How does the Great New York State Fair stack up against others?
from: 9wsyr.com
Aug 24, 2012
Circus coming to Basehor will benefit Chamber
Skeeter, an "Advance Clown" from the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus, performs during an assembly at Basehor Intermediate School on Tuesday with students Luke Oliver and Gabby Benson. Skeeter visited Basehor-Linwood schools in advance of the circus's stop in Basehor next week, which will benefit the Basehor Chamber of Commerce.
By Matt Erickson
from: tonganoxiemirror.com
August 23, 2012
The circus is coming to Basehor, and anyone who buys a ticket will not only receive a seat under the big top but also help spread the word about the city to potential new residents.
By Matt Erickson
from: tonganoxiemirror.com
August 23, 2012
The circus is coming to Basehor, and anyone who buys a ticket will not only receive a seat under the big top but also help spread the word about the city to potential new residents.
The Culpepper and Merriweather Circus will stop by Basehor for two shows Monday, sponsored by the Basehor Chamber of Commerce. The big top will go up in the vacant lot just west of Orscheln’s Farm and Home on Wolf Creek Parkway, and shows are set for 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The show will feature trapeze and high-wire acts, jungle cats and a variety of performers. It also will serve as a fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce, which will use the proceeds to help publish a new promotional brochure for the city.
“We decided this might be a good fundraiser and good for the community, and the kids might enjoy it, so yeah, we’re in,” said Blake Waters, the chamber’s president.
read more:
http://www.tonganoxiemirror.com/news/2012/aug/23/circus-coming-basehor-will-benefit-chamber/
read more:
http://www.tonganoxiemirror.com/news/2012/aug/23/circus-coming-basehor-will-benefit-chamber/
Jolly Roger Amusement Parks -
'At The Pier' - Rides and Amusements,
Ocean City, MD
Published on Apr 24, 2012 by unscenepro
A promotional video of Jolly Roger's 'At The Pier' - Rides and Attractions off the Boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland promoting the amazing pier rides and its' awesome amenities produced by unscene productions for Bay Shore Development Group/Jolly Roger Parks..........2012.
Youth Circus comes to town
Madelynn Shortt
Wenatchee Youth Circus
Members of the Wenatchee Youth Circus, with Paul Pugh supervising in the background, set up the high wire on the Central Washington University campus on Thursday. Performances are planned today and Saturday. (Madelynn Shortt / Daily Record)
Friday, August 24, 2012
FROM: dailyrecordnews.com
By Madelynn Shortt staff intern
With the sounds of hammers pounding in the background, Paul Pugh kept a watchful eye on the scene outside the McIntyre Music Building at Central Washington University on Thursday afternoon.
Young people ranging up to 20 years old were working to set up for the Wenatchee Youth Circus’ performances this weekend. A red and white tent was up in the field, and youth were helping to set up the high-wire platforms.
Pugh, who introduced himself as Guppo the clown, is in charge of the 60-year-old circus. He created the character of Guppo years ago. The nonprofit, volunteer-based circus started as an after-school tumbling project.
“I put circus music behind everyone on records and it just happened,” he said as he laughed. “We did have a live band at one point.”
The circus has performed everywhere from Anchorage, Alaska, to El Paso, Texas. It is currently traveling with 70 people, a number that includes children and their parents.
There are about 40 performers at this weekend’s shows. Although the troupe is titled a “youth” circus, Pugh said there is no official cut off age for performers.
“If they’d like to stay around and help, that’s fine,” Pugh said.
Pugh said he used to have to search for places to perform, but business has picked up over the years. The youth circus has been to Ellensburg a number of times before. As wind threatened to blow down the red and white tents Thursday, Pugh said calmly, “we’ve played in the wind before.”
Pugh couldn’t put a finger on his favorite part of being so involved with the circus. He said he felt like a mother hen and couldn’t possibly choose one chick as his favorite.
“I like it all and we try to bring good entertainment,” he said.
read more:
http://www.dailyrecordnews.com/news/circus-comes-to-town/article_a420d5cc-ee2b-11e1-a813-0019bb2963f4.html
Wenatchee Youth Circus
Members of the Wenatchee Youth Circus, with Paul Pugh supervising in the background, set up the high wire on the Central Washington University campus on Thursday. Performances are planned today and Saturday. (Madelynn Shortt / Daily Record)
Friday, August 24, 2012
FROM: dailyrecordnews.com
By Madelynn Shortt staff intern
With the sounds of hammers pounding in the background, Paul Pugh kept a watchful eye on the scene outside the McIntyre Music Building at Central Washington University on Thursday afternoon.
Young people ranging up to 20 years old were working to set up for the Wenatchee Youth Circus’ performances this weekend. A red and white tent was up in the field, and youth were helping to set up the high-wire platforms.
Pugh, who introduced himself as Guppo the clown, is in charge of the 60-year-old circus. He created the character of Guppo years ago. The nonprofit, volunteer-based circus started as an after-school tumbling project.
“I put circus music behind everyone on records and it just happened,” he said as he laughed. “We did have a live band at one point.”
The circus has performed everywhere from Anchorage, Alaska, to El Paso, Texas. It is currently traveling with 70 people, a number that includes children and their parents.
There are about 40 performers at this weekend’s shows. Although the troupe is titled a “youth” circus, Pugh said there is no official cut off age for performers.
“If they’d like to stay around and help, that’s fine,” Pugh said.
Pugh said he used to have to search for places to perform, but business has picked up over the years. The youth circus has been to Ellensburg a number of times before. As wind threatened to blow down the red and white tents Thursday, Pugh said calmly, “we’ve played in the wind before.”
Pugh couldn’t put a finger on his favorite part of being so involved with the circus. He said he felt like a mother hen and couldn’t possibly choose one chick as his favorite.
“I like it all and we try to bring good entertainment,” he said.
read more:
http://www.dailyrecordnews.com/news/circus-comes-to-town/article_a420d5cc-ee2b-11e1-a813-0019bb2963f4.html
Eoin Butler's Q&A
MARION FOSSETT , ringmistress, Fossett’s Circus on the enduring appeal of life in the ring
ROLL UP Ringmistress Marion Fossett, fourth generation of the Fossett's family circus
The Irish Times
Saturday, August 25, 2012
MARION FOSSETT , ringmistress, Fossett’s Circus on the enduring appeal of life in the ring
How much of the year do you spend on the road? We usually go out around St Patrick’s Day and tour right through to the end of October. During the summer, that means doing at least one show a day. Often we’ll perform twice on the same day, pack up and travel to the next town that night.
Your show no longer includes animals. Why? No, we haven’t had wild animals for the past five years. But the star of the show is still a little terrier called Max who comes on riding a pony and tears the place up. The kids love him. This year, two acrobats from Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey are topping the bill. They do a high wire with no safety net. For the final trick, she stands on his shoulders and he walks across...
Wait, you’re not going to give the ending away? It’s a two-hour show. There’s a lot more I’m not going to tell you about, don’t worry!
read more at:
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/magazine/2012/0825/1224322791297.html
Circus arrives near Newark
FROM: delawareonline.com
Aug 24, 2012
Cole Bros. Circus sets up near Newark: The Cole Bros. Circus is setting up its big top east of Newark this morning. The Circus of the Stars runs today through Sunday on the grounds of Our Lady of Grace home for children at 487 E. Chestnut Hill Road (Del. 4). 8/24/12
Colorado State Fair Kicks Off
Ferris Wheel at Colorado State Fair
from: kunc.org
By Emily Boyer
Aug 24, 2012
The 140th annual Colorado State Fair began this morning in Pueblo and runs through Labor Day. But, the fairs opening weekend coincides with another Colorado event drawing a large number of spectators, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge which wraps up in Denver Sunday.
But State fair general manager Chris Wiseman isn’t worried that the race will deter people making the trip to Pueblo.
“We actually went right up against the DNC convention that was in Denver and we did well. We draw a certain crowd about 80 miles around Pueblo, that’s where the bulk of our attendance comes from. Colorado Springs is a big part of our market and they do have a couple of events going on up there. But they’re not new, they’ve happened over the last few years. So I’m not really worried about the events you mentioned hurting our attendance. I think overall we are going to do pretty good.”
Many tourism-based industries have experienced a drop in business when out-of-state visitors were put off by all the media attention with this summer’s wildfires and extreme heat. Wiseman says that won’t be the case for the fair since only about 8% of fairgoers come from out of state.
“Attendance goes up and down depending on the shows and different things you have at the fair. But, I’ pretty much expect the attendance will be around where it was last year. We’ve been averaging a little over a half of million people the last three years and we expect that’s pretty much where it’s going to be this year too.”
After projecting a budget shortfall in 2011, the Colorado State Fair received $375,000 from the state-Department of Agriculture to help stay afloat. If the expected half of a million people attend the fair Wiseman says they should turn a profit.
read more:
http://www.kunc.org/post/colorado-state-fair-kicks
Friday, August 24, 2012
BILL PRICKETT VISITS---
CARSON and BARNES CIRCUS
2012
Carson & Barnes Circus: We spent a very enjoyable afternoon in Champaign, Il, 8-21-12, visiting the new edition of this outstanding show.... "76 Years of Specutacular Entertainment". The show has been reviewed quite abit, so I will just share some photos with you.
Joe Friso,Sr. and Karyn Olmos, office
Brad "Junior" Pikrl, RM
Motorcycle act with head stand
. Habib and Michelle, ISA and BUNNY, elephants
Double Wheel of Destiny
C&B train
Jennifer Walker and Liberty Horses
Jest In Time Circus delivers laughs at fair
Li Li Zuchinni,Ó Lizette Guy, right, and ÒTopper Todd,Ó Todd Victor, spray the crowd with toilet paper from a modified leaf blower Thursday during their Jest in Time circus show at the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo in Kennewick.
Paul T. Erickson — Tri-City Herald
from: bellingtonherald.com
By Ty Beaver, Tri-City Herald
Published: August 24, 2012
If you go
Today's performance times are 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday's performance times are 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Jest In Time Circus will perform on the stage near the main gate for the fairgrounds on the Atomictown Stage.
For some, it might be the high-pitched voice of Li Li Zucchini that draws them into the tent of the Jest In Time Circus at the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo in Kennewick.
Or maybe they followed Topper Todd on his antique big-wheeled penny-farthing bike or heard the pair's jokes on the stage as they walked by.
Whatever the reason, people drawn to the show soon find themselves unable to walk away.
Li Li Zuchinni,Ó Lizette Guy, right, and ÒTopper Todd,Ó Todd Victor, spray the crowd with toilet paper from a modified leaf blower Thursday during their Jest in Time circus show at the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo in Kennewick.
Paul T. Erickson — Tri-City Herald
from: bellingtonherald.com
By Ty Beaver, Tri-City Herald
Published: August 24, 2012
If you go
Today's performance times are 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday's performance times are 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Jest In Time Circus will perform on the stage near the main gate for the fairgrounds on the Atomictown Stage.
For some, it might be the high-pitched voice of Li Li Zucchini that draws them into the tent of the Jest In Time Circus at the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo in Kennewick.
Or maybe they followed Topper Todd on his antique big-wheeled penny-farthing bike or heard the pair's jokes on the stage as they walked by.
Whatever the reason, people drawn to the show soon find themselves unable to walk away.
Todd Victor of Santa Rosa, Calif., rides through the crowd at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Kennewick announcing his group’s next performance on the Atomictown stage. Victor plays the character Topper Todd in the Jest in Time Circus performances. BOB BRAWDY — Tri-City Herald
"I'm actually surprised; it was pretty funny," said Kevin Crowley of Richland, who came to one of the free shows Thursday with his daughter Hayden, 8, and son Alex, 6. "We never come to the shows too much."
From their original jokes and antics to a toilet paper blaster and acrobatic dog, the Jest In Time Circus appeals to young and old alike. And it's a labor of love for the performers.
Read more here: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2012/08/24/2660412/jest-in-time-circus-delivers-laughs.html#storylink=cpy
Big Apple Circus Presents LEGENDARIUM
at Dulles Town Center, 9/20-10/8
at Dulles Town Center, 9/20-10/8
from: broadwayworld.com
The Big Apple Circus presents the World Premiere of LEGENDARIUM at the Dulles Town Center in Dulles, Virginia from Thursday, September 20 through Monday, October 8 (Columbus Day).
Travel back to when circus traditions were born and witness incredible acts that would have had the villagers chattering for days! The courageous mid-air flips and catches of a man on the trapeze! A captivating contortionist whose flexibility is as impressive as her steadfast poise! An agile, adept acrobat and her strapping suitors! A swaying wire act of sure-footed strength and stability! The dizzying delights of a daring inventor in his tumbling, twirling hoop! The stunning, soaring beauty of a pair on aerial straps and a woman held aloft by hanging silks! A jaw-dropping juggling tango team performing to passionate rhythms! Bicyclists whose spinning wheels turn smooth and speedy stunts! Majestic horses with graceful gaits and playful pups with teasing tricks! And what circus would be complete without bumbling clowns who bring the spirit of timeless comedy?! It’s all led by an affable Ringmaster and the great Big Apple Circus Band playing history’s iconic songs! So run away with the Big Apple Circus and relive Big Tops of old in a memorable one-ring show for the ages!
The World Premiere of LEGENDARIUM begins Thursday, September 20 and runs for 28 performances through Monday, October 8, 2012 (Columbus Day), under the Big Top at Dulles Town Center, 45630 Dulles Center Blvd. (at the intersection of Routes 7 and 28), in Loudon County, Virginia. Tickets for LEGENDARIUM start at $25. Buy tickets online at www.bigapplecircus.org or by calling (888) 541-3750. The Circus Box Office at Dulles Town Center will open Tuesday, September 18; hours are Tues–Fri, 10AM–8PM; Sat–Mon, 10AM–6PM.
For more ticket information, group sales, inquiries about wheelchair–accessible seating or for additional information please call theTicket Info Line at (800) 922-3772.
Read more: http://norfolk.broadwayworld.com/article/Big-Apple-Circus-Presents-LEGENDARIUM-at-Dulles-Town-Center-920-108-20120823#ixzz24SpQWBLc
Alaska State Fair's 12-day run kicks off
MARC LESTER / Anchorage Daily News
Chloe St. Jean-Richard performs on the wheel during the Brown Entertainment acrobatic show. The 2012 Alaska State Fair opened to the public on Thursday, August 23, 2012, in Palmer. The fair continues through September 3.
By MIKE DUNHAM
Anchorage Daily News
August 24th, 2012
PALMER -- Rain pounded the Alaska State Fair Grounds on Thursday morning, but by noon, when the gates opened for the first day of the fair, skies lightened and precipitation eased to a bare drizzle. While sprinkles continued for the rest of the day, it wasn't enough to keep the pavement wet.
As usual, traffic was relatively light on opening day. But a line formed at the "Our Body: Live Healthy" display at the Don Sheldon Events Center. That facility, which in previous years has housed showings of reptiles and kangaroos, is the site of an exhibit of preserved human specimens intended to illustrate the construction and functions of the body. It includes 12 complete cadavers with portions removed to show anatomical details, a skeleton and removed human skin, with several limb and organs displayed separately.
Read more here: http://www.adn.com/2012/08/23/2598153/light-rain-light-traffic-welcome.html#storylink=cpy
Nebraska, Iowa State Fairs want big share of the Omaha pie
MATT DIXON/WORLD-HERALD NEWS SERVICE
The Nebraska State Fair, which opens Friday in Grand Island, showcases the No. 1 industry in the state — agriculture — and the youth and businesses. During the 2011 fair, Kim Huwaldt of Randolph, Neb., gave her market steer a kiss before judging in the livestock arena.
By David Hendee
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
from: omaha.com
Published Sunday, August 19, 2012
Forget the 800-pound gorilla.
Ignore the elephant in the room.
Omaha is the 1,200-pound steer — an elusive, blue-ribbon critter — that Nebraska and Iowa State Fair marketing wranglers keep trying to corral.
Omaha is a prime cut — whether in beef state Nebraska or pork state Iowa — from which everyone wants a bite. Not only is the city the largest population center in either state, it's situated about midway between the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines and the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island — about a two-hour drive to either site.
But the Iowa State Fair is biting off more of Omaha than is the Nebraska State Fair.
The Iowa fair, which ends its 11-day run today, attracts an estimated 16 percent of its annual 1 million visitors from the Omaha market. That's 160,000 people. (Click here to see photos from this year's Iowa State Fair.)
read more:
http://www.omaha.com/article/20120819/NEWS/708199925/1685
For Minnesotans, fair days ahead
from: startribune.com
Article by: CURT BROWN , Star Tribune
from: startribune.com
Article by: CURT BROWN , Star Tribune
Published August 22 and 23, 2012
Attendance varies, but the State Fair endures as a ritual celebrating summer's bounty and Minnesota's traditions.
A worker hammered on the Wind Storm ride in preparation for the Minnesota State Fair’s opening day on Thursday in Falcon Heights.
Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune
Attendance varies, but the State Fair endures as a ritual celebrating summer's bounty and Minnesota's traditions. Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune
Chris Domingus of Hopkins arranged toy prizes for the Frogger skill game in the Mighty Midway.
Bruce Bisping, Star Tribune Phyliss and Duane Urch are packing up the poultry on their farm west of Owatonna. Doug Bieniek is lugging a 500-pound marble block from Duluth that he carved into a fine arts entry. And just as their father and uncle began doing after World War II, brothers Bill and Jim Schneider have 200 pounds of popcorn kernels ready to cook behind their root beer stand west of the grandstand.
Yep, it's State Fair time.
Taylor Schroer of Elk River attached a sign to one of the Pronto Pup booths.
Bruce Bisping, Star Tribune
Bruce Bisping, Star Tribune
The annual 12-day, end-of-summer ritual begins Thursday, blending heartfelt tradition, butter heads, people watching, large boars, deep fryers, midway barkers, cheap milk and giant slide and sky rides in its dizzying, only-in-Minnesota fashion.
"The fair is kind of like your grandma: Sure, she might smell a little funny, but she sure is fun to be around," said David Woodis, the superintendent of admissions who supervises 225 ticket rippers at a dozen gates.
August 23, 2012
Sen. Amy Klobuchar was up early too, greeting guests waiting for the gates to open, kicking off the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
Despite pricey gas, a sluggish economy and some swine flu concerns, Woodis is predicting a record 1.8 million fairgoers this go-around. While other Midwest fairs have been jolted by the drought, Minnesota has dodged that harsh reality. In fact, officials had to cut off applications for dairy goat exhibitors two days before the deadline because the barn had filled up.
The human crowds dipped in the past two years after a record 1,790,497 came for their corn on the cob in 2009. If fair honchos are worried about having their first three-year drop in attendance since 1991, they're not showing it.
6:30 am thursday, Aug 23, 2012
Eager fair guests lined up early outside the main gate on Snelling Ave.
"We're plateauing right now after 50 years of steady growth," said Jerry Hammer, who's grown from a neighborhood kid sneaking over gaps in the barbed-wire fence 40 years ago to general manager.Eager fair guests lined up early outside the main gate on Snelling Ave.
"A few thousand one way or the other doesn't mean anything," Hammer said. "If it fell off 100,000, then you're talking about something. But we've had some dips and no real spikes and we're on this plane where the last three years have been our highest ever."
read more:http://www.startribune.com/local/166986486.html?refer=y\
Popular Grange Fair Kicking Off 138th Year
from: statecollege.com
by Marjorie Miller
August 23, 2012
CENTRE HALL, PA— The “nation’s most unique county fair” is gearing up for another year.
by Marjorie Miller
August 23, 2012
CENTRE HALL, PA— The “nation’s most unique county fair” is gearing up for another year.
The Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair, or “Grange Fair,” will take place from Thursday through Aug. 30 at Grange Park.
A “city within a town,” the 138th Grange Fair will feature a variety of concerts, rides, food, games and competitions, according to its website.
Allen Bartlebaugh, of Bartlebaugh Amusements Inc., said his family business is “probably the oldest” vendor at the fair. Bartlebaugh Amusements has been attending the Grange Fair since the 1930s, Bartlebaugh said, and provides about 20 games and food stands and about 15 to 20 rides.
Bartlebaugh, of Madisonburg, said this year about 10 of his family members are planning to attend, and will stay for the entirety of the fair.
What he’s most looking forward to this year, he said, is “McDonald’s Day,” in which attendees will get a variety of discounts and deals through a partnership with the food chain. According to the Grange Fair website, “McDonald’s Day at Bartlebaugh’s” will be held from 1 p.m. to closing on Thursday. A $7 wristband will include a coupon from McDonald’s.
Bartlebaugh said such a large event as the Grange Fair provides a host of benefits, especially to local stores, hotels and other businesses that receive a boost in business during the fair. The fair itself, he said, provides entertainment throughout the day for families. Children can see a variety of animals, such as horses, pigs and cows, and can learn about things they wouldn’t be able to anywhere else.
Bartlebaugh said he wants to inform those who will be attending the fair for the first time this year that not everything can be seen and done in just one day.
“Plan to spend the whole day and come back again,” he said. “It’s the place to be next week.”
read more:
http://www.statecollege.com/news/community-entertainment/popular-grange-fair-kicking-off-138th-year-1117883/
read more:
http://www.statecollege.com/news/community-entertainment/popular-grange-fair-kicking-off-138th-year-1117883/
Circus animals thwarted in disappearing act at Maywood Park
By Joseph Ruzich
from: chicagotribune.com
August 22, 2012
Two goats and a llama escaped from a circus early this morning but were found nearby in the parking lot of the Maywood Park Racetrack near west suburb Melrose Park.
By Joseph Ruzich
from: chicagotribune.com
August 22, 2012
Two goats and a llama escaped from a circus early this morning but were found nearby in the parking lot of the Maywood Park Racetrack near west suburb Melrose Park.
Sam Pitassi, the police chief of Melrose Park, said the department received a call at about 3:30 a.m. from a passerby who saw the animals grazing on a patch of grass in the parking lot.
The Piccadilly Circus set up shop in the parking lot this week and is planning to have shows under the big top through Aug. 26.
“They (the animals) were just 150 feet from their enclosure,” said Pitassi. “A police officer and a circus employee used food to herd them back into their enclosure. I have no idea how they escaped but there must have been a problem with the fence.”
According to the circus website, the circus also features elephants, camels, tigers and horses, among other animals.
Pitassi said Maywood Park is actually in the jurisdiction of the Cook County Sheriff’s Department but added that the nearby suburb decided to help out because an officer was in the area.
“They (the animals) were just 150 feet from their enclosure,” said Pitassi. “A police officer and a circus employee used food to herd them back into their enclosure. I have no idea how they escaped but there must have been a problem with the fence.”
According to the circus website, the circus also features elephants, camels, tigers and horses, among other animals.
Pitassi said Maywood Park is actually in the jurisdiction of the Cook County Sheriff’s Department but added that the nearby suburb decided to help out because an officer was in the area.
Kelly Miller Circus Comes to Holly
from: tctimes.com
by William Axford
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Holly, MI--Animals and performers delighted families this past Saturday when the Kelly Miller Circus came to Holly. Circus goes had the chance to ride elephants and alpacas while pirates and clowns made audiences laugh. The Kelly Miller Circus stops in Holly every year, thanks in part to the Holly Township library.
by William Axford
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Holly, MI--Animals and performers delighted families this past Saturday when the Kelly Miller Circus came to Holly. Circus goes had the chance to ride elephants and alpacas while pirates and clowns made audiences laugh. The Kelly Miller Circus stops in Holly every year, thanks in part to the Holly Township library.
