Cole Bros. Circus kicks off new season in DeLand

Princess Vicenta Pages and Her White Tigers are part of the 2014 edition of the Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars. The circus opens its new season Saturday March 15 and Sunday March 16 with performances in DeLand.

Photo provided by Cole Bros. Circus.

By Rick de Yampert

March 14, 2014

The DeLand-based Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars, which bills itself as “the world’s largest circus under the big top,” will launch its 130th season this weekend.

The circus, which traces its roots to 1884, features such acts as Princess Vicenta Pages and Her White Tigers, the Human Cannonball, elephants including the babies Val and Hugo, the Ponce Family Angels of the Air on the flying trapeze, the Fassio Family and their Cavalcade of Captivating Canines (including Afghans, Borzois and a “mighty Chihuahua”), the ThunderDrome Moto Chamber of Danger, acrobats, aerialists, clowns and more.

The Cole Bros. Circus will perform at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday March 15 and 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday March 16 at the DeLand Airport Showgrounds, at the intersection of East International Speedway Boulevard (U.S. 92) and Flightline Drive, DeLand.

Advance general admission tickets for each show are $16 adults and children ages 2 to 12, with reserved seats an additional $4 each and VIP seats an additional $7 each. Advance tickets are available at JC’s Bikes & Boards, 345 S. Woodland Blvd., DeLand; online at gotothecircus.com or by calling 888-332-5200.

General admission tickets on day of show are $21 adults, $16 children ages 2-12, with reserved seats an additional $4 each and VIP seats an additional $7 each.

Coupons for free general admission tickets for children ages 2 to 12 (with paid adult) are available at MainStreet DeLand and other West Volusia merchants, or online at gotothecircus.com. There is a limit of two free children per paid adult.

"The Real Circus" Is Coming To Town March 18

As part of their 78th consecutive year of touring the USA, Carson & Barnes Circus, the largest traveling big top tent circus in America will visit Teague, TX on Tuesday, March 18 at Jefferson Park. The Teague Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the circus to help raise money for the group’s various community projects.

Show times are scheduled on Tuesday, March 18 at 4:30 & 7:30 PM. Advance tickets purchased at local ticket outlets offer the best value. You can buy tickets locally up to 24 hours before the first show at Teague Chronicle, Teague Insurance Company, Withrow Furniture Company, Prosperity Bank, or Citizens State Bank.

For the best value, fans should buy their advance tickets from local outlets: Adult/$12, Child/$6; or at the gate on Circus Day, Adult/$16, Child/$10. Tickets can also be purchased online at the Circus website at www.BigTopShow.com. Tickets bought online incur a per-ticket charge of $1.50.

Circus fans can get free discount tickets at area retailers or them from the Circus website at www.BigTopShow.com get a child in free with the purchase of an adult ticket at the gate, from local outlets, or when buying online.

Carson & Barnes is “The Real Circus,” with everything patrons expect to see under the big top: clowns, acrobats, aerial daredevils, spectacular pageantry, and a cast of amazing performing animals led by the biggest stars of the show—the Carson & Barnes Asian elephants.

Carson & Barnes owner Barbara Miller-Byrd is the third generation of her  her family to run the circus. Her daughters, Traci and Kristin, who also travel with the show, will be the fourth generation to run the nation’s largest touring tent circus. Even after more than 60 years on the road as a performer and owner, Barbara is still in awe at the thrill of it all and is still the number one fan of the traditional American circus.

“I remember getting on my first pony shortly after I started walking,” she said. “Seriously, I never considered doing anything other than being a part of the family business, but in those early days no one imagined a woman would ever be the boss in a male-dominated business, like ours.”

One of the most popular attractions at the Circus is before the show. The Circus travels with a menagerie of exotic animals including a rare Sicilian donkey, two llamas, a miniature zebra and a standard-sized zebra, an alpaca, two camels, a half-dozen pygmy goats, and Katy, the pygmy hippo. Kids delight in the chance to get up close and pet these unusual creatures. Small bags of dry food can be purchased and are guaranteed to get the furry friends’ attention.

Also on the Circus midway the little tykes can ride a miniature train or saddle-up for a Shetland pony ride. For older kids there’s the SuperSlide. Towering above all along the midway are those magnificent Asian elephants and the camels. Both can be ridden with the right ticket in hand.

With a cast of dozens and twenty-five vehicles loaded with everything from popcorn bags to grandstands, exotic animals, hundreds of costumes and tons of equipment for the performers, and even the big top tent itself, every day is an adventure.

For the nearly one million guests who will gather under the tent this year for the thrills and excitement that are the hallmark of the greatest of all family entertainments, it all comes down to the center ring where the outside world yields to the fantasy world under the big top — an American icon.

Find a complete tour schedule, show information, and how to buy tickets visit the circus website at www.BigTopShow.com.

circus act but no new ride this year at Lagoon

Bryon Saxton, Standard-Examiner staff

Mar 13 2014 

FARMINGTON,Utah -- Lagoon will be offering something completely different this summer.

Cirque Innosta in Bosque, a New York and Colorado-based group, will provide daily performances at Lagoon from June 30 through Aug. 16 in the Davis Pavilion.

This show, combining high-end acrobatic skills, comedy, spectacular visuals and a driving sound track, will be included in the single-day and season passport, Lagoon vice president of marketing Dick Andrew said.

"That is what is new this year," Andrew told the Standard-Examiner. He said this year there will be no new ride opening.

The show will be performed in the enclosed Davis Pavilion, with bleacher seating to be brought in, Andrew said.

Lagoon hosted a similar circus act in 2011, which was warmly received by the public, Andrew said.

The park went with the live entertainment act based on past success it has had with the acts, he said.

The park does have a big construction project taking place that is to make its debut during the 2015 season, Andrew said. Lagoon officials are tight-lipped on the project, Andrew said, but it "will be increasingly evident as the days go by."

Lagoon opens weekends beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 29,  weather permitting. The park opens daily beginning June 2.

Lagoon boasts more than 50 rides, Lagoon-A-Beach water park, historic Pioneer Village, along with games, food and gifts.

Single day passport prices for 2014 are: $47.95 plus tax for those 48 inches tall to 65 years old; $42.95 plus tax for senior citizens; and $35.95 plus tax for youth under 48 inches tall, according to the park website. For more information visit www.lagoonpark.com.

Circus Vargas comes to Inland Empire

Circus Vargas is coming to the Inland Empire this month.

From: Fontanaheraldnews.com

March 13, 2014

Circus Vargas is bringing its popular entertainment extravaganza to the Inland Empire this month.

The new show, "Magikaria Extreme," will be at three locations:

• Temecula at Promenade Temecula through March 17

• San Bernardino at the Interstate 10 Freeway and Waterman Avenue from March 20–24

• Ontario at the Ontario Mills Mall from March 27 to April 7.

“This is the culmination of a tremendous amount of hard work," said Nelson Quiroga, producer of Circus Vargas. “There will be more magic and more excitement than you can imagine! We can't spill all the secrets or give away all the details but, we can tell you that this show will be a masterpiece of extreme entertainment!”

Attendees are invited to meet and mingle with the cast of "Magikaria" by arriving 30 minutes early for an interactive pre-show.

http://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/articles/2014/03/13/entertainment/doc5321d62f06efe867284227.txt

For more information about Circus Vargas or to purchase tickets, visit www.circusvargas.com, call 877-GOTFUN-1 (877-468-3861) or visit the circus box office, which opens one day prior to the first show.

BELL CITY AMUSMENTS--SARASOTA COUNTY FAIR

 Sarasota County Fair 2014

from: heraldtribune.com

Saturday, March 15, 2014

The 78th annual Sarasota County Fair continues through March 23, 2014. Spinning rides, a bounty of fried foods, midway games, prize-winning livestock, racing pigs, live music, contests and a whole lot more. (March 14, 2014, Herald-Tribune Staff Photo by Thomas Bender)

see more at:

http://galleries.heraldtribune.com/default.aspx?id=368364#/59

McLAREN BROS CIRCUS

The McLaren Circus tent in Table View was Thursday night again brimming with with candyfloss, lights, children and parents from all quarters. Photos: Mildred Theron

CASEY WITH THE CATS HE BROKE FOR THIS SHOW IN

SOUTH AFRICA.

THESE KIDS SURE SEEM AMAZED AT SOMETHING!

MORE  PICTURES   COMMING! 

THANKS DENZIL  FOR YOUR CORRESPONDENCE!

Circus Space renamed with new national status

Students at London's Circus Space, now renamed as the National Centre for Circus Arts. Photo: National Centre for Circus Arts

from: thestage.co.uk

By:  Nicola Merrifield

March 11, 2014

London-based training centre Circus Space has been renamed as the National Centre for Circus Arts, to recognise its role in providing training and also championing the artform since the company was founded 25 years ago.

At an event held today to mark its new status, the organisation revealed plans to increase circus training outside of London.

Joint chief executive Kate White said the organisation wanted to create a “network of youth circuses” around areas of the country that have little or no circus training provision at the moment.

She said the NCCA hoped to take its London Youth Circus programme – aimed at training young people aged 11 to 21 years in circus skills – to regions outside of the capital by working with local dance, gymnastic and theatre organisations.

White said the company wanted to create more opportunities for young people coming into the industry and to ensure that working in circus arts was a viable career option.

“For us the national status is about us being able to proliferate more work, and it’s more work all over the country,” said White.

She added: “Our successful London Youth Circus model, which is a curriculum based and progressive training route, we would like to see in other places across the country. We have some partner organisations, who are already interested in working on that with us.”

The NCCA provides rehearsal spaces to professional circus companies and artists as well as courses leading to qualifications. It is the UK’s only training provider to offer a degree in circus arts and its application to achieve national status was supported by industry bodies including Arts Council England.

Snowtime for Circus Oz on first trip to Canada

Circus Oz performers get used to different conditions in

 Canada. Picture: Mathieu Létourneau Source:

From:  heraldsun.co.uk

by: Sally Bennett--arts editor

March 12, 2012

THE globetrotting performers of Circus Oz are right at home in Montreal, the unofficial circus capital of world — the only thing tripping them up is all the snow.

The Melbourne-based troupe is in the middle of a two-week season in the Canadian city with a large population of daredevils, including circus giants Cirque du Soleil.

It is the first time Circus Oz has performed in circus heartland and many local artists were there to see the opening-night show.

“There was a bit of pressure,” artistic director Mike Finch said. “They’re very literate in circus; it’s a physical vocabulary they know really well.

“I get the feeling the audience is really interested in the way we speak the language, which is in a really distinctive Australian way. It’s really irreverent and fun and there’s a level of absurdity to it. It’s like we’ve gone out and done rock’n’roll and they’re used to hearing classical music.”

Circus Oz performers in Montreal, Canada. 

Picture: Mathieu Létourneau Source: Supplied

Circus Oz may be dwarfed in size by Cirque du Soleil, but it led the world in modernising the centuries-old artform.

The company was performing on the steets on Los Angeles in the 1980s when they caught the eye of a little-known firebreather, who tagged along to observe their work. That firebreather was Guy Laliberte, the future founder of Cirque du Soleil.

“There’s a sense that contemporary circus was invented in Australia and migrated here to Montreal,” Finch says.

“The founder of Cirque de Soleil saw Circus Oz and was obviously influenced by it and a whole bunch of other stuff and now there’s been a massive explosion of circus in Montreal. So it’s an exciting place for us to be.”

Circus Oz is doing a six-week tour of Cranked Up! in America and Canada before coming home to continue work on its new show, which will premiere under the big top in Melbourne in June.

Since it began 36 years ago, the company has performed in 26 countries to more than 3.5 million people.

Finch says the next show will be a dramatic departure from recent offerings and unlike anything Circus Oz has done before.

Ringling Bros. Circus at the BOK Center

Ringling Elephants

From: krmg,com

March 11, 2014

Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1. Tickets for all four performances go on sale starting Saturday, April 26 and will be available at www.bokcenter.com , Arby’s Box Office at the BOK Center, all ticket outlets, or by calling 1-866-7-BOKCTR.

Behold the living legends! Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® brings the unbelievable to Children of All Ages in an all-new show - Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents LEGENDS. Experience unimaginable family fun, as amazing performers from around the globe perform awe-inspiring feats of daring spectacles of strength and thrills of wonder to summon the mythical and mysterious creatures of the past: a Unicorn, a Pegasus and a Woolly Mammoth! Join us for an unforgettable family night of legendary proportions! Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents LEGENDS! LEGENDS provides hours of thrilling entertainment that is fun for the whole family.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ® is rolling out the red carpet, pulling back the curtain and extending a special invitation to you and your family to join us in a once in a lifetime family experience that will grant you exclusive access to a behind-the-scenes look at The Greatest Show On Earth®! Don’t miss out this rare opportunity to be treated like a circus star, gain access to behind the scenes and meet performers and get autographs from the most revered circus stars in The Greatest Show On Earth! Plus, get a special family photo on the Ringling Red Carpet with a circus star to commemorate this unforgettable experience! Tickets are limited to only 100 per show and can be combined with any seat level experience.

Arrive an hour before show time for The Greatest Show On Earth® All-Access Pre-Show – FREE to all ticket holders. Meet performers and animals, learn circus skills and enjoy a taste of the performance before the show even starts.

Shrine circus returning — with birthday celebration

from: billingsgazette.com

By Jaci Webb

March 11, 2014  

Bunny the elephant turns 45 on March 25 and the Shrine Circus plans to celebrate in a big way with an elephant race, acrobats, clowns, ponies, popcorn and cotton candy.

It’s all part of the festivities leading up to the Shrine’s 63rd annual circus in Billings. Bunny’s birthday party is free at the Al Bedoo Shrine, 1125 Broadwater Ave., at 5:30 p.m. on March 25.

Local TV personalities Katharine MacKnight from KULR-8 and Jason Laird from KTVQ will ride the elephants in the race.

The circus runs March 26-30.

Over the past 62 years, generations of families have attended the Shrine Circus and the tradition continues in 2014 with elephants, tigers, ponies, clowns, acrobats, poodles and aerialists all packed into two hours of excitement at the Shrine Auditorium.

Through the generosity of organizations and businesses in the community, the Shrine organization is offering coupons for free tickets to kids for the matinee performance each day of the circus. They can be found on the back of the Circus program arriving soon at elementary schools.

The annual circus is the biggest fundraiser for the Al Bedoo Shrine Temple in Billings and helps to maintain the facility as a hub of community activity.

For the full schedule, go to www.albedoo.org.

Read more: http://billingsgazette.com/entertainment/community/shrine-circus-returning-with-birthday-celebration/article_07e9e7b9-0e4b-541a-a2c2-f74fe94457b0.html#ixzz2vmMiQhCh

Gov. Cuomo welcomes Brad Paisley to NY State Fair's Grandstand this summer

Credit: MGN Online

From:  wbng.com

By WBNG News

March 11, 2014

(WBNG Binghamton) New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Tuesday announced that country music superstar Brad Paisley will kick off the Grandstand concert series at the Great New York State Fair as he brings his summer tour to the Fairgrounds on Thursday, August 21.

According to a news release:

Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show, priced at $65, $55, and $45, will go on sale at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, March 29 at the State Fair Box Office and via the Fair’s official online ticket seller, etix.com. The artist will also hold a private ticket sale for members of his fan club on March 19.

“Every year the Great New York State Fair brings nearly one million visitors to the Syracuse area, providing a tremendous boost in tourism and economic activity for upstate New York,” Governor Cuomo said. “Brad Paisley is the latest edition to this year’s lineup as the State Fair continues to deliver on its promise of providing top-quality entertainment. I encourage New Yorkers and visitors alike to make to time to enjoy the best in entertainment and agriculture at the 2014 Great New York State Fair this summer."

Paisley played at the Fair for the first time in 2000, a Chevy Court show on opening night, when he had already earned two #1 hits. Since then, he has reached the top spot 20 more times, won three Grammys, and received 14 Academy of Country Music Awards—including Entertainer of the Year.

Opening for Paisley will be singer/songwriter Randy Houser, whose most recent album, and two singles from the album, all hit the top 10 on the country charts. Also opening will be Charlie Worsham, whose debut album received strong notices. A song from the album was used in an episode of the TV series, “Bones.”

There will be two standing-only areas created between the stage and a semicircle-shaped thrust that is special for this concert only. The standing-area tickets, costing $85, will only be available to members of Paisley’s fan club. These tickets and others being sold through his fan club will be sold via etix.com using a special code given only to fan club members.

Acting Commissioner of Agriculture Richard A. Ball said, “Our second Grandstand announcement is yet another home run. We are very happy to have Brad Paisley back at the Fairgrounds and we are hard at work on even more great entertainment announcements, so stay tuned.”

A limited number of tickets remain available for the Saturday, August 30 concert by Jason Aldean, with Florida Georgia Line and Tyler Farr.

Circus in days of yore

from: hindustantimes.com

Pallavi Singh Chandigarh, 

March 11, 2014

I recently saw a poignant film called 'Water For Elephants'. With wonderful actors and a fantastic screenplay, it brought back sweet memories of childhood visits to the circus.

I remember the first time I went to the circus, all agog, clutching my brother's hand, slightly scared of the animals. I kept imagining them breaking loose or overpowering the trainers. We bought the tickets from a booth manned by a man wearing a black patch on one eye who kept shouting loudly, in sporadic intervals, frightening us all. We walked into the stifling hot tent and sat down, dry mouthed with excitement and anticipation waiting for the show to begin. There was loud music and the ringmaster, dressed in a tall hat and a long robe entered, brandishing a stick and a megaphone. Behind him trooped the various actors, trapeze artists and the omnipresent Pomeranian on a miniature bicycle, followed by other animals. I recognised the ticket seller. He was a dwarf and had probably been propped up on a high stool to reach the ticket window. They circled around the tent in all their regalia, eliciting whistles and claps from the audience. The show began and we were enthralled!

As we settled down in our seats a boy came and passed grubby pamphlets around, describing each act. Behind him was another, who without so much as a by your leave, started thrusting ice-cream cups into our hands, one by one. Surprised, we looked around and saw everyone eating, so we did too, assuming it was included in the ticket. Imagine our consternation when, a few minutes later he returned and sharply started asking us for money! It was a clever ploy to make a quick buck and we unsuspecting youngsters had fallen for it.

The circus today is facing a bleak future and an imminent demise with People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and various other organisations wanting it banned on humanitarian grounds. Keeping animals away from their environs, in confined spaces and cruelly training them for unnatural acts is a terrible thing. Also life on the road, a dwindling audience, no fixed timings or income must be taking its toll on the performers with very few wanting to continue or take it up as a profession, but in the days of yore, with no cable TV, console games or the internet, it was an unparalleled form of entertainment for young and old alike and still makes me wistfully stare at some rare poster proclaiming, 'The circus is back in town!' 

 Review: Circus of Horrors, Ipswich Regent, March 8

Circus of Horrors

from:eadt.co.uk

By Catherine Watts

March 10, 2014

An assorted crowd of Goths, body modification fans and the generally curious gathered at the Ipswich Regent to see the ultimate freak show created for rock stars - The Circus of Horrors.

For 18 years The Circus of Horrors has been showcasing the amazing feats the human body can achieve - from displays of amazing agility and strength, tolerance to pain to the just downright weird.

The show kicked off with a cursing Nosferatu warning those sat at the front row that they may get splattered with guts and gore, while the rest of the cast crawled over the audience to reach the stage.

Gothic acrobats, flame-swallowers and a vicar performing a balancing act with crucifixes were accompanied by fierce guitar-shred solos, distorted cackles from the un-dead ringmaster Dr Haze and lighting explosions worthy of any rock stadium.

There was a cohesion to the madness. The acts were sewn together with a story that stretched and squirmed over a 1665 plague ridden London.

At times there was an urge to peel your eyes away from the horror, a tattooed sword-guzzler act in particular being quite gruesome. However the recent West-End smash has carefully measured its shock-factor, mixing in a rude devil dwarf with startling aerial silk dancers that you would be missing out if you did.

Good fun if you don’t mind feeling slightly sick afterwards.

Altoona Circus Bonanza

   

Duncansville, PA  from 4/11/2014 to 4/12/2014 MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW FOR ALTOONA CIRCUS BONANZA 2014 Duncansville, PA, April 11-12, 2014 Registration includes: Marzoni's Restaurant Circus Banquet and circus ticket for Saturday (social at 3 p.m., Flag's Up at 4, program following). All for $37 registration. Deadline to register: March 31, 2014 Payable: Forepaugh-Lubin Tent No. 2, David P. Orr, sec'y-treasurer 737 Brentwood Drive, Duncansville, PA 16635 KICK OFF YOUR SPRING CIRCUS SEASON IN DUNCANSVILLE! This annual event attracts Fans and friends from throughout the U.S. SPECIAL FOREPAUGH-LUBIN BULL ROOM AT BLAIR ROOM, COMFORT INN...DON'T YOU DARE MISS IT! Bull room opens 9 a.m., April 11, and 8 a.m., April 12. Tent meeting April 12. BONUS EVENT...JOIN MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF EMMETT KELLY-BELLO NOCK CFA TENT. NO. 41, FRIDAY NIGHT, APRIL 11, AT HOSS'S RESTAURANT, ADJACENT TO COMFORT INN, 6 P.M....NO RESERVATIONS REQUIRED; ORDER OFF DELICIOUS MENU. REGISTER NOW FOR FUN-FILLED WEEKEND, CIRCUS BONANZA. OFFICIAL CIRCUS BONANZA HOTEL IS THE AWARD-WINNING COMFORT INN DUNCANSVILLE, 130 PATCHWAY ROAD, DUNCANSVILLE, PA 16635. 814-693-1800

McLaren Bros Circus

Welcoming Shimmy, our Ticket Office African Grey, to Mclaren Circus. Such a clever parrot with an intelligent personality!

Circus coming to Aledo, Tx-- for two performances Saturday

From: Ft Worth Star-Telegram

March 10, 2014

The Kelly Miller Circus is coming to Aledo on Saturday forperformances at 2 and 5 p.m. at Bearcat Park.

Live animal acts will include tigers, zebras, elephants, llamas, pygmy goats and dogs.

Feats of skill include performers doing trapeze acts, juggling, elevated balance beams, music, dance, acrobatics, aerial stunts and fire manipulation.

A midway will be open prior to showtime with concessions, games, bounce houses and animal rides on ponies, camels and elephants.

Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 2 to 12. Tickets may also be purchased at the gate for $15 and $7, respectively.

Advance tickets can be purchased at Aledo City Hall, East Parker County Library, East Parker County Chamber of Commerce, Interbank, Aledo National Bank, Reading Friends and Brookshire’s Grocery.

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/03/10/5636683/city-by-city-fort-worth-area.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy

Circus Time

From: westseattleherald.com

By Georgie Bright Kunkel

03/10/2014

One is never too old to be wide eyed at the circus. I found that out when my fellow and I were invited to Teatro ZinZanni recently. Just the thought of going to the circus venue again brought back memories of my childhood when the circus would come to our little town of Chehalis. During the day I could look out the south window in the upstairs of my home and see animals grazing. At night I could see the southern stars. But in the summer there would be the excitement of watching the big circus tent rise, enticing us little town residents to venture out on Riverside Road to experience the wonderful circus acts inside the big top.

Now fast forward to the city of Seattle under the wonderful circus tent at Teatro ZinZanni. Four of us sat being waited on as a parade of servers carried in each dinner course—first soup, then salad and then main dish ending with Baklava. In the center aisle the aerialists performed unbelievable acts of rope climbing and contortionists bent their bodies into impossible shapes. The marvelous head of ceremonies drew audience members to center stage and they became part of the act. And guess who was drawn out into the center of the big tent—yes, me. Most of those who had already been on stage were compliant but I held my own. When told that we were going to dance I remarked, “I don’t dance with anyone but dance rock and roll all by myself.” The M.C. didn’t give up and was determined to plant a kiss on my cheek but I politely pulled away and said, “Only my fellow gets to kiss me.” as I disappeared back into the audience.

read the rest of the story at:

http://www.westseattleherald.com/2014/03/10/features/circus-time

New Shanghai Circus Defies Gravity with Breathtaking Feats at Raue Center

New Shanghai Circus Defies Gravity with Breathtaking Feats at Raue Center (Posted By Raue Center For The Arts, Community Contributor / March 6, 2014)

From: chicagotribune.com

Posted By Raue Center For The Arts

March 6, 2014

“Feats of circus art that reach literally breathtaking heights of skill.” – The New York Times

“Fantastic.” - CBS

Back by popular demand, Raue Center For The Arts presents New Shanghai Circus on March 14 at 8:00pm. These astonishing athletes defy gravity and execute breathtaking feats as they stretch the limits of human ability in this spellbinding show. Fearless performers with boundless energy bring you more than two thousand years of Chinese circus traditions. If it’s humanly possible – and even if it’s not – Shanghai’s acrobats, jugglers and contortionists do it with spectacular flair. New Shanghai Circus is the perfect night out for the whole family.

Tickets start at $31 and are on sale now online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. New Shanghai Circus is sponsored by Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery and Garden Center and McHenry County Living.

Denison Kiwanis Hosts Carson And Barnes Circus

FROM: KTEN.com

By Lisanne Anderson

Mar 07, 2014

KTEN.com - No One Gets You Closer

Beja Shrine Circus comes to Brown County arena

Published on Feb 27, 2014

Human Cannonball David Smith talks about the upcoming Beja Shrine Circus at the Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena this weekend. (Thursday, Feb 27, 2014).

Just clowning around: Shrine Circus back in town, spotlighting elder comic entertainers

Arline Ayala rides an elephant for "The Jordan World Circus Performing Elephants" during the 29th annual Shrine Circus at L.C. Walker Arena on March 7, 2014.

From: mlive.com

By Lisha Arino 

March 07, 2014 

MUSKEGON, MI – Three of the Shrine Circus clowns received a special treat while performing in the center ring of the 29th Annual Muskegon Shrine Circus Friday at the L.C. Walker Arena: a "Happy Birthday" greeting from the audience.

More than 1,500 area residents, local school children and residents of adult group homes on March 7 sang "Happy Birthday" to nonagenarian clowns Cliff "Bo-Bo" Pfaff of Grand Haven, Wesley A. "Patches" Rohde, also of Grand Haven, and Sully "Wee Willy" Caplitz of Norton Shores.

Cliff "Bo-Bo" Pfaff (left), Wesley A. "Patches" Rohde (center) and Sully "Wee Willy" Caplitz (right) wave to the crowd as it sings "Happy Birthday" to them.

Only Pfaff celebrated a birthday recently – he turned 90 on March 2 – but the circus decided to spotlight all three of them at the show, said Circus Manager Thomas George, who also dresses up as a clown named Spangles.

Pfaff has been a Shrine clown since 1970, he said. Rohde, 90, has spent the last 16 years as a clown, while Caplitz, 91, has been a clown for the past decade. They said they continue to dress up because they like to make kids happy.

"It's very gratifying. It truly is, especially for old people like us," said Caplitz as Rohde turned to face him.

"Who's old?" Rohde joked.

"You," Caplitz shot back with a smile.

The clowns weren't the only ones who had a good time at the circus.

The audience cheered for the show's various acts, which included flying trapeze artists, thrilling stunts and exotic animals. During intermission, children had the opportunity to run through a large bounce house, meet the clowns, and get their faces painted. Elephant and pony rides were also available.

Ashely Harmon, from Muskegon, said she and her two children, 8-year-old Jordan Smith and 5-year-old Desirae Billings, come to the circus each year.

"It's amazing," she said. The event is an especially good time for Smith, who has special needs.

"He looks forward to it," Harmon said.

The Ibarra family from Shelby also decided to return to the circus this year.

"He likes the animals," said Sidney Ibarra, while her husband, Jaime, held the hand of their 2-year-old son, Jaime Jr.

"It's a nice, family event," she said.

                                 

Nadir Woodall, 6, and his sister Hassen, 4, sit in the audience during the 29th annual Shrine Circus at L.C. Walker Arena on March 7, 2014.

The circus is hosted annually by the Muskegon Shrine Club. Proceeds from the event benefit the club's operations.

Proceeds also go to the transportation fund at the Saladin Shrine Center in Grand Rapids, which are used to take children to area Shrine Hospitals. The Muskegon club also uses the money to purchase wheelchairs for local kids.

The circus is in Monroe

Posted By Nolan Crane, Reporter

Mar 07, 2014

KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

NEW VIDEO: Barak Shrine Circus thrills young, old

From thenewsstar.com

Mar. 8, 2014

2014 Florida Strawberry Festival 

Published on Feb 28, 2014

Produced by FOCUS Magazine.

2014 Florida Strawberry Festival

Day 1 Show 2

Wild About Monkeys

McLaren Bros Circus

(South Africa)

 2 pics taken by Karl Hildebrandtat the McLaren Circus charity show at Vanguard, Athlone yesterday 

(Saturday)

FROM DENZIL McLAREN

Sean Daly at Fl Strawberry Festival

ABC Action News ABC Action News

Published on Mar 1, 2014

Sean samples the food at FL Strawberry Festival

Students seeking less smoke at state fair

from: newschanel0.com

Mar 07, 2014

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) - Several Hutchinson students want to limit smoking at the Kansas state fairgrounds.

About 25 members of Communities that Care, a Reno County youth organization, asked the Kansas State Fair board on Thursday to consider their proposal to make the grounds smoke-free, except for a few designated smoking areas.

The Hutchinson News reports (http://bit.ly/1jZQaYj ) smoking isn't allowed now in the buildings or in the grandstand.

The students said other state fairs have implemented similar policies.

Fair Manager Denny Stoecklein says more studies would be needed to determine how other fairs implemented such plans, and the board would not make any decisions without getting more feedback from patrons.

Information from: The Hutchinson (Kan.) News, http://www.hutchnews.com

Circus Arts Are Alive And Well In Brattleboro

Twin sisters Elsie and Serenity Smith perform aerial acrobatics in the upcoming "Circus Spectacular" shows.

Credit Kristen Piljay

from: digital.vpr.net

By Neal Charnoff

March 05, 2014

The New England Center for Circus Arts has been teaching and inspiring people of all ages since 1977. 

Now, the Brattleboro-based center looks toward the future, having just purchased three acres of land to build a custom-designed training facility.

VPR's Neal Charnoff speaks with NECCA Artistic Director Elsie Smith about the center and about this weekend's Circus Spectacular performances.

Smith says that the school teaches the core circus arts, such as juggling, acrobatics and aerial skills. But she notes that the center also offers extensive outreach programs for people with illness or disability.

Smith believes the school is a healthy ingredient in the Brattleboro economy, bringing long and short-term students to the area.

To that end, the new facility will be built close to the downtown area, making it easy to walk or drive.

listen in at:

http://digital.vpr.net/post/circus-arts-are-alive-and-well-brattleboro