First International Circus in Palestine Concludes Shows

By May GhabenRAMALLAH,

September 11, 2011

(WAFA) – ‘Artists against the Wall’ and ‘A Smile Changes the World’ were the themes of Festiclown first international circus show held in the Palestinian Territory.
The circus, which included 20 different international circus groups from all over the world, concluded on Sunday its acts with a show Ramallah bringing smiles and laughter to hundreds of Palestinian children.

Ivan Prado, director of the circus, told WAFA that after meeting in 2009 with the Palestinian circus school students his dream became to perform in Palestine.His story in Palestine starts in 2003, when his group held a number of circus shows in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.“We witnessed bombing, shelling and tanks coming after us,' he said. 'Even the driver of the ambulance that used to move us around after curfew hour had his arm broken by Israeli soldiers.”

All this and more only made him hold on stronger to his dream of holding “the first international circus of its kind in Palestine.”

'‘Rebellious clowns' is what the Festiclown people call themselves.

They rebel against the apartheid wall and the 'genocide carried out by Israeli forces against the Palestinian people,' said Prado

.In cooperation with the Spanish consulate, Ramallah municipality, the Palestinian circus school and circuses from all over the world, including Spain, Argentina, Chili, Portugal, USA and a number of Palestinian groups and street artists, the circus was a success and the laughter and smiles on the faces of the children, and even the adults, were the answer that Prado and Fiestaclown circus were looking for.“If red nosed clowns can get through the Wall and bring peace and hope to their hearts and souls, so can politicians,” Prado said.The circus was held in Ramallah, Nablus, Jerusalem and a number of refugees camps.
M.G./F.R.

'Cirque De Legume:' Animal-Vegetable-Maniac Circus

In this image released by 59E59 Theaters, Jaimie Carswell, left, and Nancy Trotter Landry, are shown in "Cirque de Legume," performing off-Broadway at 59E59 Theaters in New York. (AP Photo/Karen Greco PR; Mark Fearon)
By JENNIFER FARRAR Associated Press NEW YORK
September 12, 2011
(AP) Flouting the age-old parental refrain, "Don't play with your food!" comes a zany Irish production called "Cirque de Legume" which is all about playing with food. Specifically, with root vegetables.
The chewing, spewing and other abuse of leafy produce has been raised to an art form by the hilarious, deliberately awkward duo performing "Cirque de Legume," which opened Sunday night off-Broadway at 59E59 Theaters as part of the yearlong 2011 Imagine Ireland festival. It's an animal-vegetable-maniac circus, laden with slapstick and humor at the expense of a basket of vegetables.
The 55-minute show was created by performers Jaimie Carswell and Nancy Trotter Landry, both professionally-trained clowns, and Pablo Ibarluzea, who directs. Their sad circus decor is one red chair adorned with a yellow star, yet Carswell and Landry cleverly employ ordinary vegetables and impeccable comedic chops to create the impression of a complete amateur circus, featuring performing animals and attempted feats of daring.
In their skilled hands and crazed imaginations, ordinary vegetables are absurdly elevated and then, usually, messily macerated. A head of Romaine lettuce becomes a howling performing dog, while Landry wields a pair of leeks like whips and several long red chili peppers like knives. Minor roles are handled by a magical potato, instrumental cucumbers and an elegant artichoke or two.read more:http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=14497410

Sunday State News Briefs: Police investigating fall of performer at Circus World

Wisconsin News from: piercecountyherald.com

Sep 11, 2011

BARABOO - Baraboo police are investigating the fall of a circus performer Saturday morning. Hannah Crist suffered unspecified injuries when she fell 10-to-15 feet from a swing during a magician's act. Crist was reportedly performing as a magician's assistant at the Circus World Museum. A crowd witnessed the accident. Onlookers say the 23 year old performer was alert and conscious after the fall to a concrete surface, but she was disoriented. Crist was taken to a hospital.

RED SHELTON TRIBUTE SHOW

Made in the USA! - Las Vegas' Only Red Skelton Tribute Show

Most Americans are catching on to the fact that if we want America to prosper in this tough economic environment, we need to support American businesses. Americans can find quality and value taking pride in the only Las Vegas show that pays tribute to a true American classic comedian who was born in the USA, Richard Bernard Skelton.

Las Vegas, NV-AZ (1888PressRelease) September 12, 2011 - Richard Bernard Skelton, better known to the American public as Red Skelton, was born the son of a circus clown in the small town of Vincennes Indiana. Vincennes is the home of the Red Skelton Festival that happens every year during the second week of June.
Red Skelton was born on July 18th 1913 in a home that sits across the street from Vincennes University, home of the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center, officially dedicated on Friday, February 24, 2006.
Red Skelton took pride in being an American and when World War II broke out he immediately went to enlist to serve our country. He asked for no special treatment while in the army and was asked to be the funny man that he was after doing all the regular drills and routines expected of all enlisted men.
Red worked very hard as a private in the United States Army and because of his commanding officers ordering him to perform for the troops or risk disciplinary actions, he remained a private. Private Skelton spent many a night entertaining the brass and then went out of his way to make sure the morale of his fellow ranks were always at their highest through his comedy antics.
Brian Hoffman's Tribute to Red Skelton remains true to the great American spirit of Red Skelton. This show is "Made in the USA" and performed by an American using products that are made in the USA in one of America's favorite destinations,... Las Vegas, NV.
To help get America going again the Red Skelton Tribute show is offering a great recession buster.

Visit http://www.RedSkeltonComedyShow.com/show_tickets.html to order your tickets to see Remembering Red A Tribute to Red Skelton show in Las Vegas. Use promo code USA to get half off your tickets saving you up to $19.96 per ticket. This offer is only good for online reservations. Have a safe trip when Visiting Las Vegas.http://www.RedSkeltonComedyShow.com

Evergreen State Fair Sets Revenue Record

Published:2011-09-11

http://www.snohomishtimes.com

The Evergreen State Fair, the largest annual event held in Snohomish County and one of the biggest in the Northwest, set a new record this year for on site gate admission and parking revenues totaling nearly $1.4 million.
In addition, the fair collected more than 50,000 pounds of non perishable food items during two Fridays of the 12 day fair, in support of local food banks throughout Snohomish County.
Preliminary gate and parking numbers show revenues totaling $1,388,490.00, surpassing the previous record collection of $1,368,846 set in 2007. Good weather also attributed to higher than expected receipts at vendors such as the iconic Purple Cow. The Snohomish County Dairy Women’s Association, which operates the Purple Cow, had their second best year during its 51 year history with $64,300 in gross receipts. Butler Amusements also reported near record gross receipts on carnival rides and amusements.
This year’s highlights included major improvements to the Evergreen Speedway, the opening of the new Evergreen Event Center, ride upgrades including state of the art LED lighting, top music acts such as the Band Perry and OneRepublic and the opportunity for talented folks from around the region to showcase products and to celebrate the area’s agricultural roots.
Fair planners scheduled special pricing or free entry during eight of the 12 days of the fair. Keeping with the "Hungry for Fun" theme, each person who brought three non perishable food items was granted free admission on Fridays as part of the "Friday Food Bank Frenzy." Six days had discounts or were free for seniors and children. More than 20,000 people took advantage of the discounts or free and reduced fair opportunities.
Another key element to this year’s success was a great marketing plan and leveraged media buys, generated through a new and innovative partnership between Snohomish County and the new Evergreen Speedway operator, High Road Promotions.

Selena Gomez Goes On A Risky Carnival Ride —

Was She In Danger? Shocking Video!

FROM: www.hollywoodlife.com
Selena’s so brave — we bet Justin Bieber was worried about her!
Selena Gomez doesn’t have TOO much of a wild streak, but watching her take on a risky carnival ride gives us goosebumps!
Selena, 19, was at the Oregon State Fair over Labor Day weekend, and she flew in the air when she rode on the scary Slingshot! Many fans captured the moment on their phones, and we can say for a fact that Selena is such a trooper — and way more brave than we are!

What do you think, HollywoodLifers — was Selena’s ride brave or risky?– William Earl

S.C. Apple Festival has good year for attendance

Ray Chandler/Special to Independent Mail

Anderson Independent Mail September 10, 2011

WESTMINSTER,SC — It might have been a so-so year for apples in Oconee County, but the 50th anniversary South Carolina Apple Festival in Westminster turned in its best year in recent memory for attendance, maybe one of its best years ever, organizers said.
Organizers estimated that the crowd for the festival parade Friday included between 18,000 and 20,000 people. Turnout was likely no smaller for Saturday’s events, which included craft shows, carnival rides, a Dutch oven cooking competition and live music from two stages, officials said.
Sandra Powell, executive director of the Westminster Chamber of Commerce, attributed the success to an advertising campaign. The festival organizers had advertised in South Carolina Living, a statewide magazine published by the state’s electric cooperatives.
“I received 600 requests for information from that advertisement,” Powell said.
Powell said Ken Sloan, director of the Mountain Lakes Convention and Visitors Bureau, told her that local motel and hotel space was full this weekend, though a fishing tournament on Hartwell Lake could play a part in that as well. Westminster’s Magnolia Manor bed and breakfast was full, Powell said, a first for a festival weekend.
License plates on the vehicles packed into every available parking space in Westminster told their part of the tale. Among the expected heavy load of South Carolina, Georgia and some North Carolina plates were others from Florida, Pennsylvania and Utah.
More than 130 vendors lined Main Street in Westminster, including an Oconee County beekeeper who was recently profiled in South Carolina Living, Jack Collins of the Cleveland community.
The former state beekeeper of the year offered visitors tastes of various types of honey, and many visitors went away with jars.

9/11 REMEMBERED [THE 25 MOST POWERFUL PHOTOS EVER!!!]

(9/11 TRIBUTE)

From Denzil McClaren

Sep 11. 2011

Hi All,

Love South African Circus got this rare picture of Mr Mc Laren and Mr Boswell together in site at the Mc Laren Circus. The two met on Friday 9th September in the morning in Centurion. Both seemed happy and shared circus storys. When our reporter aked them for a comment on the meeting, both just smiled and said it was just a freindly visit. Who knows? Maybe SA will be getting a Three Ring Circus soon?

Wayne County Fair opens TheDRecord

Everything is set for the beginning of the 2011 edition of the Wayne County Fair, Ohio's foremost agricultural fair. You won't want to miss the Lerch's Donuts footage at the end.

Famous burgers return to fair this year, joined by several newcomers

Vinnie Bury shows off a 1939 photograph of his family's stand at the York Fair. (Randy Flaum Photo)

AMANDA DOLASINSKI, The York Dispatch

09/07/2011

Eighty years ago, the Bury family shared its iconic hamburgers with York.
At least 10 Bury restaurants opened throughout the county, and people flocked to buy 10 hamburgers for just $1.
The Burys went through 1,285 pounds of meat at their debut at the York Fair in 1936, then 12,200 pounds four years later in 1940.
Part of the Burys' success at the fair hinged on a secret recipe for a sauce the
hamburgers were cooked in -- a recipe to which only three of the family members have ever had access.
That recipe was passed down from Gerald Bury to his son Joe. It wasn't until after Joe died that Vinnie Bury got the secret recipe.
"When he died, I inherited his secret recipe," Vinnie, 46, said.
"It was written down in his safety deposit box at the bank."
Vinnie spent summers fishing with his dad at the lake, begging for that recipe. When he finally got it, he wanted to carry on his family's legacy and open shops back up.
The return: This September will mark York's first chance to experience the hamburgers all over again. Those who lived in the area during the 1950s, '60s and '70s will remember them, Vinnie said.
Joe Bury's Famous Hamburgers will be at this year's York Fair. Just like the original, the hamburgers will have onion and ketchup. Now the burgers are thicker -- 3 ounces and on an Italian slider roll -- and probably a little more expensive than 10 for $1, Vinnie said, laughing.
Also in honor of his family's legacy, Vinnie swears to keep the recipe a secret. He'll only give it to his 22-year-old daughter Danika Bury when she decides to take over the business.
"My dad never gave out the recipe, I'm not giving out the recipe," Vinnie said.

READ MORE AT: http://www.yorkdispatch.com/fair/ci_18716381

Circus Of The Orient Comes To Thorne

Circus Of The Orient Comes To Thorne

from www.thestar.co.uk

Sunday 11 September 2011

ROLL up, roll up!
The circus has arrived in the Doncaster village of Moorends, with Circus of the Orient making its first ever visit to the venue.
The big top will be at Moorends Recreation Ground both today and tomorrow.
Acts from China, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Bulgaria, Romania and France are included in the line up.
Phillip Gandey, artistic director, said: “This production is a brilliant mix of oriental and western elements to create a thrilling, entertaining and laughter-packed show which will appeal to all the family.
“The deliberate mixture of cultures is due to oriental humour not being easily appreciated by western audiences, so our clowning duo from Romania and France bring a modern twist to guarantee laughter.”
Other acts include springboard acrobatics from the amazing Julio Troupe combined with supreme aerialists, Trio Serik, who will be on hanging straps high in the roof of the Big Top.

Circus World Performer Falls During Show
Submitted by Scott Beedy, Community Editor
from: http://baraboodells.channel3000.com/
Saturday, September 10th, 2011,



YouTube Video shows Hannah Crist performing a past routine on swinging trapeze. This is NOT video from Saturday's performance!

The 11:30 a.m. Magic Illusion show at Circus World Museum in Baraboo ended after a the magician's assistant fell from a swing Saturday morning.

Hannah Crist, 23, fell about 10 to 15 feet and landed on concrete below, according to Baraboo Police Chief Mark Schauf.

Chelsea White, of Circus World, said that Crist was alert and conscious after the fall, but was slightly disoriented. She was taken to an area hospital, but no further details on her condition have been released.

Police said they will continue to investigate the circumstances of the fall.

White said the museum feels for those who had to witness the fall, but she said that they received only well-wishes from customers who were there at the time.

Fall festival fun

From pumpkins to cream puffs and tractor pulls to oyster shucking, a harvest sampler

By Necee Regis Globe Correspondent / September 11, 2011

When fall arrives the air gets crisp and visions of pumpkins, apples, and hayrides replace those of bathing suits and beaches. Here is a list of festivals in New England featuring tractor pulls and Ferris wheels, farm animals and petting zoos, traditional crafts and contemporary music, plus wine, oysters, garlic, cream puffs, beer, cider, and more. Don’t think of it as the end of summer, think of it as the beginning of the harvest season.The Big E, Sept. 16-Oct. 2, West Springfield
The Big E Cream Puff and the Craz-E Burger are only two reasons to visit The Big E, the largest fall festival in the region. This 17-day extravaganza features carnival rides, a circus under the big top, Mardi Gras parade, reconstructed 19th-century New England village, shopping, crafts, live entertainment (Reba McEntire tops this year’s roster), and foods from around the world like shepherd’s pie, corn cake pulled pork muffins, and deep-fried bacon-wrapped hotdogs. Rooted in an agricultural tradition, the festival also offers all you would expect at an enormous country fair, including competitions for prize-winning animals, and the largest livestock show in the East. Demonstrations of spinning, weaving, and milking help connect the dots between animals and commerce. Equine lovers will enjoy the Eastern States Exposition horse show. 1305 Memorial Ave., 413-737-2443, adults $15, 6-12 $10, 5 and under free. Special events priced separately. www.thebige.comREAD MORE:http://www.boston.com/travel/explorene/articles/2011/09/11/13_fall_festivals_in_new_england/

'The Naked Circus' & 'Cirque Polynesian': Lots of sexy fun as two risque shows move into Resorts

BY Phil Roura SPECIAL TO THE DAILY NEWS

Saturday, September 10th 2011,

Tom Briglia/Photographer

One of the boldest, sexiest shows to hit the Shore this year is "Cirque Risque: The Naked Circus." Related News4 stars for 1-ring circusThe circus is back in town - but don't bring the kids.
"Cirque Polynesian" and "Cirque Risque: The Naked Circus," which played in tandem for much of the summer in a big top outside Resorts in Atlantic City, are once again burning up the Boardwalk.
The shows have been brought inside to the Superstar Theater for the rest of September. They're the boldest, hottest, sexiest shows to hit the Shore this year.
"Polynesian" may be a heavy PG-13 but "Risque" is a full-blown R and certainly not for children. The bubble-bathing blond alone, with nothing on but a few rhinestones, is an attention grabber. There's also the dude in a pistol-packing loincloth.
Appropriately, the show only runs late at night on weekends.
Whether either of these productions can truly be classified as circuses is a matter of opinion.
Fashioned after Cirque du Soleil, "Polynesian" is truer to the art form than "Risque," and actually attempts to tell a story.
A South Seas island chief challenges a young warrior to prove that he is worthy of his daughter's hand. There are rivals, of course, and lifts, twists, turns, flips and other familiar acrobatics on flying rings and steel boxes.
The stylized movements on a darkish stage are breathtaking. The narrative never loses its focus - whether it is being acted out by a mixed cast of Polynesians, Europeans and Hawaiians, or shouted out in sometimes terrifying Samoan and Tongan growls by the chief.
A gorgeous female cellist and the deafening beats from a painted drummer add to the pageantry.
But it is a giant fire eater who ­literally makes "Cirque ­Polynesian" roar. Not only does he "eat" fire, he covers his body with flames while twirling a pair of batons through his legs, around his arms and across his neck. The effect is amazing.
"Risque" is more burlesque than circus. The cast starts out as if they are about to break out into the "Big Spender" number from "Sweet Charity." Scantily dressed, if you can call it that, they turn some tricks while two of their troupe swing and dive dizzyingly down silk ropes.
There's also a performer who jump-starts a few Hula-Hoops from the floor to her neck. By the end she is twirling ­dozens of them as she bends over backward to become a human Slinky.
Not to be outdone by the male ­giant in "Cirque Polynesian," a petite woman turns herself into a walking fireball while swinging flaming bolos - a spectacular finale.But, oh, that bath! There's nothing circus-y, here. Just a sudsy, scintillating, sultry, steamy, suggestive swirl that will make you feel bubbly all over.
(One question. Exactly what does that chorine on the left do besides show off some sparkly thingies on her - ahem - twirlers? Not that she has to do anything else, mind you.)

Vermont State Fair muted amid Irene's aftermath

By JOHN CURRAN Associated Press

09/03/2011

RUTLAND, Vt.—The scene on the midway at the Vermont State Fair on Saturday was much like it's always been. Carnival game barkers called out for customers to try their luck, the smell of french fries wafted over the grounds and 4-H children groomed their dairy cows in the barns. But the 166th annual fair in Rutland showed signs of the times in flood-ravaged Vermont: There were American Red Cross flood victim donation cans at each entrance, a Federal Emergency Management Agency booth set up in one of the barns and fewer vendors, exhibitors and fairgoers.
With many roads—including parts of U.S. Route 4, a major east-west route leading into Rutland—closed and dozens of communities still digging out after torrential downpours last Sunday brought by Tropical Storm Irene, fair officials acknowledged that it will likely be an off-year, with the nine-day event struggling to achieve its typical attendance of 100,000.
Attendance at opening night Friday was off by about 2 percent, according to fair manager Richard Rivers, who says the detours facing some would-be fairgoers would add time to their trip or discourage them from coming. The fair's office got plenty of phone calls this week from people wanting to know how to get there without encountering road closures or detours.
"There is going to be some extra travel involved," he said.
Vendors and fairgoers interviewed Saturday said turnout appeared to be light, compared with previous years.
"It's a lot slower," said Grace Calvin, who staffed a T-shirt sales operation at the Rutland County Dairy Committee barn. She said she's been going to the fair since the 1980s and this year's version was noticeably quieter.

York Fair opens on time and with nearly everything in place

CHARLIE LARDNER -- The York Dispatch

09/09/2011

Despite a difficult setup due to the recent torrential downpours, the York Fair opened on time Friday with very few exhibits missing.
For example, the pumpkin display and contest didn't have as many entrants as the previous years, but fair president Gene Schenck said the deadline was extended so late-comers will be permitted to get their entries in anyway.
And though he won't have attendence numbers until tomorrow, Schenk said visitor volume appeared normal for the Fair's first day.
"Not every exhibit got here because not everyone could travel due to the rain, but you'd never know it by walking around. Old Main is full," Schenck said at 2:30 p.m. "First Fridays are always soft, but we are doing well. Dinner is when you get the biggest crowd, so we'll know then."
And, true to Schenck's predictions, some fair-goers interviewed were indeed just beginning to show up late afternoon for the many food offerings.
Connie and John Patterson of Seven Valleys said they took advantage of a coupon that allowed two visitors free entry on the first Friday.
"We saw the free admission coupon and so we stopped in for lunch," Connie said.
Ashley and Jeremy Myers stopped at the Orient Express ride that had captured the interest of their 4-year-old daughter Chastity.
"Just a little family outing," Ashley said.
And though workers were pumping out a deluge of water that had flooded the basement of Memorial Hall, visitors and vendors remained pretty much unaware that was going on.
About the only thing that got delayed before opening day are some signs and banners, but Schenck said crews will get on that late Friday.
"The setup people and vendors deserve all the credit," Schenck said. "I mean they were out there in the downpours this week setting up tents. You couldn't imagine worse conditions, but they got it done and it looks good."