THE BALLOON MAN

Piccadilly Circus coming to Cobb

by Alison Jibilian
from:  mdjonline.com
March 01, 2013
MARIETTA — The Piccadilly Circus is coming to town this weekend, offering a lineup of entertainment that many will find irresistible.

The Piccadilly show, put on by Ice Capades, opens Sunday at 1 p.m. with two later shows at 3:30 and 6.
Circuses are among the most ancient forms of entertainment, dating back to early Rome, while the modern circus came into its own in the 18th century when the first one-ring circus opened in France. Soon after, the circus reached the United States and was so wildly popular that even George Washington went to see the show.
Since then, circuses have expanded and improved, but have also received their fair share of criticism. In the 1970s and ’80s, people began to voice concerns over the treatment of animals, and that has remained an issue to this day.
MDJ Facebook fan Kim Bannerman said: “We don’t do circuses because of the mistreatment of animals.”
Although circuses have continued to be accused of exploiting animals for entertainment, those that still operate appear to have no problem selling tickets and filling arenas.
Sherry Jernigan of Kennesaw recently enjoyed a circus, saying, “My favorite part (about the circus) was the trapeze; my granddaughter’s favorite part was the dogs that did tricks and the horses.”
Shyann Waggnoer, spokesperson for the Piccadilly Circus, said she thinks the circus remains popular because it’s a fun time for families.
“It’s a good place to make memories,” she said.
Waggnoer stressed that Piccadilly Circus does not mistreat its animals.
A production of Ice Capades, Piccadilly Circus visits more than 200 cities a year, and as many as five to six a week. It is a one-ring circus that combines traditional elements with modern special effects. There will be an all new show called Piccadilly Circus BLAMMO! which includes the “Cossack Warriors” on horseback; Motorcycle Nitro Cowboys in the globe of Death, many animals, including camels, zebras, ponies and tigers as well as clowns and comedy acts.
Piccadilly Circus will be in Marietta on Sunday at Jim Miller Park, at 2245 Callaway Road. One hour before each show time, there will be a Kids Fun Zone offering pony rides, bouncy houses and a free petting zoo.

Read more: The Marietta Daily Journal - Piccadilly Circus coming to Cobb