COLE BROS CIRCUS  at N.C. Azalea Festival
The North Carolina Azalea Festival is underway in Wilmington. The annual celebration is the largest festival of its kind in the state.


Under the Big Top at Wilmington International Airport, the Cole Bros. Circus perform as part of the annual N.C. Azalea Festival on Thursday, April 9, 2013. Pictured is Chips the clown. (photo by Laura Greene)

Under the Big Top at Wilmington International Airport, the Cole Bros. Circus perform as part of the annual N.C. Azalea Festival on Thursday, April 9, 2013. Pictured is Jamir Stephens, left and Raheem Lewis, right, with Perolito the clown.(photo by Laura Greene)

Under the Big Top at Wilmington International Airport, the Cole Bros. Circus perform as part of the annual N.C. Azalea Festival on Thursday, April 9, 2013. Chips the clown entertains little kids with his musical instruments. (photo by Laura Greene)

 

 

 

Chris Conners, Ringmaster

 

 

 

 

 

Vincenta Pages

 

Little Miss Frisco with her "PAL" Val
Sorry a lot of these photos had no caption to identify the
different acts!
ALL FOTOS WERE TAKEN BY LAURA GREENE

Circus elephant OK after being shot

from: cnn.com

By Dana Ford, CNN

Fri April 12, 2013

 

Jordan Circus
Don't Forget Cincinnati, Ohio...
**Presented By Jody Jordan** -Red Unit-

Emmett Kelly-Bello Nock CFA Tent No. 41 Meeting and Meal
The Emmett Kelly-Bello Nock CFA Tent No. 41 invites Circus Fans and friends to its next Tent meeting and meal, Friday evening, April 19, 2013, at Hoss's Restaurant, adjacent to the Comfort Inn Altoona (PA). It will begin at 6 p.m.
The meeting and meal (off the menu) will help kick off the 2013 Circus Bonanza in Altoona, in conjunction with Jaffa Shrine Circus. Tent President Mort Gamble will preside.
Please RSVP to him at mgamble@bethanywv.edu.
Celebrate World Circus Day on Saturday and all the events associated with Jaffa Shrine Circus and Altoona Circus Bonanza.
 

 

 

 

Check it Out!
 One part Luau
 One part Cirque
 Two parts Fun
for the whole family! — with Larry Haanio and Tuffy Nicholas.

KELLY-MILLER CIRCUS

 

Tired of the Arkansas mud. Get us out of here !
Ryan Easley--facebook

France: Old School Circus

VancouverSunOnline

Published on Apr 12, 2013

With "Sinti and Roma now the preferred option, the term "gypsy" - and its equivalents in other languages - is considered derogatory these days. But a little circus in France wears the politically incorrect badge with pride.

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BIG APPLE CIRCUS

 

62nd annual Shrine Circus is this weekend at Montana Expo Center


Kampanita and Kampanilla Clowns from the Republic of Chile appear in the 62nd Shrine Circus this weekend in Great Falls
Courtesy photo
from:  greatfallstribune.com
Written by Jake Sorich, Tribune Staff Writer
Apr 12, 2013
Lions, tigers, stunt dogs, clowns, trapeze artists, motorcyclists and the Jordan World Famous Performing Elephants are among the cast of characters this weekend at the 62nd annual Shrine Circus.
There are two shows today, at 4 and 7:30 p.m., and three performances Saturday, at 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m., at the Pacific Steel and Recycling Four Seasons Arena.
The circus also features jugglers, aerialists, acrobats, balancing experts, wire acts and touring and local Shriner’s clowns.
Circus organizers welcome guests to get up close and personal to see or ride the elephants and ponies and meet baby animals.
The show, direct from Las Vegas, starts with an introduction from circus ring mistress Tess Emerson, followed by “An Unforgettable Display of Noble Exotic Species,” a cage full of big cats and a trapeze act.

 

The dog trick show is one of many attractions at the 62nd annual Shrine Circus happening in Great Falls this weekend.
This weekend’s motorcycle act is heralded as, “An aerial display presenting amazing artistry and death-defying feat.”
The Kampanita and Kampanilla Clowns from the Republic of Chile also will entertain audiences during each show.
The father and son duo has performed in circuses for more than 30 years across the world in the Majestix Circus, Circus Moscow Circus Pirates, the Medrano Circus, the Ringling Brothers Circus, Cirque de Soleil and Circus Big Apple.
read more:
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20130412/ENTERTAINMENT01/304120003/62nd-annual-Shrine-Circus-weekend-Montana-ExpoPark?nclick_check=1

CIRCUS PLANET

Not everyone was happy when the circus came to town

 

Councillors Bob Francis, George Howe and John Wiper have recieved complaints from residents about Planet Circus setting up on Recreation Park at Seaburn.
from:  sunderlanderecho.com
13/04/2013
A CIRCUS master has defended his show’s move to a new site after community leaders raised concerns about parking pests.
Planet Circus had been due to set up on the former fairground site on Seaburn seafront this week but changed venue to the Recreation Park nearby when organisers decided the grassed area would be better.
The change, made with the support of Sunderland City Council, led to anger among residents living near the field, councillors and businesses who say they already struggle to park and are concerned about the noise generated by the circus.
They have also said the event should have been staged somewhere with a car park, with the funfair site or field next to Morrisons better suited because they are empty.
Others have argued the park should be used for such events, with previous circuses causing no problems.
But Mark Whitney, who is in charge of the circus, said it had gone to great lengths to ensure residents are happy.
He said: “We have had lengthy discussions with Sunderland City Council regarding appearing at either site and have done everything that the council has wanted in order for us to open at the site, from signposts to the car parking area at Leisure World, to speaking to the local community, to offering two free tickets to each house that is within the area of where the circus is.
read more:
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/not-everyone-was-happy-when-the-circus-came-to-town-1-5581956

PEORIA SHRINE CIRCUS

~~~BILL PRICKETT VISITS~~~
 GEORGE CARDEN  CIRCUS AT
PEORIA  DATE
APRIL 9, 2013
Larry Carden and the gang made a 350 mi early dawn jump from Lebanon, Mo. to Exposition Gardens in Peoria, Il., for a 6:30 PM show on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, arriving at approximately 1pm that afternoon. They have shows on Wed, 4-10-13, at 4:30 and 7:00 pm. The weather was overcast Tuesday, but that did not keep the almost capacity crowd from attending the show. The colder weather and rain moved in early Wed. am with perdictions of possibly heavy storms during the day and evening. After playing Dubuque, the show will jump to Water Town, SD. The elephant, camel, and pony rides did a brisk business. Larry brought three elephants, BO, BETTY, and JENNY. BO was the only elephant in the performance and what a show stopper she was.
  Running order: 
 7 cats presented by Carlos Presiani, 5 aerial girls including one on silks, clown, BO, hair hang, oriental gentlemen spinning bowling ball and various size jugs on his head, INT, 2 rings of dogs (which were outstanding), motorcycle thrill show with one cycle that did several roll overs, clown, and the finale was Globe of Death with first three motorcycles, then four, then five inside the globe at the same time..outstanding.

ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY BILL PRICKETT

Audrey Michelle Alvarado, Ringmistress

BO getting out oF trailer

Some of the cats presented by Carlos Presiani

Yunuen Zamorano, snake girl and aerialist

Isarel, prop boss

Dave Williams, Larry Carden, Joe Frisco, Sr, Charlie Bellatti, Rick Purdue, Bill Prickett

Ramos tractor, cats presented by Carlos Presiani The End


 

Air Conditioned cab of tractor

ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY BILL PRICKETT

Circus Elephant Shot In Drive-By Attack Leads To $33,000 Reward
from:  huffingtonpost.com
Reuters 
04/11/2013
WASHINGTON, April 11 (Reuters) - The drive-by shooting of an elephant with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus in Mississippi has led to a $33,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction, authorities said on Thursday.

Carol, a 39-year-old Asian elephant, was hit in the shoulder in Tupelo on Tuesday by a shot fired from a passing vehicle. The elephant was in an enclosure outside an arena when it was shot.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a statement the shot left a dime-sized entry hole but the animal is "active, mobile and comfortable and is being treated with medication."

The shooting has been deemed a federal offense because the Asian elephant is an endangered species.

Tupelo Police Captain Rusty Haynes said the reward had risen to $33,000 by Thursday. No arrests have been made but police are checking leads, he said.

The Fish and Wildlife Service said it was contributing to the reward along with Feld Entertainment Inc, the producer of the Ringling circus; George Carden Circus International; Crimestoppers of Northeast Mississippi; and former Mississippi congressman Travis Childers.

People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), an animal rights group, said it was putting $5,000 toward the reward.

The circus was in Tupelo for several shows. (Reporting by Ian Simpson; Editing by Greg McCune)

Circus defends itself from attack
from: harry-today.co.uk
Friday, 12 April 2013
A CIRCUS that is due to visit Porthcawl next week has defended itself after coming under attack from an animal charity.

By an unusual coincidence, a press release from Circus Mondao announcing its visit, which arrived at The GEM at 1.21pm on Monday, was followed three minutes later by one from Animal Defenders International (ADI), urging Porthcawl residents to boycott it.

Jan Creamer, the chief executive of ADI, said: “Animals with travelling circuses are on the road for almost the entire year. That means they have to endure constant transportation and live in rudimentary, temporary accommodation.

“We urge people to visit circuses with human only acts – those acts have a choice.”

However, Petra Jackson of Circus Mondao, told The GEM that she was familiar with the attacks made by ADI and launched a passionate defence.

She said: “Our animals are kept in good quality stables and are inspected regularly. The local council calls at every new venue and we have had compliments on our animal welfare standards. We encourage people to visit the animals after the show and we have nothing to hide.”

Circus Mondao advertises that it has a wheel of death act (featuring the Mondao Brothers), and traditional circus acts such as jugglers, aerial artists and showgirls.

The animals include zebras, camels, llamas, horses, ponies, and pigeons.

Petra Jackson said: “The camels are used to give rides to children, and the zebras, llamas and others are used in a parade.”

She said that the horses did pirouettes and graceful movements in the ring, and the pigeons performed to music.

She added: “A trained dog won Britain’s Got Talent, and yet we are always being singled out by animal charities, who say that animals should not be trained to do tricks.

“Animal welfare inspectors all around the UK have been happy with the condition of our animals, and people in Porthcawl are welcome to come and see for themselves.”

Circus Mondao have never visited Porthcawl before. They will be on Coney Beach car park, from April 16–21.

America's Favorite Big Top Circus coming to Columbus

 

Jungle cat trainer Trey Key tames Francis the Lion, King of the Jungle. (Courtesy Photo)
For the Headlightdemingheadlight.com
04/11/2013
The Columbus Chamber of Commerce will present the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus on Wednesday, April 17, next to Splash Around Car Wash in Columbus, New Mexico, located 30 miles south of Deming. The circus will perform two shows scheduled for 5 and 7:30 p.m.
Now in its 29th edition, C&M Circus has become internationally known for quality family entertainment. This authentic one-ring, big top circus has been featured on National Geographic's Explorer TV series, Entertainment Tonight, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, Arizona Highways Magazine. It has also been featured on the A&E Special: "Under the Big Top," and most recently, "On the Road with Circus Kids," a Nickelodeon special featured on the "Nick News" Program.
Bring your friends and family out circus morning to watch as a familiar place in your town is transformed into a bustling Circus City. Activity swirls around the grounds as animals are unloaded, the bg top is erected, and rigging is prepared for performances later in the day. Enjoy the magic and tradition of the American Circus with your family and create memories that will last a lifetime.
From 9-10 a.m. come watch the raising of the big top, then stay for the free tour. This presentation offers a unique face-to-face opportunity for families, schools and interested community members to meet and learn all about the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus family and includes a walking tour of the circus grounds.
read more:
http://www.demingheadlight.com/deming-community/ci_23006611/americas-favorite-big-top-circus-coming-columbus

Circus Fischer has performed in Fritzlar

 

Published on Apr 11, 2013http://www.YouTube.com/hnaonline - Fritzlar, 11.4.2013: the circus Fischer has performed in Fritzlar. Its seven Tigers, five Bengali and two Russian are the driving force of the circus. Circus Chief Francesco Fischer leads them even in the arena.

Carol the circus elephant back in Springfield; victim of drive-by shooting
 

Carol, elephant with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey that was injured in a drive-by shooting in Tupelo, Miss., on Tuesday, April 9, 2013. / Submitted photo
from:  news-leader.com
Written by Michael Gulledge
Apr 11, 2013
The owner of an elephant wounded in a Mississippi drive-by shooting said Thursday morning that the animal is back home north of Springfield and doing well.
Elephant owner Brett Carden was nearby when someone allegedly shot the 39-year-old Asian elephant named Carol in the neck at BancorpSouth Arena in Tupelo, Miss. He said the shot was loud, comparing it to an AR-15 rifle.
“She never went down one time,” Carden said. “She didn’t know she was shot, really.”
Carol was standing and doing well Thursday, Carden said. Missouri State University professor and veterinarian Dr. Dennis Schmitt traveled to Mississippi to care for the animal.
“Where the bullet hit ... is an area with no major organs or blood vessels,” Carden said.
Carden said he watches elephants overnight while traveling with the circus and heard the shot. He then saw a man who ran off. A security guard was on-scene during the shooting.
“It was scary,” Carden said.
He and his dad, George Carden, loan elephants to circuses. Carol was performing in a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus show, he said.
Recovery from the wound will take three to four weeks, Carden said. Carol won’t travel to shows for six to eight weeks.
Tupelo police Captain Rusty Haynes said the department is working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the investigation. Possible charges range from state to federal violations, though the department hasn’t decided what route to take.
“This is a very serious offense,” said Haynes, who oversees the detective division.
Police are actively seeking a silver or white Ford Explorer with tinted windows seen in the area around the shooting, Haynes said. Roadways circle the arena.
“I don’t think it was random,” Haynes said. “(The suspect) deliberately intended to shoot the elephant.”
He said there have never been problems with circuses in Tupelo before. “This is a first, unfortunately,” Haynes said.
A reward for information relating to the shooting has reached $26,250, Haynes said. Brett Carden said rewards have been offered by his father George Carden, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ringling Bros. and other organizations.
Schmitt, the veterinarian caring for Carol, has been working with the Cardens for about 20 years. In addition to working for MSU, he’s chair of veterinary services and director of research with the animal stewardship department at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, according to the circus’ Center for Elephant Conservation website.
Brett Carden and his wife own Carol along with six other elephants. George Carden, who started the circus quarters near Willard where Carol is recovering, owns three.
Brett Carden said his dad started caring and boarding elephants after working with the Shrine Circus years ago.

BIG APPLE TO RECEIVE HONORS

Donna Murphy to Host Little Orchestra Society's Spring Benefit Following Disney's FANTASIA Live, 4/26
Big Apple Circus to receive award.

Donna Murphy
from:   broadwayworld.com
by BWW News Desk
April 11, 2013
The Little Orchestra Society announces its Spring Benefit, hosted by two-time Tony Award winning actress Donna Murphy, to follow the premiere of Disney Fantasia Live in Concert on Friday, April 26 at Avery Fisher Hall. The Arts and Education Honoree of the evening is the Big Apple Circus and its co-founders Paul Binder and Michael Christensen. A special benefit reception for adults will take place after the concert on the Grand Promenade of Avery Fisher Hall. Saturday's two encore performances of this Happy Concerts For Young People program are already sold-out.

Host Donna Murphy is best known for her award-winning roles in the Broadway hits The King & I and Passion, and as the Witch in the recent Shakespeare in the Park production of Into the Woods. Murphy has also lit up the children's music world this past year with her performance of Mother Gothel in the animated Disney film Tangled.

"The Little Orchestra Society is thrilled to host this magical evening that will help us continue to share classical music in bold, new ways with young audiences and will support our music education and community engagement programs," said Joanne Bernstein-Cohen, Executive Director of The Little Orchestra Society.

One of the original animators of Fantasia, 99-year old Willis Pyle, will be in attendance for this special evening. Mr. Pyle is also known for his work on original Disney features Bambi and Pinocchio, as well as the development of popular cartoon characters of the early fifties, such as Mr. Magoo.

Ilana and David Adelman; Brigid and William S. Ohlemeyer; and Carol and Chuck Schaefer are the benefit co-chairs. At this concert, The Little Orchestra Society will present the Arts and Education Award to the Big Apple Circus - a nonprofit dedicated to entertaining children and adults with the joy and wonder of the circus.

Accepting the award will be Paul Binder and the Big Apple Circus Board Chairman Richard E. Mayberry, Jr. Mr. Binder has been Artistic Director and Ringmaster for 32 years, and has earned the honor of "NYC Living Landmark," by the New York Landmarks Conservancy. He started out as a performer with the San Francisco Mime Troupe, traveled throughout Europe as a circus performer, landed on the legendary stage of the Casino de Paris and eventually brought his dream to create an American circus with a dedication to theatrical excellence and artistic intimacy to New York City.

"The Big Apple Circus, New York's hometown circus, and its founders Paul Binder and Michael Christensen, are delighted to be honored by a beloved fellow New York institution, The Little Orchestra Society. Over the years, our organizations have partnered to present wonderful, family-oriented educational events for lovers of both music and the circus arts. As we celebrate our achievements and look forward to more collaborative occasions, we salute The Little Orchestra Society and wish for it a fanfare - a 'Fantasia!' - of musical success!" said Lynn M. Stirrup, Executive Director of the Big Apple Circus.

Ms. Bernstein-Cohen added, "We share a common goal with the Big Apple Circus, and that is to create unique experiences in the arts that will resonate with children and their parents for years to come."
Read more :
http://broadwayworld.com/article/Donna-Murphy-to-Host-Little-Orchestra-Societys-Spring-Benefit-Following-Disneys-FANTASIA-Live-426-20130411

McLAREN BROS CIRCUS

(photos from facebook)

 

Casey (McCoy) Cainan