THE BALLOON MAN

A circus treat for Stockbridge youth

 

Photo by Jeylin White
 Stockbridge residents and parents board the charter bus headed for the Ringling Brothers Circus.
By Jeylin White
from:  henryherald.com
Feb 19, 2013
McDonough, GA--It was bright and sunny afternoon when scores of parents and their children boarded charter buses Friday headed for the Ringling Brothers Circus at Philips Arena in Atlanta.
“I can’t wait to see all the clowns and ponies!” said 6-year-old Genesis Miles, with a smile as bright as the sun.
“She was so excited about today — she just couldn’t wait,” added her mother, Nikki.
The Metro Atlanta Mayors Association and Gas South — for the fourth year — paid for 103 special-needs students who attend area schools — along with their parents — to attend Friday’s performance, another in a series which throughout the years has been coined, “The greatest show on earth.”
The police motor unit escorted the buses downtown and parents and children were greeted by a host of volunteers when they arrived.
“It’s a really great thing for the kids who may get looked over at times,” said Stockbridge Mayor Mark Alarcon who hosted the event that included Clayton and Henry County youths.
To say excitement was in the air would be an understatement. Several children bounced around in their seats while on the bus and many raved about all the “cool animals” they’d be able to see up close and personal, how they would be able to put on clown makeup, and dress up in costumes.
As a special treat, guests were given a City of Stockbridge T-shirt, a sack lunch from Chick-fil-A and behind-the-scenes privileges at the circus.
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