performance director.
He said the circus is experiencing a renaissance in the U.S., where more people are seeking family-friendly entertainment. SaLoutos said when Circus World opens May 19 its big-top performance lineup will feature families from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
New to Circus World this year are the Aristovs — Igor, wife Tatiana and son George. SaLoutos said the trio of jugglers and acrobats mesmerized crowds across Europe, Canada and the U.S. They have even performed on tour with the Rolling Stones.
Also appearing this season at Circus World is Heidi Herriott, a third-generation American circus performer and animal trainer who returns this season with her equestrian act.
“This summer she will share the spotlight with her daughter, Cassidy,” SaLoutos said.
Cassidy Herriott, an aerialist, will serve as the new assistant to magician Tristan Crist.
“Cassidy will also present the historic ‘slide for her life,’ hanging by her neck and shooting across a thin metal wire just 50 feet above the Baraboo River,” SaLoutos said. “That will be a must-see event for our visitors.”
Coming from England is David Rosaire, who is considered by many to present the world’s greatest dog act, featuring tiny Pekinese dogs, a Great Dane, a
scene-stealing mutt and Vanna the cowboy baboon.
He said Rosaire appeared at the London Palladium, Cirque d’Hiver in Paris and even in a Command Performance before the king and queen of Sweden.
SaLoutos said Circus World’s new clowning team is Michelle Musser and Nathan Holguin, who are better known as “Judy and Punchy.” The two have traveled with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey.
Rounding out this year’s cast of characters are Edward “Eddie” Monserrate and his wife, Jaheida Guerrero, of the famous high-wire family.
“Circus families will tell you that what they do is much more than a living,” SaLoutos said. “Circus is a way of life — a life that demands dedication, constant attention to detail, physical conditioning and a respect for tradition.”
A new tradition this year at Circus World features Crist, who will kick off his seventh consecutive season this year in the newly-constructed Tristan Crist Magic Theatre, which will provide the backdrop for his new production, “Theatre of Illusion.”
“Theatre of Illusion is my greatest production to date,” Crist said. “The illusions and high energy will blow your mind. Circus World visitors watch as an audience member experiences acupuncture, laid out on a rack of sharp metal spikes.”
He said spectators will witness him “melt” through an 8-foot plate glass mirror.
SaLoutos said magic and the circus have a lot in common.
“They enrich the soul, delight the heart and they both take a lot of practice to make perfect,” SaLoutos said.
If you go
• Where: Circus World, 550 Water St., Baraboo
• What: 10 live shows daily May 19-Sept. 23. Magic show performances are staged May 19-Oct. 26. The museum is open year-round
• Cost: $15 for adults, $13 for seniors 65 and older, $8 for children 5-11
from casey gibbs...
This is a video of a homeless man in Santa Barbara and his pets. They work State Street every week for donations. The animals are pretty well fed and are mellow. They are a family.
The man who owns them rigged up a harness for his cat so she wouldn't have to walk so much (like the dog and himself). At some juncture the rat came along, and as no one wanted to eat anyone else, the rat started riding with the cat and, often, on the cat!
The dog will stand all day and let you talk to him and admire him for a few chin scratches.
The Mayor of Santa Barbara filmed this clip and sent it out as a holiday card.
A great video . . .
Revved up for the great outdoors
The motorcycle display team wow the crowds
By Rhianne Pope
from: oxfordtimes.co.uk
Monday 9th April 2012
STUNT-RIDING, fly-fishing and a spot of axe-throwing were the star attractions at the Thame Country Fair yesterday.
Thousands of visitors braved the looming black clouds for the 14th annual event, which continues at the Showground today.
The fair aims to celebrate all things rural, with air rifle and pistol ranges, dog shows, horse racing and falconry displays.
Jane Atkins, 40, from Chinnor, was enjoying the show with her husband Andy Gaunt, 43, their two-year son Edward and dogs Byron and Darcy, pictured right.
She said: “It’s been great. We come every year. Edward came along last year and I was nine months’ pregnant the year before, but this is the first time he’s been properly old enough to enjoy it. He’s having a whale of a time.
“It’s usually a hot weekend, but even with the weather, it’s a nice day out for all of us. We love it.”
The fair is separate from the Oxfordshire and Thame Show, which is taking a break in 2012. Organisers cancelled the 124-year-old event last year, blaming a lack of young volunteers. It had lost about £116,000 over the past four years.
Rebecca and Simon McCartney, with their daughter Lucy and dogs Archie and Charlie, said country fairs were still important.
Mr McCartney, from Surrey, said: “We try to make it to about four or five shows a year. This is our first time to Thame, we came especially for the day. It is not as big as some of the other shows, but Lucy is really enjoying herself.”
The motorcycle display team wow the crowds
By Rhianne Pope
from: oxfordtimes.co.uk
Monday 9th April 2012
STUNT-RIDING, fly-fishing and a spot of axe-throwing were the star attractions at the Thame Country Fair yesterday.
Thousands of visitors braved the looming black clouds for the 14th annual event, which continues at the Showground today.
The fair aims to celebrate all things rural, with air rifle and pistol ranges, dog shows, horse racing and falconry displays.
Jane Atkins, 40, from Chinnor, was enjoying the show with her husband Andy Gaunt, 43, their two-year son Edward and dogs Byron and Darcy, pictured right.
She said: “It’s been great. We come every year. Edward came along last year and I was nine months’ pregnant the year before, but this is the first time he’s been properly old enough to enjoy it. He’s having a whale of a time.
“It’s usually a hot weekend, but even with the weather, it’s a nice day out for all of us. We love it.”
The fair is separate from the Oxfordshire and Thame Show, which is taking a break in 2012. Organisers cancelled the 124-year-old event last year, blaming a lack of young volunteers. It had lost about £116,000 over the past four years.
Rebecca and Simon McCartney, with their daughter Lucy and dogs Archie and Charlie, said country fairs were still important.
Mr McCartney, from Surrey, said: “We try to make it to about four or five shows a year. This is our first time to Thame, we came especially for the day. It is not as big as some of the other shows, but Lucy is really enjoying herself.”
Jane Atkins with Andy Gaunt and their son Edward, two, and dogs Byron and Darcy
Matthew Kelly, from Aylesbury, was learning some top fishing tips from Andy Grey, of the Game Angling Instructors’ Association.
He said: “I’m here having a day out with my five-year-old son Sarani. I love fishing but want to get into fly-fishing.”
Others lined up to take part in the slightly less serene activity of axe-throwing.
Sammy Lee, who runs Axe-Throwing UK and is the current British champion, said: “We’ve more people than we expected. Some people are too scared to have a go, or they don’t want to make fools of themselves. But most people are raring to give it a go. Nowhere else offers you the chance to do this. Shows like this one in Thame are very important.”
rpope@oxfordmail.co.uk l The fair, organised by Living Heritage, runs again today from 10am to 6pm at the Thame Showground in Kingsey Road. Admission is £11 for adults and £4 for children.