Why some performers choose Circus Circus over Cirque du Soleil

Leila Navidi

The Skating Ernestos, Veronika and Paolo Ernesto, a roller skating duo from Italy perform at the Circus Circus Midway in Las Vegas on Thursday, August 2, 2012

By Ron Sylvester (contact)

 from---lasvegassun.com

Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 | 2 a.m.

Paolo and Veronika Ernesto didn’t run away to join the circus. They grew up under the big top.

Before falling in love and getting married, they lived in families that had spent 150 years or more performing in sawdust rings around the world. They performed on television shows in Europe and in tents in Japan.

 

But the place Veronika Ernesto remembered most fondly was the casino midway at Circus Circus, where she performed as a teen. For years, she dreamed of returning there.

“She loves Las Vegas,” husband Paolo Ernesto said. “For six years we’ve been married, and all she could talk about was coming back to Circus Circus. We finally made it. She made it.”

Some might see Circus Circus, built in 1968, as a second-tier stage in a city where Cirque du Soleil is king. But there’s nowhere else Veronika Ernesto, and many other performers, would rather work.

“Some places, they tell you exactly what to do and what to wear,” Veronika said. “It’s not as relaxed. Here, everyone is friendly, and they make you feel comfortable.”

Circus Circus Entertainment Director Jill Breslaw has no problem finding eager talent. She sits at a desk surrounded by six two-quart Tupperware containers crammed with hundreds of discs of audition footage. Breslaw signs a dozen acts every year.

read more at---

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2012/oct/06/why-some-performers-choose-circus-circus-over-cirq/

 

Norman Barrett - Dressage Perruches -

LE PLUS GRAND CABARET DU MONDE

Uploaded by patricksebastien on Jul 3, 2009

Norman Barrett vous proposait un incroyable numéro de dressage de perruches lors du Plus Grand Cabaret Du Monde de Patrick Sébastien

Fairgoers discuss cost, safety at fair

from--wjtv.com

 

 

Mississippi State Fair whirls into Jackson

The Associated Press
Oct. 1, 2012
JACKSON, Miss. -- The 153rd Mississippi State Fair begins its two-week season this week. Executive director Billy Orr says organizers try to add something new every year.

He tells The Clarion-Ledger ( http://on.thec-l.com/SPTKt2) that this year, it's a new roller coaster.

The Mississippi State Fair gates open at 5 p.m. Wednesday. Its Last Blast will be Oct. 14.

Orr says last year, a record 694,000 fairgoers hit the midway. He says a new record this year depends on the weather, and notes that three fairs ago, it rained nine days out of 12.

Entrance and parking are free from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Country singer Loretta Lynn will perform the evening of Oct. 9, and Chubby Checker on Oct. 10.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/10/01/4869281/mississippi-state-fair-whirls.html#storylink=cpy

Chimpanzee Card Trick

Magician Paul Daniels performs a Chimpanzee Card Trick with the help of his chimp friend Fred while trying to avoid the distractions of Betsy the Chimpanzee. I love this magic act because the Chimps add an unpredictable entertainment factor to the act that Paul has to work with on the spot. Fred has obviously seen the card trick many times as he didn’t seem impressed at the end or maybe he was just hoping for a real banana.

 

Circus coming to Jackson, TN

from:  The Jackson Sun
October 5, 2012

Lewis & Clark Circus will come to Jackson at the VFW Post 6496 grounds on Monday and Tuesday, with show times daily at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The event is sponsored by VFW Post 6496 and VFW Ladies Auxiliary, according to a news release.

Lewis & Clark Circus is a one-ring, European-style circus under the big top, featuring continuous action in the center ring.

The release said one of the featured acts will be performed by Jose Ayala, who will stack round cylinders seven high and show his balancing skills as he stands on a platform on top of all of the cylinders.

Families attending the show can expect to see Elizabeth Ayala perform high above the ground in her lyra act. There also will be other acrobats, clowns, horses, camels, performing goats and more. The circus midway will be open prior to show time, featuring pony and camel rides, concessions, a free petting zoo and more, the release said.

Tickets for Lewis & Clark Circus may be purchased online at www.lewisandclarkcircus.net.

Advance ticket prices are $12 for those ages 15 and older. Children age 14 and younger can receive free admission with a special coupon available at www.lewisandclarkcircus.net and at local merchants. Tickets purchased on the day of the show are $17 each for adults and $5 for children age 14 and younger.

— The Jackson Sun

The jugglers, acrobats and slack wire walkers of Circus Circus

Jason Xiao performs on the Rolla Bola at the Circus Circus Midway in Las Vegas on Thursday, August 2, 2012.
from---  lasvegassun.com
By Ron Sylvester (contact)
Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 | 2 a.m.
Wooden bleachers shake as parents walk their children to find seats at the Circus Circus Midway. A drummer and keyboardist take their places in front of the raised stage.

"Ladies and gentleman," a ringmaster’s voice booms.

Every half hour from 11 a.m. to midnight every day, one of 12 circus acts takes the stage. They juggle, dance on tightropes and flip from trapezes. They come from all over the world to perform at one of the oldest casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.

Who are the artists? Here's a closer look at four of them:
read more at---
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2012/oct/06/jugglers-acrobats-and-slackrope-walkers-circus-cir/

Council ban Animal Circuses in North Ayrshire
 by Ross Dunn, Irvine Herald
from---iirvineherald.co.uk
Oct 5 2012
North Ayrshire Council have made the landmark decision to ban animal circuses from council land.

Members of the council supported a motion by Councillor Irene Oldfather - former MSP a long-term advocate of animal welfare - to ban travelling circuses with animals from council land.

Councillor Oldfather had the motion approved at a recent council meeting and was overwhelmingly supported by her fellow councillors.

The councillor questioned the value of animal circuses for education, conservation or entertainment, considering that there are so many alternative opportunities to see animals in their natural environmt.

NAC is now the third council this year to introduce such a policy, one that could see the likes of Bobby Roberts’ Super Circus being shut out of North Ayrshire for good.

Over half of Scottish councils now enforce a similar ban against travelling circuses, with wild, or in some cases, any animal from their land.

Bobby Roberts’ Super Circus made three stops to North Ayrshire this summer, with two of them taking place on council land.

The owners of Bobby Roberts’ Circus, Bobby and Moira Roberts, face trial in November 2012 accused of causing their 58-year-old elephant unnecessary suffering.

The pair deny the charges.

● Turn to page 8 to read what Dreghorn locals thought about North Ayrshire Council’s decision to ban animal circuses from council land.
to read more go to:
http://www.irvineherald.co.uk/ayrshire-news/local-news-ayrshire/local-news-irvine/2012/10/05/council-ban-animal-circuses-in-north-ayrshire-75485-31957283/


 

Behind the scenes at Cirque du Soleil's Quidam

Reported by: Olena Heu

from---khon.com

Oct 3, 2012

read more at---

http://www.khon2.com/news/local/story/Behind-the-scenes-at-Cirque-du-Soleils-Quidam/xyE3RqeJk0Sa1UpsNFi7jA.cspx

Somers Artifacts Featured in Bard's 'Circus and the City' Exhibit Show

runs through Feb. 3 at Bard Graduate Center Galleries in New York City.

 

Somers Historical Society President Grace Zimmermann showing an image of a Somers artifact featured in the "Circus and the City" exhibit at Bard Graduate Center in New York City. Credit Julia Halewicz
from---yorktown-somers.patch.com
By Julia Halewicz
October 5, 2012
Somers has long held a stake in the history of the circus, earning the designation "Cradle of the American Circus" and a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

And it was in Somers that a group of traveling menagerie entrepreneurs incorporated their businesses in downtown's Elephant Hotel and amassed great wealth, effectively sealing Somers' tie to the circus and American history.

Somers is again being singled out for its contribution to circus history in an exhibit called "Circus and the City: New York 1793-2010" at Bard Graduate Center Galleries. The show opened Sept. 21 and runs through Feb. 3, 2013 and features 30 artifacts from the Somers Historical Society collection.

"Circus and the City" exhibit catalog. Credit Amazon.com
"The exhibition is a tremendous benefit to the society because it shows that our collection is a superior collection that historically is very significant," Somers Historical Society President Grace Zimmermann said. "We are not just another historical society with nice antiques."

Among the artifacts loaned are an elephant bull hook and a tusk chain believed to have belonged to Hachaliah Bailey. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The New-York Historical Society are among other institutions that loaned items to the exhibit, which showcases approximately 200 items and took three years to mount.  

The exhibition "uses New York City as a lens through which to explore the extraordinary development and spectacular pageantry of the American circus. Through a wide variety of ephemera, images, and artifacts, the exhibition documents the history of the circus in the city, from the seminal equestrian displays of the late eighteenth century through the iconic late nineteenth-century American railroad circus to the Big Apple Circus of today," according to the exhibit description.

The New York Times advanced the exhibit: "Circus buffs and fan magazines have kept big-top lore alive, but until recently many museums and historical societies did not deem the itinerant, ephemeral circus worthy of documenting or preserving. 'We know much about the development of the arts in New York City, but we know very little about the development of the circus,' said LaVahn G. Hoh, a circus historian who is professor of drama at the University of Virginia (and is not connected to the exhibition)."

For the Somers Historical Society, which is celebrating its 56th year, the exhibit represents a chance to share an old tale with a new audience. And some artifacts are being framed and showcased for the first time.

"We are really adhering to our mission of education," Zimmermann said.

For more information on the exhibit, go to www. bgc.bard.edu.

 

October 3- 14, 2012 - Jackson, Mississippi

FROM-- wlbt.com

Jackson, MS

WLBT.com - Jackson, MS

Big top coming to Auxvasse
Circus to put on benefit show for community hall
By Dean Asher
October 4, 2012
Auxvasse, MO — A popular circus act that helps in fundraising efforts for local communities has returned to Callaway.

The Kelly Miller Circus, an Oklahoma-based group founded in 1938 that has performed in recent years in New Bloomfield, returns to put on a fundraiser show Oct. 17 for the Auxvasse Community Hall.

Show times are at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the Auxvasse Lions Club Grounds. Advance tickets cost $10 for adults and $6 for children, or $15 for adults and $7 for children at the door.

Tickets can be bought at United Security Bank or Casey’s General Store in Auxvasse, Hickman’s IGA in Mexico, Pick-A-Dilly in Kingdom City or Moser’s in Fulton.

Auxvasse Community Hall Association treasurer Dianna Huls said the circus had approached the community hall committee about putting on the show. A portion of the ticket sales will go to restoration of the city’s community hall, which is rented out for various events.

“It needs lots of repairs, it’s a really old building,” said Huls. “The first thing is the roof, it’s leaky. Then we’d like to get a new stove, also, but we have to get the roof fixed first.”

 

COLE BROS CLOWN VISITS VETERANS HOSPITAL

FROM--- wlox.com

09.24.12

WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

Georgia National Fair returns with livestock, rides and games galore

 

Erica Wilson, of Warner Robins, rides the Indy 500 roller coaster with her mother, Phyllis Anderson, on Thursday afternoon at the Georgia National Fair in Perry. The fair runs through Oct. 14.
GRANT BLANKENSHIP — gblankenship@macon.com
by-- Angela Woolen
from--macon.com
Published: October 4, 2012
PERRY -- As the sun started setting on the fairgrounds, more and more visitors entered the gates of the 23rd annual Georgia National Fair on Thursday for Sneak-a-Peek day, signaling the start of the 11-day event.

“The rides are ready to go,” said Randy Moore, executive director at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter.

Some came for pay-one-price armband night, some for the food and some to make sure their livestock were show-ready.

During the opening ceremony, Gov. Nathan Deal talked about walking around the barns. His father was an agriculture teacher, and he grew up showing cows and hogs.

He recognized the hard work and responsibility that is learned from tending to the animals.

“If anything can restore confidence in our country, those young people will,” Deal said about the students who will show their livestock throughout the course of the fair.

 

The Wild Claw ride whips people over the midway of the Georgia National Fair in Perry on the Sneak-a-Peek day Thursday.----GRANT BLANKENSHIP

On the other end of the fair where less mooing was taking place, the cries of game hawkers and the screams of riders could be heard along the midway.

Read more here: http://www.macon.com/2012/10/04/2201711/georgia-national-fair-returns.html#storylink=cpy


GIFFORDS CIRCUS

The Saturday Book

Published on May 26, 2012 by calmccrystal

Clips from the dress rehearsal of Giffords Circus 2012 show, The Saturday Book. Produced by Nell & Toti Gifford. Directed by Cal McCrystal. Music by Sarah Llewellyn. Video by Horrod and; Harris.

Cirque du Soleil brings 'Saltimbanco' to town

Expect color, creativity and athleticism.

By Bob Keyes, Staff Writer

from---mainetoday.com

Oct 5, 2012

History will be made on Wednesday, when Cirque du Soleil comes to Portland for the first time.

The Montreal-based troupe, which mixes colorful circus arts with the energy and spirit of street entertainment, will perform eight times over five days at the Cumberland County Civic Center.

read more at---

http://www.pressherald.com/life/go/cirque-du-soleil-brings-saltimbanco-to-town_2012-10-04.html

Lewis and Clark Circus coming to Dyersburg to benefit YMCA

 

Dyersburg State Gazette
Friday, October 5, 2012
The excitement of the circus comes to Dyersburg at the YMCA Soccer Field Oct. 13 and 14. Performances, sponsored by the YMCA of Dyer County, will take place at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 13, and at 3 p.m., on Sunday, Oct. 14.
 Lewis and Clark Circus is a one-ring, European-style circus under the Big Top featuring continuous action in the center ring.
One of the featured acts includes a performance unsuccessfully attempted on "America's Got Talent" recently. Lewis and Clark performer Jose Ayala will stack round cylinders seven high and show his balancing skills as he stands on a platform on top of all of those cylinders. According to Lewis and Clark officials, Jose Ayala is the only performer in the United States that performs a seven-high Rolla Bolla act successfully on a daily basis.
 Families attending the show may also expect to see Elizabeth Ayala perform high above the ground in her lyra act. Lewis and Clark's version of the Fantastic Four will amaze patrons with juggling skills.
 Acrobats, zany clowns, horses, camels, performing goats and much more circus excitement await those purchasing tickets. The circus midway will be open prior to showtime featuring pony and camel rides, concessions, a free petting zoo and much more.
 read more at:
http://www.stategazette.com/story/1900903.html

Zippos Circus: Roll up, roll up...for big top royalty Norman Barrett and Yasmine Smart

 

Published on Jun 8, 2012 by SheffNewspapers

Roll up, roll up...big top royalty Norman Barrett, the "world's greatest" ringmaster who did 25-years at Blackpool Tower Circus with Charlie Cairoli, and Yasmine Smart, grand-daughter of the legendary "Mr Circus", Billy Smart, are back in town - in Gold, the 2012 show from touring production, Zippos Circus. It's at Endcliffe Park, Ecclesall Road, Sheffield, until Tuesday, June 12, 2012. For performance times and other 2012 venues visit http://www.zipposcircus.co.uk Watch this video report by digital editor Graham Walker, of The Star, Sheffield. Read his report at http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/roll-up-roll-up-for-circus-royalty-in-sheffield...

Teacher wants circus skills on the curriculum
By Canterbury Times
whitestablepeople.co.uk
October 05, 2012
WHILE Paul Tann's friends were getting part-time work in shops and bars, his first job at the age of 16 was as a stilt-walker.

Three years after deciding to roll-up Kent Circus School in Whitstable, he continues to teach magic tricks and circus skills to people of all ages and abilities across the district.

It's a balancing act for the 31-year-old, who juggles teaching with performing at events and festivals, and spending time with his family.

The colourful character lives in Canterbury with his web-designer wife B, 32, their 10-year-old son Jacob and three cats.

He showed Lowri Stafford the 'human blockhead' trick by inserting a biro into his nostril and explained why circus skills should be on school curriculums...

What can you do?

I do juggling with balls and scarves, fire juggling, fire breathing, plate-spinning, cigar box manipulation, close-up magic tricks, ride the unicycle, walk the tightrope, and I'm a specialist in diablo.

I also do freak shows, which involve balancing a kitchen knife on my tongue and hammering a six-inch nail into my nostril – known as the Human Blockhead trick.

Gruesome. Have you ever hurt yourself?

Never, and I've been doing this for 14 years. I'm very safety conscious – I have fire insurance and I'm first- aid trained.

I always tell my audiences "don't try this at home"!

And this is how you make your living?

I'm a circus performer and magician. Through my business, Kinetic Workshops, I teach circus and magic skills in schools, colleges, universities, theatres, community groups and even young offenders' institutions.

I've taught in most schools and colleges throughout the district. I also teach children and adults with mental and physical disabilities. The second part of my business is Paul Incredible, which involves performing at events, festivals, weddings and so on.

Recently, I've performed at the Hop Garden Burlesque Cabaret at The Ballroom in Canterbury and the Wam Bam club in Soho.

What are the benefits of learning these skills?

It helps to build dexterity, co-ordination and teamwork skills. It's more about personal development than competing with others.

It's also very physical and can help tone you up – I think it should be as much a part of the curriculum as football or gymnastics.

Have you ever performed in an actual circus?
read more at:
http://www.whitstablepeople.co.uk/Teacher-wants-circus-skills-curriculum/story-17040668-detail/story.html

From Robert Cline--- Oct 3, 2012 
The Circus Historical Society will be offering a huge special on some past editions of the Bandwagon. Each and every special will only be good for two months. The 1991 special has now ended.
We are making the third offering for the entire six issues of 1992. These issues are covered in detail on our website under the Bandwagon Magazine tab, indexes of Bandwagon Articles, then to 1957 to 1999.
These issues are filled with great circus history as authored by Bill Johnston, Joseph Bradbury, Gordon Carver, Orin C. King, John Polacsek, Fred D. Pfening III, Mark St. Leon, Stuart Thayer, Chang Reynolds and more.
Maybe you haven’t been in the CHS for 20 years and would love to read lots more about the circus or maybe you’re looking for that perfect gift already, but you can’t pass up a deal like this.
$25.00
Includes the shipping in the US!
Make your check payable to the C.H.S. and mail it to: Bandwagon Special - 1992, 1075 W. Fifth Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43212 or you can use PayPal on our website at www.circushistory.org
 



 

The lady in the center ring at Shrine Circus

 

contributed photo

 Audrey Michelle Alvarado, self-described ringmistress, entertains the crowd during a performance of the Shrine Circus.
By Eric Woods Special to the Reporter-News
from: reporternews.com
Posted October 4, 2012 at 3 a.m.
Although many moms juggle hectic schedules, Audrey Michelle Alvarado's schedule often includes jugglers as she coolly commands from the center arena of a three-ring circus filled with elephants, tigers, clowns, motorcycles and acrobats.

She does it all wearing a plumed top hat, a sequined costume and a smile.

Alvarado is the ringmistress of this year's Shrine Circus, one of only a few female ringmasters in the world.

"There are probably — off the top of my head — I can think of about maybe three or four ringmistresses, including myself," Alvarado said. "I just think that maybe circus people are kind of a little old-fashioned. They still kind of think of the ringmaster as being done by a male."

 

 

Photo by Wayne Posner, Copyright 2011 Wayne Posner http:// www.wayneposner.co
A performer prepares for his act at the Shrine Circus. The circus will offer two performances Saturday in Abilene.

The Shrine Circus offers two performances Saturday at the Taylor County Coliseum, one at 2 p.m. and another at 7:30 p.m. A pre-circus party one hour before each event includes face painting, pony rides and even an opportunity to climb aboard an elephant.

Alvarado, of El Paso, is a third-generation circus performer who started working with her parents when she was 6. Both her father and grandfather were hand balancers. She first found her niche as an aerialist and an animal trainer while working with her brother Taj. She eventually decided to try her hand as a ringmistress.
read the rest of the story:
http://www.reporternews.com/news/2012/oct/04/the-lady-in-the-center-ring/

Elephants enthrall circus audience

 

Elephants were available for viewing during an open house prior to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at the DCU Center today. (T&G Staff/STEVE LANAVA)
from:  telegram.com
by:  Sara Schweiger, TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
WORCESTER —  How many clowns would it take to hang a piece of artwork?

Perhaps the better question is, “Did an elephant really paint it?”

The pre-show festivities at tonight’s opener of the “Fully Charged” edition of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at the DCU Center afforded ticket-holders the opportunity to register to win a pachyderm Picasso, courtesy of the circus’s very own Asia the artistic elephant. The brushstrokes? They’re all in the trunk. (And did you know an elephant can have up to 150,000 muscles in there?)

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, in its 143rd year, has three traveling shows: Blue, Gold and Red. The Red, or Fully Charged, tour is billed as the most electrifying edition of the circus ever. With daredevilry more dazzling and acrobatics more amazing, this edition of The Greatest Show on Earth is guaranteed to transfix audiences of all ages.

Ticketholders were treated to two pre-show events. First, the animal open house. Available in select markets, the DCU Center is the only venue in New England to offer this informative, interactive half-hour session.

“We want people to see we’re passionate about the animals,” said circus Assistant General Manager Jason Gibson.

Ticker-holders were able to hobnob with the horses (including the unique “paint” breed with cow-like coloring), take in the tigers or watch the elephants eat. Trainers were available to answer questions — Tino, who works with horses, offered an interesting perspective, saying that despite what people may think, horses can be more aggressive than elephants (hence the steel-toed shoes worn by horse trainers).

read the rest of the story at:
http://www.telegram.com/article/20121003/NEWS/121009737/1116

 

Circus of the Senses plays to special audience

 

Matthew Dovi and Kayla Harris, 9, of Lanham, who are both blind, check out circus performer Daniel Cyr’s giant hoop during a special “touch session” after the Circus of the Senses show Wednesday.

 (Barbara L. Salisbury/The Washington Times)
From-  washingtontimes.com
By Meredith Somers-The Washington Times
Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Standing in the center of a circus ring, Joe Lilavois watched his 7-year-old daughter, Brooke, smile Wednesday as she ran her hands through a long turquoise banner.

The slender, blond second-grader caressed the silky wrap, speaking quietly with its owner, Katerina, who minutes earlier had been using it to dangle 30 feet above the ground.

It was daring feat of strength and agility that Brooke, who is legally blind, might not have been able to experience had she not been attending the Circus of the Senses.

“This is my first time going with her, but I can tell she’s having a great time,” Mr. Lilavois said.

Asked why she looked forward to this performance, Brooke’s answer was simple.

“Because I love this place,” she said.

 

 

Dr. Spats the clown performs in the audience before the start of the Big Apple Circus’ performance of Circus of the Senses on Wednesday in Sterling, Va. The free show was designed for children with various sensory impairments. (Barbara L. Salisbury/The Washington Times)
Big Apple Circus Artistic Director Guillaume Dufresnoy said the performance for the sight and hearing impaired packs just as much entertainment into the show, but in a way that’s better suited for the audience.

“We created the show, and once the show was established, we tried to make it as varied as possible with the main elements,” Mr. Dufresnoy said. “We always wanted to make sure it retained the quality of the production.”

Some ways to do that, Mr. Dufresnoy said, were to adjust the volume and lighting during the show for young audience members who are sensitive to that kind of stimulation.

Bill Boots, left, and Paul Binder, who is the founder of the Big Apple Circus, broadcast live audio descriptions of the circus's special "Circus of the Senses" performance on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012 in Sterling, Va. The visually impaired members of the audience were each given a special headset so that they could listen to the two men give play-by-play descriptions of the acts. (Barbara L. Salisbury/The Washington Times)

 

Susan Thompson-Gaines, left, uses American Sign Language to interpret the action in the ring for the hearing impaired audience members at the Big Apple Circus's special "Circus of the Senses" performance on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012 in Sterling, Va. This is the 13th time that the circus has held such a show; the first was in 2000. According to circus founder Paul Binder, it's just part of the circus's way of giving back.

(Barbara L. Salisbury/The Washington Times)

 

Read more: Circus of the Senses plays to special audience - Washington Times http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/oct/3/circus-of-the-senses-plays-to-special-audience/#ixzz28LKuABoL
 Follow us: @washtimes on Twitter

Italian Fest: Circus life a family affair for Zoppés

 

The Zoppè Family Circus will perform at the Great Eldorado Italian Festival this weekend. / Publicity photo
Written by-James Ball
from:  rgj.com
Oct 3, 2012
There’s a line in the Journey song “Faithfully,” that goes, “The road ain’t no place to start a family.” Giovanni Zoppé would respectfully like to disagree.

The seventh-generation circus performer has never known anything but the road and wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I was born and raised on the road,” he said in a recent telephone interview ahead of the Zoppé Family Circus’ appearance at the Great Eldorado Italian Festival this weekend. “The road is my home.”

With his troupe putting up tents in nearly 20 cities across the country each year, he’d better be accustomed to the nomadic life by now, because it’s in his blood.
 read the rest of the story:
http://www.rgj.com/article/20121004/ENT/310040014/Italian-Fest-Circus-life-family-affair-Zopp-s?nclick_check=1

 

 

 

Larry the Answer Guy:

 A circus ringing in the ears
from:  reporternews.com
Posted October 4, 2012
With the circus coming to town Saturday, can you tell me the name of that music you always hear associated with a circus? — Abilene

The music, which I have been humming while writing this (apparently it doesn't make you write faster), originated as a military march by Czech composer Julius Fucik, according to allmusic.com. Fucik's "Entry of the Gladiators," written in the late 1890s, was later arranged by Canadian composer Louis-Phillipe Laurendeau into a piece for small bands titled as "Thunder and Blazes." The fast-paced arrangement became popular for calliopes and bands used in circuses, and has gained a reputation as "clown music."

Numerous versions of the march can be heard on youtube.com under both titles.

The Shrine Circus will have performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Taylor County Coliseum. I'm hoping "Entry of the Gladiators" will be out of my head by then.
http://www.reporternews.com/news/2012/oct/04/larry-the-answer-guy-a-circus-ringing-in-the/


Get ready for fun at this year's Alabama National Fair in Montgomery

Alan Patrick helps set up rides for the Alabama National Fair at the state fairgrounds in Montgomery, Ala. on Tuesday October 2, 2012. The Fair runs from Friday October 5 through Sunday October 14.

(Montgomery Advertiser, Mickey Welsh)
from:  montgomeryadvertiser.com
Written by- Allison Griffin
Oct. 4, 2012
This year’s Alabama National Fair promises a mix of some of the popular attractions from past fairs, as well as an assortment of new events that should appeal to a wide variety of fairgoers.

The popular “Salute to America’s Veterans” returns on opening night, beginning at 6 p.m. Friday on the Coliseum Stage. This year, veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom will be specifically honored.

The 2012 veterans’ salute will welcome a special guest — country entertainer Lee Greenwood, perhaps best known for his song “God Bless the USA,” considered one of the most patriotic songs in American music. Greenwood’s concert begins at 7 p.m. Military personnel are admitted free with proper identification.

Workers sort and display game prizes for the Alabama National Fair at the state fairgrounds in Montgomery, Ala. on Tuesday October 2, 2012. The Fair runs from Friday October 5 through Sunday October 14.

(Montgomery Advertiser, Mickey Welsh)
Greenwood is the national spokesman for Operation Never Forgotten, a volunteer nonprofit that connects the military and civilian worlds through public service announcements.
The Creative Living Center, home to the cooking, horticultural and sewing competitions, will again have a full slate of contests and demonstrations on each day of the fair. Visiting this year will be Diane Rose, known as “the amazing quilter,” who has been blind since 1984. She has made more than 700 quilts in her lifetime and works to inspire others through her ministry, Rose of Sharon Ministries.

 

Flags fly at the Alabama National Fair at the state fairgrounds in Montgomery, Ala. on Tuesday October 2, 2012. The Fair runs from Friday October 5 through Sunday October 14.

(Montgomery Advertiser, Mickey Welsh)\
Fair general manager Randy Stephenson talked to the Advertiser about everything going on at the fair this year, including the other new attractions:
read the rest of the story--
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20121004/GO/310040002/Get-ready-fun-year-s-Alabama-National-Fair-Montgomery?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFrontpage

Eastern States Exposition Newsletter October 2012

The 2012 Big E ended its 17-day run with a final record attendance of 1,365,896, after setting 6 single-day attendance records. We'd like to extend our thanks and heartfelt appreciation to all who made this possible and hope to see you all again at the 2013 Fair, Sept. 13-29!

 

INNERS AMUSEMENTS ON THE MIDWAY

Foothills Heritage Fair puts focus on the farm

 

Photo by Nathan Gray, Anderson Independent Mail
Kevin Harbin works on a cotton gin that he estimates was built in the 1880s. The gin is at the Carolina Foothills Heritage Fair at Fair Play.
By Ray Chandler
from-- andersonindependentmail.com
Posted October 3, 2012
AIR PLAY — Yes, there's a Ferris wheel with bright lights and a tilt-a-whirl that goes clack! And yes, there's the smell of cotton candy and frying corn dogs.

But those compete with the sound of squealing pigs and the slight smell of … well, other things on the wind that remind you that the Oconee County's Foothills Heritage Fair is about agriculture and its heritage and continuing role in this region.

Kevin Harbin doesn't need to be told that.

Harbin feeds raw cotton into a rebuilt cotton gin at his exhibition of antique farm machinery. Over the roar of the gasoline engine rigged to the drive gear, he explains how the 40 spinning saw blades rip the seeds from the cotton that is then brushed off the blades by rotating brushes.

The gin has been in his family since the 1880s. "It was brought in to Westminster by train," he said.

Nearby is an antique thresher and hay baler, both heirlooms. The thresher is almost as old as the gin, and Harbin has a tintype photograph of the thresher at work when it was nearly new.

His family has been involved in agriculture in this region since the 1790s, he said, and some of his fondest memories are of fairs. He remembers when the Anderson Fair came to town on the railroad and the train carrying it had to switch tracks near Seneca.

"The whole town would turn out to watch that," he said.

So for Harbin, fairs and agriculture go together in some mystic chord of memory that the Foothills Heritage Fair strikes. The fair is in its fourth year, and he's been part of most of them.
read the rest of the story--
http://www.independentmail.com/news/2012/oct/03/foothills-heritage-fair-puts-focus-on-the-farm/

 

Fair returns to the Golden Isles
By MEGHAN PITTMAN The Brunswick News
from--thebrunswicknews.com
10/4/2012
Brunswick, GA--Carnival games, funnel cakes and a petting zoo are among the treats found at the Brunswick Exchange Club Fairgrounds off Altama Avenue this week.

The Coastal Georgia Regional Fair has returned to the Golden Isles, providing a good time for all ages through Saturday, said Brunswick Exchange Club President Randy Bellflower.

"It's our major Exchange Club fundraiser, and it all goes to children's charities here," he said, adding that the club's focus is fighting child abuse.

"Everything is so fun here. It's a tradition we've been doing for 61 years now."

Bringing families together is part of the tradition that keeps the Exchange Club active. It's also the motivation for adding new attractions, like Sam's Path Petting Zoo.

Jodie Gray, co-owner of the Petting Zoo out of Hartwell, said attending fairs has become a tradition she enjoys.

"It's fun to get to meet people because all sorts of people come to the fair to have fun," Gray said. "It really just brings the community together. The kids are brought by their parents, who remember going to the fair with their parents."

Bringing animals that many don't usually see up close, such as llamas, porcupines and spider monkeys, helps educate children about different creatures on the planet, Gray said.

Bellflower said the fair is reaching out beyond the boundaries of Glynn County. That's why the event, which used to be known as the Brunswick Exchange Club Agricultural Fair, is now called the Coastal Georgia Regional Fair.

"The reason we changed the name this year is that we want to grow. We want to invite outside groups in and bring more people in regionally," he said.

Increased attendance helps the entire community.

"We don't have exact numbers, but some years ago we had pulled in over a million dollars to put back into the community," Bellflower said.
read more at:
http://www.thebrunswicknews.com/open_access/local_news/FAIR-100412-GJ-hr-bl-sdw#

Circus continues to bring excitement to owner’s life
‘It’s still a thrill’

 

Jim Hannon/TimesDaily photos
Workers in the Lewis and Clark Circus relax while playing video games before the first show Monday at the fairgrounds in Muscle Shoals. The circus will have two shows today.
from:  decaturdaily.com
By Bernie Delinski - TNValleyNow.com
10/2/12
MUSCLE SHOALS — It doesn’t matter that it happens 175 times a year. Bob Childress still gets chills when a show cranks up under the big top.

“It’s still a thrill, especially when we have big crowds,” said Childress, who owns the Lewis and Clark Circus. “When the lights go on and the music starts up, it gets exciting again.”

The Easley, S.C.-based circus completes its two-day stint at the North Alabama State Fairgrounds with shows at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. today.

Childress said a lot goes into keeping a traveling circus operating, but he has plenty of experience, having grown up in the family business.

“I’ve been doing this for many years,” he said.

About 30 people work at the circus, including 15 performers, Childress said. They also have about 15 to 20 animals, mainly horses and goats, and featuring Lawrence the camel.

Lewis and Clark’s seasons start in mid-March and run through mid-November. They typically stay one or two days at each stop, traveling a circuit from Texas to New England.

“We move about 50 to 60 miles at a time,” Childress said. “We try to keep the moving distance to a minimum so it’ll be easier on us.”

The circus left Athens on Sunday and will leave for Ripley, Miss., after tonight’s show, he said.

Childress said the workers and performers are keys to keeping things rolling along.

“It takes about three hours to set up and an hour to take it down,” he said. “Everybody knows what they’re doing. They all know their jobs and get right to it.”

His family travels with him. In fact, Childress’ grandson is the ring announcer.

This is the first time the Lewis and Clark show has stopped in Muscle Shoals, Childress said. He said the show often stops at the same cities every year, so they work hard to make the show unique every season.

“All the performers do a variety of things,” Childress said. “They’ll hire on to a circus for a season or might stay for several seasons. Circuses change acts every year so you have to keep it fresh, particularly if it’s in the same town.”

 

When Former Olympians Join the Circus

Description:Growing ranks of Olympians are choosing to run off with the circus when their bodies no longer allow them to compete. For former gymnasts, divers and synchronized swimmers, Cirque du Soleil is offering many a chance to show off their skills.(4:45)

Source: WSJLive

MEMORIES

FROM: BILL PRICKETT

 

 #1. and #2.  Hagenbeck-Wallace street parade, Peoria, Il,  5-17-1934
 

       #3. Jim Roller and Hoxie Tucker, year unknown 

 

 

   #4. Rex Williams, 1968  

 

 #5. Linda Herrmann, age 17

Toby Tyler Coloring Book,

1960

 

  Kevin Ryan, Culpepper & Merriweather, cover of Arizona Highways magazine, circa 1993 

Editor's Note

Bill Prickett has been in the hospital recently.

He's at home now and doing just fine.

I know he'd appreciate hearing from fans and performers.

 

 

Big Apple Circus Presents LEGENDARIUM

from:  kids.baristanet.com
BY Sponsored Post 
Tuesday, Oct 02, 2012
Attention Families! The Big Apple Circus presents LEGENDARIUM, a Journey into Circus Past, in its annual engagement at Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park in NYC from Saturday, October 20, 2012 through Sunday, January 13, 2013. And it’s a show you don’t want to miss!
 At LEGENDARIUM your family will experience the nostalgic thrills of bygone Big Tops and get a first–hand view of Beauties, Daredevils, and Clowns from another era!

From the US, John Kennedy Kane is a debonair ringmaster guiding you through the world of the circus!

Travel back to when circus traditions were born and witness incredible acts that would have had the villagers chattering for days. Show your kids a good old’ fashioned circus show with courageous mid-air flips and catches of a man on the trapeze, a captivating contortionist whose flexibility is as impressive as her steadfast poise, agile acrobats, a swaying wire act, dizzying delights of a daring inventor in his tumbling, twirling hoop, stunning, soaring beauty of a pair on aerial straps and a woman held aloft by hanging silks, jaw-dropping juggling tango team, bicyclists whose spinning wheels turn smooth and speedy stunts, and 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 the iconic songs of yesteryear.

From the US, the Acrobuffos, the husband-and-wife clown team, bring gales of laughter to the Big Apple Circus with their slapstick comedy!

Bring your kids to the Big Apple Circus and relive Big Tops of old in a memorable one-ring show for the ages! At the 35th season production, no seat is more than 50 feet from the Globe’s Most Spectacular Circus Performers.

Performances of LEGENDARIUM begin on Saturday, October 20 and run for 134 shows through Sunday, January 13, 2013 under the Big Top at Damrosch Park in Lincoln Center (62nd Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues.

 

Performances of LEGENDARIUM begin on Saturday, October 20 and run for 134 shows through Sunday, January 13, 2013 under the Big Top at Damrosch Park in Lincoln Center (62nd Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues.
The Big Top is heated in cold weather and air–conditioned in warm, for all–season comfort! The show runs for 2 hours, including a 15 minute intermission.
read more at:
http://kids.baristanet.com/2012/10/big-apple-circus-presents-legendarium/

Marcel Prince of Illusions

 

Daredevil Dalton, 12, riding high

 

 

Dalton Weber has been riding inside the metal sphere since he was nine. Picture: Lincoln Baker/The West Australian
by Michelle Wheeler, The West Australian
October 1, 2012

The globe of death is known as one of the most dangerous and exciting circus acts in the world - but someone forgot to tell Dalton Weber.

The fearless 12-year-old has been riding a motorbike inside the metal sphere since he was nine and has this year graduated to performing a solo act in the Moscow Circus.

It seems the talent was in the blood for Dalton, the son of one of the circus producers and the seventh generation of circus performers.

Circus general manager Greg Hall said Dalton lived with the performers and asked to try the globe of death three years ago.

"You've either got it in that act or you haven't," he said. "Just imagine trying to do it the first time you do a loop-the-loop, the first time you do a zigzag, it's pretty daunting for a 20-year-old, let alone when he started when he was nine."

Mr Hall said Dalton was one of 15 children who travel with the circus.

The circus will be at Langley Park until October 14 before heading to the South West.


Georgia National Fair gears up for 22nd year

 

Workers place a segment of the Wild Mouse coaster ride together last week at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter during preparations for the Georgia National Fair in Perry. JASON VORHEES
by Angela Woolen
from:  macon.com
October 3, 2012 
PERRY -- Gawkers on Interstate 75 will have sights to see as they drive past exit 135 starting Thursday as the Georgia National Fair opens its gates for Sneak-A-Peek day at 3 p.m.

The large LED-lit Ferris wheel, along with the numerous other rides, will be going at full tilt.

Preparations for the fair started weeks ago, with the arrival of the fine arts show pieces. Those items are judged before the fair and are put on display before the first person buys a ticket.

Along with rides and art exhibits, the 22nd annual event will have the usual array of fair food, including “everything fried and on a stick,” said Michele Treptow, director of communications for the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter.

The Facebook page for the Georgia National Fair has been active all year, but as vendors started to arrive, Treptow said the photos of closed ticket booths began getting liked. The food trucks came in a close second.

“At the end of the day, it’s the experience of the fair,” she said, that draws people year after year to come to the 11-day event, which runs through Oct. 14.

Read more here: http://www.macon.com/2012/10/03/2197780/georgia-national-fair-gears-up.html#storylink=cpy