Saturday, August 24, 2013

COLE BROS CIRCUS---

Big top returns to Delaware
Cole Bros. Circus continues today, Sunday in Newark


Everyone – even the clowns – help set up Friday for the weekend.
ROBERT CRAIG/THE NEWS JOURNAL
From: delawareonline.com
Written by The News Journal
Aug. 24, 2013 
Crowds gathered early Friday to watch the Cole Bros. Circus set up its tents, feed the elephants and watch the clowns rehearse before the first show of the circus’s three-day stay at Our Lady of Grace in Newark.
 
Posted by Picasa
The tents go up early on Friday. The circus tents were once erected with the help of elephants, but now the work is done by men.
The annual event, sponsored by the Wilmington Jaycees, started Friday and continues today and Sunday on the grounds at 487 E. Chestnut Hill Road in Newark. Shows are today at 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.
Weekend sneak peek: The circus comes to town
From: delawareonline.com
Written by The News Journal
Aug. 23, 2013


Circus returns to Newark area: The Big Top returns to the Newark area this weekend as the Cole Brothers Circus sets up in its usual spot on East Chestnut Hill Road. 8/23/13
Opening day attendance at NYS Fair lowest in 23 years

From: syracuse.com
By Chris Baker
August 23, 2013
The total attendance on opening day of the New York State Fair Thursday was 41,923. That number represents the lowest opening day totals since the fair first expanded to 12 days in 1990.
Since doing just 23,896 on the first-ever opening Thursday in 1990, numbers have waxed and waned, peaking at 74,385 in 2000.
Last year on opening day, the fair attracted 46,703, the lowest opening day since 1990 prior to yesterday. Last year was also the fair's worst year for total attendance since 1991. The fair attract 845,595 total over 12 days.
Free entertainment yesterday included hip-hop group Salt-n-Pepa and rockers Grace Potter & the Nocturnals at Chevy Court. The grandstand played host to metal band Korn with an estimated crowd of 3,000.
The State Fair was also overshadowed by President Barack Obama's visit to Henninger High School across town. More than 1,000 people turned out to see the president speak or simply to wait outside to catch a glimpse. 

NY STATE FAIR-AUG 23

 
Live at the State Fair - Friday, August 23
 

 
CNYCCentralNews
Streamed live on Aug 23, 2013
JAIL CELL--TRISTAN CRIST
 
 
from: Kim Sue Valla
Facebook.com

CIRQUE ITALIA

Cirque Italia



Cirque Italia just finished in Takoma Park, what an amazing weekend, we had SOLD OUT shows, even adding shows due to the high volume of people! Thank you Takoma Park for being such a wonderful audience, we'll see you all again next year!
Cirque Italia will be in Richmond VA for 2 weeks!!!
 Opening Aug 29th - Sep 8th
Come see for the first time in America, the "Spectacular Water Circus"
 This will be the 11th stop in the US where we've been stunning and dazzling audiences up and down the East Coast.
Don't miss out on this once in lifetime opportunity, where performers leave you at the edge of your seat, and wanting more!
 http://cirqueitalia.com/ For Tickets and Show Times
 
Posted by Picasa

WHIRLING BROS CIRCUS

Kids enjoy circus in Marion

 
Performers demonstrate horse tricks during the opening act of the Whirling Bros. Circus at the Williamson County Fairgrounds in Marion on Friday, Aug. 23, 2013. The traveling circus performed two shows Friday. (Adam Testa / The Southern)
From: thesouthern.com
BY SCOTT FITZGERALD THE SOUTHERN
August 24, 2013
MARION,IL — It was a night of firsts for Raegan Cook, 3, and her friend Emma Kronsbein, 4, before the Whirling Circus initial performance Friday at Williamson County Fairgrounds.
The Marion girls got to ride their first animals, ponies, followed by rides on Joe the Camel. And it was their first circus they’d attended.
“They have been talking about it for days. They are so excited about it,” said Emma’s mother Amanda Kronsbein.
When asked which animal was more fun to ride, Cook said “all of them” were fun to ride.
“I wish we could feed them,” she said.
Her mother, Fallon Jackson, was excited watching her daughter have fun.
“This is great this circus was brought to Southern Illinois. This is so much fun for them,” Jackson said about the two little girls.
 
Posted by Picasa
Phillip Barineau of Whirling Bros. Circus shows some affection to Joe the camel before the circus' performance Friday, Aug. 23, 2013, at the Williamson County Fairgrounds in Marion. Six full-size camels were used as part of the show. Barineau is part of the crew that cares for the animals. (Adam Testa / The Southern)
Eleven-year-old Joe the Camel was one of six camels scheduled to perform in the show that included acrobatics, motorcycle jumpers, clowns, trampoline performances and a variety of other show animals including horses, llamas, sheep and a tiger named Rain described as “a good cat,” by circus helper Phillip Barineau.
Barineau said there were eight camels total traveling in the current Whirling Circus circuit.
“They (camels) are the first ones to get loaded and the first ones to get unloaded,” Barineau said.
James Legros Jr. of New Hampshire, who has public relations responsibilities for the Whirling Circus in addition to handling sounds and lights for the performances, described a grueling travel schedule of arriving at a particular location, setting up, performing two shows and departing within 12 to 24 hours.
“You get to sleep for a few hours. It’s a crazy lifestyle,” he said about being part of a traveling circus. “The whole production thing has got me. Seeing people smile is really cool.”
Summer Tradition: A Trip To The State Fair


Published on Aug 16, 2013
For many, summer in the Midwest isn't complete without a trip to the state fair. For others, a virtual visit will have to do.
Harvest Public Media sent reporters to the annual extravaganzas in Iowa, Illinois and Missouri.
Circus, elephants and camels arriveThe Kelly Miller Circus has arrived in Grand Haven.
 
(Tribune photo/Krystle Wagner) Residents and visitors purchase their circus tickets.
By Krystle Wagner
From: Grand Haven Tribune
Aug 23, 2013
Grand Haven,MI---Residents and visitors stood in awe under the big top as Lisa, an Asian elephant, pulled the Big Top to life on Harbor Island. The Tri-Cities Kiwanis Club sponsors the one-day circus.

The carnival midway opens at 3:30 p.m. when families can ride elephants, camels and ponies. Performers will take to the circus ring for two shows at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Parking is a $5 donation in exchange for a coupon pack. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $15 for adults and $7 for children ages 12 and younger.

(Tribune photo/Krystle Wagner) Lisa, an Asian elephant, pulls Big Top to life for the Kelly Miller Circus on Harbor Island.

(Tribune photo/Krystle Wagner) Children ride a camel on Friday morning.
read more:
http://www.grandhaventribune.com/article/entertainment/603986

Bag checks and enhanced security measures at the 2013 State Fair
 


CNYCcentralnews
Published on Aug 23, 2013
The New York State Fair has been open for less than two full days and people are already noticing some changes.

DAY 2 FOTO

2013 New York State Fair - Day 2

 
Posted by Picasa
The nice weather attracts folks to the fairgrounds. (David Lassman | dlassman@syracuse.com )
Colorado State Fair Goes Cashless
 
Credit It's So Sunny! / Flickr/Creative Commons
From: kunc.org
By Emily Boyer
Cash won’t get you far at the Colorado State Fair this year. Fair vendors will only be accepting a smart card form of payment.

After entering the park, visitors will purchase a smart card for $1 and then use cash or credit cards to load them. The cards are valid for five years and are renewable annually when additional money is added to the card.

Colorado Sate Fair General Manager Chris Wiseman says they are the first state fair to completely eschew cash. That's something that puts them ahead of even Disney theme parks.

Why drop greenbacks?

The cards will allow the Colorado State Fair to restructure its payment system, there’s also a revenue motive.

Typically, concessionaires collect the money from customers, then they take the money to the fair and the fair takes its percentage. With a cashless system, the fair collects the money, then concessionaires present receipts from purchases and are paid by the fair.

“I don’t want to say that concessionaires aren’t always paying the [right] amount but it appears that other fairs that have gone to this system have seen an increase in their revenue," said Wiseman.

There’s also the argument that the cards are more secure than cash. People who lose their card can get them replaced if they enabled the PIN function.

“I think this gives families more mobility because some parents from time to time worry about giving their kids cash," said Wiseman. "They’ll be able to give them a smart card, knowing that if they lose it, it’s not like dropping a $20, $10 or $50 on the ground you’re going to get that money back if you use a pin number."

The fair runs this year from Aug. 23 to Sept. 2 in Pueblo. During the two weeks after the fair, card purchasers will be able to obtain a refund by visiting the Colorado State Fair box office only if their card balance is below $5 or above $50.

“Under $5 it’s hard to make a purchase at the fair, but over $5 you’ll still be able to do that,” said Wiseman. “Over $50 we just don’t want to carry that much liability over time."

Have more than $5 but less than $50? You won’t be eligible for a refund, but the card will be valid for next year’s fair. Or there is the charity route. Wiseman says cardholders will also have the option to donate their remaining balance as they exit the fair to the Colorado State Fair Foundation for youth programs to support 4H and FFA programs.

 
 

Join the Circus at the 2nd Busk and Bard Festival – Sat. Aug. 31, Roxbury
 
Sarah - Bacchanal Aerialist
From:  wtershedpost.com
By Roxbury Corner Store
8/23/13
New Kingston,NY--One Saturday afternoon only you and the entire family can come to downtown Roxbury and join the circus at the second annual Busk and Bard Festival – a magnificent free street pageant of bewildering beauty.  This one vast undivided show featuring magicians, musicians galore, clowns, poets, acrobats, mimes, tarot card readers, face painters and celebrated chefs will stretch up the expanse of Bridge Street from the Delaware River to Vega Mountain and will guarantee to delight all the senses with exotic and unimagined diversions.

Marvel at the gravity defying aerialist performances and circus magic of Bacchanal Promotions coming all the way from Detroit city to amaze you with their pyrotechnic wonders and astounding trickery.  Wonder at the amazing feats of Galumpha and their stunning acrobatics, striking visual effects, physical comedy and inventive choreography.  Stand in awe at the shape-shifting escapades of Chee Chee the Clown and try if you might to follow the slight of hand of Charlie MacIntosh.

Delight your ears with the musical innovations of a host of street performers - Jim Kopp’s countrified sounds of various stripes; Eleemosynary featuring Peter Blue, Carol Mandigo and Danny Birnbaum with their smooth jigs, elegant reels, and other contradance favorites; the old-time Appalachian fiddle and banjo tunes of The God Forsaken String Band; and introducing Noel Fletcher – the eight year old guitar wunderkind from Mount Tremper playing The Who and other standards.

Exult in the culinary machinations of the Roxbury dining establishments and food vendors.  Cassie’s Café and The East Branch will be serving up their usual hearty fare.  Head to the Queen’s Mountain Café for a delightful lunch and delicious ice cream concoctions.  The Public will feature clams and brews on their front porch. A variety of other vendors from near and afar will be selling their succulent treats on Bridge Street, and Roxbury’s own Ate O Ate food truck will be purveying their other-worldly morsels from all corners of the globe.

Step right up and join the revelry on Saturday, August 31st in Roxbury.  This family friendly extravaganza is free to all but donations to the festival itself and to individual performers busking on the street that capture one’s fancy are highly encouraged.  The organizers of the Busk & Bard festival are so certain that their spectacle will excite public curiosity that we will refund three times the price of admission to anyone who can prove that there is any place in the universe more enthralling than the Roxbury Busk & Bard Festival.
read more:
http://www.watershedpost.com/sponsored/2013/join-circus-2nd-busk-and-bard-festival-%E2%80%93-sat-aug-31-roxbury

Friday, August 23, 2013

FROM LANE TALBURT--
CORRECTION TO VIDEO
New YouTube: Astounding rendition of National Anthem at Peru circus   
Wild animal trainer Clyde Beatty would be mighty proud of his great-granddaughter, Shelley Ploss, whose electrifying vocal rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" kicks off many performances of the Peru Amateur Circus.  Adding to the richness of the moment is the 65-piece Peru Circus Festival Band, playing a John Higgins arrangement of the musical treasure.  Like many Miami County youngsters, Shelley was trained to present various circus acts in her formative years.   In 2004 Shelley succeeded her mother, Sandy Ploss, in the spotlight to sing the awe-inspiring National Anthem.  Sandy Ploss is the executive secretary of Circus City Festival, Inc., which oversees the week-long series of circus performances, a two-hour circus parade and downtown midway attractions.
Spine-tingling National Anthem at Peru circus
Here's some additional background, as provided by Sandy Ploss, whose mother, Joyce, was married to Clyde Beatty when he wintered in Peru in the 1930s.
 I started singing it ("The Star Spangled Banner") when I was a performer at age 16 and sang almost every show till 2004 when Shelley and I shared the duties. Shelley has performed in Side by Side, Swinging Ladders, 4-Lane Cradle, Web, Rolla Bolla, Trampoline, Tumbling and Teeterboard. She and I sang the anthem together for the final show in 2010.

Shelley has a Bachelor Degree from Butler University in Voice Performance.  While at Butler she sang the National Anthem for most of the Butler Men’s Basketball games during her 4 years there. She has a Master’s Degree and a Performers Diploma in Opera performance and voice from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where she studied with Metropolitan Opera Baritone and IU Distinguished Voice Professor Timothy Noble, who is also a Peru native. She had several lead roles while at IU and sang the anthem for 2 IU Men’s Basketball games.  She taught as an adjunct professor of voice at Manchester College. She is presently living in New York where she is getting ready for the upcoming opera audition season. My husband’s name is Rick Ploss.
Lane

JUST LARRY

JustLarry Having a Ball !
 


kustlarry
Published on Aug 14, 2013
a fun little routine!
"Happiness Is" new food at the Fair!
 


Published on Aug 8, 2013
One of the three finalists in this year's New Food Contest, the Shrimp Corndog is a spicy twist on the old favorite. Stop by the Po Boy stand on Rock Island Avenue to try the tasty new treat. And don't forget to vote for your favorite new food!
Harford Fair Set to Open
From: wnep.com
by Mike Vojtko
August 19, 2013



A summertime tradition in the Northern Tier is ready to welcome thousands this week!
Newswatch 16's Ryan Leckey was at the 156th annual Harford Fair with a preview of what’s ahead at the big event in Susquehanna County.
The circus was…just a circus


A circus performer smiles during the opening act. The first performance went off without controversy despite some drama in the weeks leading up to it.
from: thereporteronline.com(Photos by Jeff Vorva)
Written by Jeff Vorva
The Carson & Barnes Circus put on four shows in Palos Hills earlier this week and if Monday’s first show was any indication, the circus was just a circus one would expect complete with clowns, animal tricks, singing and high flying stunts.
  The controversy the weeks leading up to the event were a lot more dramatic.
  The circus planned on a special segment with a candlelight vigil and information about sexual assault victims and other victims under the title “Survivors Under the Stars’’ to benefit the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
  Jacque Hollinder, who said she is a victim of sexual assault and filed a lawsuit that she was attacked by singer James Brown, organized that segment, which has been a part of various stops along the circus’s tour this year. T-shirts were to be sold to benefit the victims.
 
Posted by Picasa
Palos Hills’ Gail Livigni and Mia Chieco watch the Carson & Barnes Circus during Monday afternoon’s performance.
City officials were not aware that it was a part of the entertainment until reading stories and seeing ads in the Reporter and Regional News and wanted that taken out, deeming it inappropriate for a family circus.
  After the city negotiated with the circus, the vigil and victims portion of the show was taken out in Palos Hills but Hollinder’s song “I Am the Circus” was allowed to be sung by trapeze artist Franchesca Cavallini. Children and parents were allowed to parade in the ring and outside the ring while the song was performed but there was no mention of ICASA or victims.
  Hollinder said she saw a lot of police presence and assumed it was for her but she said she had no plans of making trouble and said she would conform to the city’s wishes.
  “It’s sad we weren’t able to do the full presentation,” Hollinder said. “But I’ll do what I’m told.’’
  That was one problem solved but the city also received letters from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals urging city officials to either cancel the circus or to not allow it to return next year, citing cruelty to the elephants in previous stops.
  There were no protesters from PETA seen during Monday’s first performance.
  For some people, the controversies were not a factor in coming to see the show.
  Gail Livigni of Homer Glen was with her nieces Eva, Mia and Olivia and sister-in-law Maria from Palos Heights.
  “I heard about the controversy but I didn’t pay attention,” she said. “No matter what happened I was going to come and bring the kids.’’
  The circus is now in Steger and has future stops in the Stickney-Cicero area and Wilmington.
Circus World selects clown (a real one) as new leader

 
Posted by Picasa
Scott O'Donnell is taking over as executive director of Circus World Museum, a Baraboo site owned by the Wisconsin Historical Society but operated by the nonprofit Circus World Museum Foundation, inc.
From:  host.madison.com
By Annie Getsinger- Capital Newspapers
August 21, 2013
BARABOO | Scott O’Donnell’s career aspirations and interests were a bit different from those of his peers.

“My friends were learning how to play hockey or going to their favorite rock concert, and I was the one following the circus around,” said the 43-year-old native of Canada.

He fell in love with circus culture — especially clowning — and sought out every chance he could to attend touring performances.

After completing a degree in history, O’Donnell pursued his circus dreams, working as a clown and an announcer with a number of different circuses, eventually landing a gig as “boss clown” with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Next month, O’Donnell will step up as the new executive director of Circus World Museum. Former director Steve Freese announced his departure in June.
Previously, Freese said that uncertainty over the future of the museum’s long-standing public-private partnership prompted him — and others within the organization — to look for alternate employment in case the Wisconsin Historical Society were to take over the operation of the site. The site is owned by the society and managed by agreement by its own foundation, a relationship that is being allowed to continue after a long struggle with the state.

O’Donnell brings years of circus experience and entertainment expertise to the table, said Circus World board member John Lloyd, who led the national search committee along with Susan Lipp. The committee started by taking an inventory of the skills needed for the position, interviewing the board, staff, major donors and Wisconsin Historical Society staff.

“We’ve been through an interesting time at Circus World,” Lloyd said. “What are the skills that we need?”

With his experience, which includes years of performance and stints as the vice president and general manager of Big Apple Circus in New York and most recently as the vice president of festivals for entertainment company Live Nation, O’Donnell fit the bill.

Following the success of his work coordinating circus talent for Tim Burton’s film “Big Fish,” O’Donnell did a stint at Circus World from 2003 to 2005. He coordinated circus talent and served as the museum’s operations manager.

“He had all the requisite skills that we had outlined in our job specification when we were setting out,” Lloyd said.

The search committee considered about 25 candidates for the job, Lloyd said: “We had a couple of others who were very strong.”

O’Donnell said he is looking forward to returning to Circus World and the Baraboo area.

“It’s a great community,” he said, adding that the museum’s collection and archives are unparalleled. “It made a lasting impression.”

His goals include ensuring the growth and sustainability of the organization and continuing to foster communication and collaboration with the Wisconsin Historical Society.

“I’m pleased at the increase of paid attendance and overall revenue,” he said of the museum’s performance season, adding that he is excited to work on elements of the museum that will enhance the guest experience, including new exhibits planned for 2014.

He said it’s encouraging to see how the local community has embraced the museum and its connection to circus history and heritage.

“One of the great things about the circus is the sense of culture and the sense of community,” he said.

O’Donnell said he is looking forward to working with local historians, circus fans and others with an interest in the museum.

He and his 21-year-old rat terrier, “Toby,” a veteran performer himself, will soon make the move from New York to Baraboo. O’Donnell is scheduled to start work in mid-September.

Lloyd said he looks forward to seeing what O’Donnell will do as he steps into his new role.

“He was really interested in coming back and putting his mark on the organization,” he said.
Read more: http://www.wiscnews.com/tncms/asset/editorial/f4964e5d-2abe-5921-b7ea-032687117fee/#ixzz2cnCgOSxc

CENTRAL PA FAIRS-FESTIVALS

Fairs and Festivals round-up, Aug. 29-Sept. 7

 
Posted by Picasa
The Long's Park Arts and Crafts Festival begins Aug. 30. (Provided photo)
From: pennlive.com
By Sean Adams
on August 22, 2013
Labor Day is the un-official end of the summer season, but that's no reason to give up on the fairs and festivals as we go into September. Here's a few coming to the midstate area in the near future:
Top pick: Kipona Wine Arts and Blues Festival
The "sparkling waters" festival in downtown Harrisburg has expanded to include a wine tasting village as well as live music and art vendors.
When: Noon to 7 p.m. Aug. 31-Sept. 2 
Where: Riverfront Park, Harrisburg
Food: Greek, Cajun, pulled pork, hot dogs, milkshakes
Entertainment: live music, canoe and motor boat racing, karate tournament, street soccer games, wine tasting, children's events
Cost: Free
Details:   Check out the interview with event chair Brenda Alton by clicking here, or visit the event website at www.harrisburgrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29581
Long's Park Art & Craft Festival
Long's Park will transform into an outdoor art gallery with over 200 artists and craftspeople displaying their works between August 30 and September 1.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 30-Sept. 1
Where: Long's Park Amphitheater, 1441 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster
Food:  fine food, wine and craft beer
Entertainment: arts and crafts vendors: click this link for a list of exhibitors
Cost: $10, $15 multi-day pass; free for children 12 and under
Details:  www.longspark.org/art.html, 717-295-7054.
McLain Celtic Festival
A celebbration of all things Irish, Scottish and Welsh, the McLain Celtic Festival is a perfect opportunity to bust out the old kilt and enjoy the bagpipe music.
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 31
Where:  Two Mile House, 1189 Walnut Bottom Road, Carlisle
Entertainment: Highland Games, border collie demonstrations, living history presentations, food vendors , dance performances and musical entertainment -
Cost: $10/$9 in advance for ages 10 and older.
Details:  www.historicalsociety.com, 717-249-7610
Shippensburg Corn Festival
The 33rd annual corn festival will transform downtown Shippensburg into a street fair with music, crafts and - you guessed it - corn-eating contests.
When: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 31
Where: Shippensburg Fairgrounds, downtown Shippensburg
Food: aside from all types of corn-related foods, check this link for a list of food vendors
Entertainment: more than 300 craft, food and antique vendors, entertainment, children's activities, crafts demonstrations, an antique car show, and a corn eating contest
Cost: Free
Details:  shippensburgcornfestival.net/, 717-532-5634.
Juniata County Fair
"Harvest your dreams" at the Juniata County Fair, with agricultural events and displays, just as they've done every year since 1852 (only breaking the trend during the Civil War).
When: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays; noon-9 p.m. Sunday; 1-9 p.m. Monday and Friday; 2:30-9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday  Aug. 31-Sept. 7
Where: Juniata County Fairgrounds, 302 W. Sixth St., Port Royal.
Entertainment:  amusement rides, horse show, livestock displays, harness horse racing, food and concerts - check here for a daily schedule
Cost: Admission: $4 per day; $15 weekly pass. Additional charge for some events.
Details:  www.juniatacountyfair.com, 717-527-4414,

Illinois State Fair Draws Record Attendance
from tristatehomepage.com
08/22/2013
Illinois officials say this year's State Fair had the highest attendance levels in more than a decade.
The governor's office says more than 961,000 people attended the fair during its 11 day run this month. That's up almost five percent from last year and the highest since 2002 when 1.2 million people went through the fair's gates.
Ticket sales for concerts at the fair's grandstand topped $2 million. Those sales are actually up nearly 30 percent from last year setting a new record.
The fair ended this past Sunday.

back in the day

~~~BACK IN THE DAY~~~
History recorded on penny postcards
~~ 
 
 
 
 
 
Posted by Picasa

~~~BACK IN THE DAY~~~

GUNTHER GEBEL WILLIAMS



Does anyone have any idea on year for this one?
It was the annual nation network televised special
featuring Arthur Godfrey.
It has to be in the late 60's.
If I'm not mistaken I beleive it was filmed in Baltimore.
Bill and I were there and met Arthur Godfrey just before the show.
~~~BACK IN THE DAY~~~
They Love Their Life In Circus
by DAVID OSBORN, The Morning Call
August 05, 1986
ALLENTOWN, PA---Scotty's eyes are different colors and his hair is long and shaggy. But he can walk on his two front legs.
Scotty, who performed yesterday in the Great American Circus at Allentown's Percy Ruhe Park, isn't exactly the perfectly manicured poodle found in many circus show acts. But Dick Kohlrieser, who trains the circus's dog and ponies, said he prefers it that way.
I just like these old mutts," Kohlrieser said as he adjusted his blue commander-in-chief hat. "These dogs try to outdo each other for my approval."
The 51-year-old trainer demonstrated Scotty's skill yesterday afternoon by using a long, black rod to assist the black and white dog in walking on his two front legs.
Kohlrieser - an ex-rodeo clown - said he would rather train dog-pound dogs over the more dignified canines. He said dog-pound dogs are more aggressive, enthusiastic and nosy and, therefore, easier to work with and train.
Kohlrieser and his dogs have traveled with and performed in the circus since March 5 and will finish the 17-state tour by Nov. 10. The circus has had one day off.
But Kohlrieser said he enjoys life on the road, even when he works 18-hour days.
"You get to hardly know what day of the week it is," he said of the hectic schedule.
When people make fun of him for living in a trailer, Kohlrieser said, he reminds them that traveling with a circus is like "camping all year round."
Jimmy Ridenour, Great American Circus manager, said traveling from city to city costs about $10,000 daily. But he said he loves it too much to ever leave, adding no one else in his family was ever in the circus.
"I'm the weird one who wanted to be in the circus," he said. "You have to want to do it."
Ridenour, 51, attended his first circus 38 years ago in his native Tennessee. His interest grew, and five years ago he started as a clown for the Great American Circus. He then worked his way up in the circus and eventually was promoted to manager.
He said the Great American Circus is among fewer than 10 such tent shows in the United States.
As Ridenour spoke, workers set up cotton candy stands, watered elephants and constructed bleachers for yesterday's two shows.
The troupe usually is packed by midnight and travels at least 75 miles to the next show, Ridenour said.
Circuses are expected to set up quickly and tear down and move on to the next town. Military advisers during World War I and World War II often followed circuses to learn the skill in building up and tearing down so rapidly so troops could do the same with military equipment in the field.
Ridenour said he tries to keep morale up among the 75 employees by having pizza parties and showing circus videos. He called his group a "self- contained" unit in which people have to get along because they are together for so many months without a break.
"It's kind of like being in the Army once you join here," he said.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

District 205 Foundation is Bringing the Circus Back to Elmhurst Next Month


The circus is a big fund-raiser for the foundation, with proceeds going toward advancing student skills in science, technology, engineering, math and more.

Posted by Picasafrom: elmhurst.patch.com


by Karen Chadra (Editor)

August 21, 2013

The Kelly Miller Circus has been coming to Elmhurst for years, and many local residents have made it an annual family event. Pat Hatz, a longtime Elmhurst resident who is now a great-grandmother, recalled bringing her grandchildren to the circus, and this year, she's bringing her 2-year-old great-grandson to this year’s circus.



“You see everything you’d see at a big circus in a much more intimate setting—every seat in the tent is good,” she said.



Last year, the circus played a role for some Sandburg Middle School students. Sandburg teacher Corey Zock made arrangements with the proprietors of the circus to take his classes out to the big top to share the story, “Fallen Angel,” by Evan Hunter. This classic short story has as its setting a small traveling circus. Having an actual circus backdrop during the reading of this story provided an added dimension to instruction and resulted in a lively discussion.



This year represents the fourth year that the Foundation, the Kelly Miller Circus, and the Special Kids Day Organization have worked together to present a unique performance at no cost for children with special needs and their families.



“Many of these children are not able to comfortably attend or enjoy a live performance,” Foundation Board member Martin Franchi said. “So this brings elements of the show to them in a way that is not intimidating or overwhelming. We are excited to provide this opportunity for these children.”

read more:

http://elmhurst.patch.com/groups/around-town/p/district-205-foundation-is-bringing-the-circus-back-to-elmhurst-next-month
BILL PRICKETT HEALTH UPDATE
AUGUST 21, 2013
Went to Dr yesterday and had 30 stiaples taken out. Everything OK. If I progress in PT, like  have ben doing, should be able to leave here in two weeks. Of COURSE I HAVE ANOTHER 3 MO OF PT at the Ortho Place.

YOU ARE RUNNING OUT OF TIME to send 80 B'day card to Carol Frisco, 4821 W.Alta Ln, Peoria, Il, 61615.   Please mail ASAP......
Thanks.....Bill

SALISBURY, MD

The Cole Bros. Circus comes to Salisbury next week

 
Posted by Picasa
The Fassio family will thrill with their balancing talents when the Cole Bros. Circus comes to Salisbury. / Submitted image
From:  delmarvanow.com
Written by Josh Davis
Aug. 21, 2013
SALISBURY — The “World’s Largest Circus Under The Big Top” is rolling back into town next week, bringing a wide array of animal acts and acrobats, all in a classic circus setting.
The Cole Bros. Circus was originally launched in 1884 as “W.W. Cole’s New Colossal Shows.” The name was changed to Cole Bros. Circus in the early 1900s, although the circus’ signature “Big Top” canvas tent remains.
“The tradition of the circus never gets old,” said Kelang Bermundez, the circus’ human cannonball. “People come back every year, and they always see something different — not only the cannons, but the whole show.”

Along with the human cannonball, the circus features a family of clowns, illusionists, aerialists, daredevils, high-wire acts, elephants, tigers and the infamous Thunderdome, in which three motorcycles race inside a metal globe.
Bermundez, whose trajectory takes him over both the high-wire and the Thunderdome, said he reaches a top speed of 65 miles per hour.
“It’s amazing when you’re flying in the air and see the high-wire below you,” he said. “The reaction when I get shot out is a great experience.”
The Cole Bros. Circus is offering 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. shows on Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 28 and 29.
General admission tickets start at $16, reserved seats are $20 and VIP seats are $23. Children age 12 and under are admitted free.

LAS VEGAS

Adventuredome at Circus Circus celebrates 20 years of family fun and thrill rides


Leila Navidi
Tom Nolan was night manager at the old Scandia mini-golf park off I-15 before he opened Circus Circus’ amusement park.

From:  lasvegasssun.com
By Robin Leach 
Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013
Celebrities, clowns, cupcakes and confetti will all be at play Thursday when Adventuredome at Circus Circus celebrates its 20th birthday.
The casino — without hotel rooms — dates back to October 1968 when the $15 million pink-and-white, oval-shaped, tent-like gaming area with circus acts appeared as a big top — the largest permanent big top in the world to this day — over football field-size land on the Strip. Jugglers, acrobats, clowns and circus animal acts were kept separate from the casino on a second level.
 
Posted by Picasa
When Tom Nolan started as a supervisor at Adventuredome, he had to ride the Canyon Blaster every morning as part of testing. No coffee necessary. by Christopher DeVargas
The Nevada Gaming Control Board ordered it shut six months later over money problems and links to the Teamsters Union in Chicago, but with the resignation of then Caesars Palace owner Jay Sarno, they delayed the closing order.
In 1969, the hotel added its Hippodrome showroom with the show “Nudes in the Night” featuring dancing waters from Radio City Music Hall in New York. It took until 1972 for the casino to add a 15-story hotel tower with 400 rooms. Another 15-story, 395-room tower was added in 1975, and the 421-space RV parking lot followed in 1979.
read more:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2013/aug/21/adventuredome-circus-circus-celebrates-20-years-fa/
Traveling Circus of the Kids allows everyone 'to be a star'

~~~BACK IN THE DAY~~~
1920's
from:  retronaut.com

"THE HUMAN FLY"

 
 
Posted by Picasa

Drake Well Museum

Circus straight out of oil boom era coming to Drake Well

 
Posted by Picasa
The Drake Day Circus will be at Drake Well on Saturday.
From: titusvilleherald.com
By Mary Hill
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Titusville,PA---The circus is coming to Drake Well Museum on Saturday in celebration of Drake Day.
Drake Well Museum and Friends of Drake Well Inc. will host the Drake Day Circus, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Drake Day commemorates Col. Edwin L. Drake's drilling of the first commercial oil well, in Titusville, on Aug. 27, 1859.
According to Museum Site Administrator Melissa Mann, the Drake Day Circus is modeled on circuses that traveled to Titusville, Pithole and other locations throughout Pennsylvania's Oil Region during the 1860s.
"We tried to tailor [the circus] to what a 19th century circus would be like," Mann said. "The idea for this year's annual Drake Day celebration came straight out of historic sources housed in our archive.

"We have newspaper clippings and advertisements of circuses from the oil boom days," she said. "We plan to replicate the excitement of an oil boom era circus by filling the museum's grounds with circus entertainers, animals and other acts sure to delight and fascinate."
Mann said some of those newspaper clippings were from The Herald.
A June 2, 1866, edition of the Titusville Morning Herald had an advertisement informing readers that the Thayer Noyes and Co.'s Grand Combination Circus would be arriving in Titusville on Tuesday, June 12, 1866. The ad called the circus "The Grand Alliance of Talent," and said it would be bringing in foreign and native artists and a troupe of performing monkeys, dogs and ponies.
And, in the July 4, 1866, edition of the Morning Herald, an advertisement for Dan Rice's Mammoth Circus appeared.
Dan Rice, who had his winter quarters for his circus in Girard, was an entertainer of many talents, most famously as a clown.
The ad reported that Rice's circus was the "largest exhibition on Earth," with instructive and refined amusement. Rice's circus event was held in Titusville on Tuesday, July 17, 1866. The circus also made stops in Petroleum Center, on July 14, and Pithole City, on July 16.
Mann said the museum's staff was "throwing around" the idea to hold a circus, "and last year, we had the grand opening [of the renovated museum building] and we had a lot of people on the grounds and it was a festival atmosphere."
A professional circus troupe from Bacchanal Promotions, of Detroit, will headline the museum's Drake Day event, performing acts of juggling, fire eating, acrobatics, magic and more.
Mann said signature circus performances will take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., with various strolling performances occurring throughout the day.
read more:
http://www.titusvilleherald.com/articles/2013/08/22/news/doc52158b3e57b04091822216.txt