Residents gather to enjoy circus acts under the big top

Miranda Henderson.

At intermission on Wednesday evening during the Carson & Barnes Circus, area families line up to ride elephants, ponies, and camels; get their faces painted; and have pictures taken with Alex the Clown. The Ringmaster encouraged the crowd to enjoy the intermission and return to their seats within 15 minutes for the next set of daring acts

.By MIRANDA HENDERSON of the Daily Ledger GateHouse News Service

Posted Sep 02, 2011

LEWISTOWN, ILLINOIS — Carson & Barnes Circus hoisted the big top at Fulton County Fairgrounds on Wednesday around 9 a.m. to a crowd of onlookers. As Carson & Barnes set up circus morning, the fairgrounds turn into "Circus City USA," according to organizers of the event.Everyone was invited to watch the transformation take place free of charge.As the first caravans arrived, exotic and domestic animals were unloaded.Adding to the excitement was the final and most popular experience of all -- erecting the big top.Humans and technology worked side-by-side to erect America's most spectacular and largest circus big top."It was just outstanding to watch them put up the big top. We had about 280 kids from the school out there in the morning while they were setting up, and they had a fantastic time. They got to see all the animals and the circus employees took time to talk to the children about the care for each of their exotic animals," says Theresa Strode of the Lewistown Lions Club, one of the sponsoring organizations.Before the show started, children were invited to pet small animals at the petting zoo, ride camels or elephants, play games to win prizes, or slide down the giant slide. Refreshments and snacks could be purchased from the circus vendors before the show started. During the show, the crowd was offered snacks by "candy butchers" or those vendors that shout out to the crowd during the performance, "popcorn, peanuts, cotton candy."At 4:30 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. the circus performers delighted residents of all ages.READ MORE AT:http://www.cantondailyledger.com/features/x1069104195/Residents-gather-to-enjoy-circus-acts-under-the-big-top

County fairs reversing declines in attendance

Montgomery County Fair enjoys upward trend in recent years.

Hungry fairgoers shop for food Wednesday, Aug. 31, the first day of the Montgomery County Fair. The fair continues through Labor Day.

By Joanne Huist Smith, Staff Writer

Dayton, Ohio Daily News

September 2, 2011

As entertainment options grow and agriculture communities shrink, the county fair tradition appears to be thriving.
County fairs aren’t big money makers — fair managers say they’re happy just to break even — but attendance is a different story. Organizers say growing crowds on the midway and enticing families with children through the gate and into the barns is the key to a successful fair.
Attendance at the Montgomery County Fair, which runs through Monday, is down about 20 percent over a decade ago, but the trend in recent years shows an upward swing with 82,000 people walking through the gate last year. Fair attendance increased about 10 percent from 2005 to 2010.
In rural Darke County, fair patronage is soaring with more than 203,000 visitors last year and gate receipts of more than $500,000. While Miami County had a dip in patrons last year, fair goers topped 112,000 this summer.
“I see county fairs in a stable trend, if not upwards,” Caroline McColloch, manager of the Miami County Fair said. “They’re not going away anytime soon.”

Jan Underwood/Staff Photographer

Maddie Cleveland of Germantown gets her change after paying to get into the Montgomery County Fair Wednesday, Aug. 31. The fair continues through Labor Day.

Don Michael, president of the Montgomery County Agricultural Society Board of Trustees believes county fairs are more relevant than ever.
The Montgomery County Fairgrounds is on much-sought-after real estate across from Miami Valley Hospital. For years developers have talked about finding better uses for the property, but Michael couldn’t disagree more.
“In 41 years we’ll celebrate our 200th fair,” he said. “I expect we’ll be here.”
GuideStar, a database of nonprofit groups that contains financial filings, indicates that the Montgomery County Agricultural Society reported a significant decrease in fund balances on its 990 form for 2009 compared to the year before. Net assets fell from $128,591 to $80,045, due to decreases in program service revenue, investment income and other revenue, while salaries increased.READ MORE AT:http://www.daytondailynews.com/entertainment/county-fairs-reversing-declines-in-attendance-1244789.html

Fair food — Corn dogs and funnel cakes remain on top in a world of deep fried fair treats

Fair foodies stand in lines offering all sorts of fried treats Sunday in the food court of the Kitsap County Fair and Stampede.Greg Skinner/staff photo

By GREG SKINNER, Central Kitsap Reporter Editor

Sep 02 2011

This season’s fair and festival circuit is Tom Smith’s first to work in a mobile deep fried treats shop.

The Oregonian has learned one thing for sure traveling the Pacific Northwest, corn dogs and funnel cakes are the kings of fair food.
“People tell me they wait all year for the fair to come around so they can come get corn dogs and funnel cake,” he said. “It’s the way [they] come out, fried, looking golden, clean, crisp.”
From his perspective, no other corn dog can match up to one that was fried at just the right temperature and in the right oil. And, you can’t pick up a funnel cake at a gas stop.
“It’s about the temperature,” he said.
By far the most popular item at his stand is the funnel cake, Smith said. During the first three days of the Kitsap County Fair and Stampede, Smith’s turned up to 35 pounds of flour a day into batter to make the American favorite.
Many attribute the nation wide craving for funnel cakes at fairs and festivals to the mid-morning snack of fried dough in the Pennsylvania Dutch region. With less calories than an average candy bar, and by far less than an average donuts or equal size and weight.
Of the dozens toppings available, Smith said he prefers the old standard of powdered sugar and cinnamon sprinkled on his funnel cake. Most people, he said, go for the classic plain powdered sugarREAD MORE AT:http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/ckr/news/129163933.html

At lunch with 2 happy clowns

Bill Wundram The Quad-City Times

Saturday, September 3, 2011

It is some years since I first dreamed of running away with the circus and being a clown. It was a childhood dream. In modest ways, I have joyously done that.
Always, I have had a curiosity about what real clowns do when they are not in white face and fright wigs.
This week I found out. I lunched with two clowns from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, playing through Sunday afternoon at the i wireless Center in Moline.Here’s how it went:The pair prance into Café Fresh, a couple of blocks from the iwC, as if they are about to do a caper in the center ring. They look like college kids.
Taylor Albin, who is from Mineral Wells, Texas, holds the door for two customers, making a bowing gesture as if performing. He is a two-year clown on the Ringling show.
Alex Barney, from Bridgeport, Conn. is a three-year clown.
They are among 12 clowns in clown alley; “alley” is the count of clowns on a circus.Read more: http://www.qctimes.com/news/opinion/editorial/columnists/bill-wundram/at-lunch-with-happy-clowns/article_60dc0776-d5d8-11e0-a582-001cc4c03286.html#ixzz1WyrGSsdO

Sunday Sun man joins Moscow State Circus

Sep 4 2011

by Michael Brown, Sunday Sun

from: www.sundaysun.co.uk

IT'S the last day in town for the Moscow State Circus. Michael Brown takes to the high wire to see what all the fuss is aboutPOISE, grace and balance. Three things every tightrope walker needs and three things I’m pretty sure I’ve never been accused of possessing.
But with the Moscow State Circus in Newcastle I was packed off for the top of the big top experience.
Strung nine metres above the ring the high wire is home to one of the show’s more spectacular feats. Sitting ringside as experts Alikhan Alikahnov and his troop show off their top trick – a woman stands on the heads of two men and performs the splits, more than 30ft in the air – I suddenly began to wonder if I should really be entering into the domain of professionals who spent the best parts of their lives with their head in the clouds.
But, with the experts finished, I was swiftly strapped into a harness and rather unceremoniously hoisted skyward by a mechanical winch.
A lot closer to the powerful lights the air, despite the grey day outside, was warm like a holiday night, but it barely registered as a combination of fear and concentration took hold. Stepping onto the taut, inch-wide metal wire it was far too late to go back and tell my editor I’m actually afraid of heights.
Following the instruction I’d been given I clutched the harness wire with one hand, reached my other arm out in a seemingly vain attempt to stay upright and inched towards the nearest end of the tightrope.
Reaching the solid, wide refuge I turned and realised the scale of the task ahead. Forty foot away Alikhan beckoned, telling me to not look down.
After rejecting the offer of a pole held up from the ground to make it easier - if I was going to do it I was going to do it properly - I set out, one foot in front of the other, feeling for the tightrope before willing my weight forward.
Progress was slow, but the further I went, the more my confidence grew and the wobbles reduced. It might even have been enjoyable, had my adrenaline-fuelled heart not maintained its attempt to beat its way out of my chest.
Stepping onto the small platform at the end was a mix of relief and elation and, if given the chance, I would probably have turned around tried to walk back. But at the end of the day I was happy to return to the ground, with a renewed respect for the skills of performers who make the spectacular seem effortless.

DORNEY PARK STARTS CONSTRUCTION

OF THE "STINGER" COASTER

DORNEY PARK, ALLENTOWN, PA

ALLENTOWN, PA FAIR GRANDSTAND

CELEBRATES 100 th ANNIVERSERY!

HAMBURGERS IN HAMBURG????

HAMBURG--ER FESTIVAL

HAMBURG, PA

Cavallo Equestrian Arts: A Family History
ToddCollierMulti



Enjoy a history of entertainment, and amazing horsemanship, by a multi-generational Italian circus family. Cavallo Equestrian Arts is the current day incarnation of this timeless art and skill.

Passengers left hanging upside down for 4 minutes when ride shuts off at NY State Fair

file photo, balloonman

By Associated Press,

Published: September 2

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Forty passengers on an amusement park ride were stuck upside down for four minutes when a safety system caused the ride to shut itself off at the New York State Fair.
Assistant Fair Director Troy Waffner tells the Syracuse Post-Standard nobody was hurt and no one had to be rescued after the ride shut down Thursday night.Waffner says the safety system sensed too much pressure on the over-the-shoulder harnesses that keep passengers in their seats and shut the ride down. The pressure could have been caused by a passenger who was tall or big.
The fair’s ride inspector checked the ride and ran it about a dozen times before allowing passengers back on.

Floodwaters can't stop Fonda Fair

Spirited effort to clear damage preserves 170-year-old tradition

Bonnie Peck, 4-H Extension educator for Fulton and Montgomery Counties, cleans a garbage can that had been in the recently flooded Cooperative Extension Building at the Fonda Fair during Tropical Storm Irene, just a few hours before the 5 pm start of the annual fair on Thursday Sept. 1, 2011, in Fonda, NY. Peck said that several exhibits in the non animal building were destroyed, including some that had earned Best in Show ribbons in photography and fine arts. Many volunteers helped clean up the fairgrounds from the flood damage inflicted by the storm. The fair was shortened by two days as a result. (Philip Kamrass / Times Union)

By CAROL DEMARE Staff writer

Friday, September 2, 2011

FONDA -- For 170 years, the Fonda Fair has gone on as scheduled, attracting those from the surrounding farm communities as well as outsiders who come for the food, the rides, the entertainment and even the monster trucks.
This year, Tropical Storm Irene and the Mohawk River got in the way, delaying the opening by two days. But even the onslaught of floodwaters couldn't make this popular fair a wash-out.
Fair-goers and exhibitors alike -- all of them fair lovers, of course -- came to the rescue. They cleaned the 60-plus acres of the Montgomery County fairgrounds over more than two days, doing what amounted to grunt work.
On Thursday, as he drove around the property in a golf cart, past the numerous amusement park rides, the cotton candy stands, the barns with the livestock and horses, the junk cars that the monster trucks would go to work on, the huge arena where Kellie Pickler will perform Saturday night, no one could be prouder of how it all came together than fair president Richard Kennedy. Officially, the gates opened Thursday at 5 p.m., and the fair will run through Monday. The seven-day event originally was scheduled to open Tuesday.
Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Floodwaters-can-t-stop-Fonda-Fair-2151935.php#ixzz1WshrfZq9

There's no time like fair time

There’s a lot to see when you stroll a fairgrounds

.pete g. wilcox file photo/the times leader

By Mary Therese Biebel

When city folks arrive at the Kiwanis Wyoming County Fairgrounds this weekend, the first thing they’re likely to notice are the parking attendants on horseback. • It’s charming. It’s bucolic. It makes you feel like you’ve finally arrived in cowboy country. • It’s also practical and safer, fair volunteer Marge Singer said.

Jeff Askey is about to win a Bareback Bronc Riding competition at the Kiwanis Wyoming County Fair.

AIMEE DILGER FILE PHOTO/THE TIMES LEADER

“You’re up higher where people can see you. They can see the horse better than just a person on the ground,” she said. “And they’re more leery. They’ll steer clear of a horse.”
After your mounted, highly noticeable guide has told you where to park, you’ll find plenty of other opportunities to soak up the rural atmosphere and, at least for a while, forget the world of office high-rises and honking horns.
You can admire rabbits, cows, sheep, goats and chickens that were raised on local farms and cheer on the horse competitions, both English-style jumping and Western-style rodeo.
The rodeo events include bull riding and bronco busting for boys, while girls aim for speed and try not to knock over any barrels as they guide their horses through the barrel-racing course.
But fairs are not solely an opportunity to celebrate agricultural life.
At the Sullivan County Fair, which continues through Monday in Forksville, a New York-style hot dog vendor is expected to bring a taste of Manhattan to the rural site.
Then there’s the pure Americana; for example, the animal-dressing contest set for 4 p.m. Sunday.
“We never know what’s going to show up,” Sullivan County Fair secretary Jody Lambert said. “We had one little boy who dressed up in a toga and so did his cow. Once there was a chicken dressed as a cowboy with a little hat and a little gun.”
At 2 p.m. Sunday, a giant ice-cream sundae will be served to all comers. It contains anywhere from 9 to 12 gallons of ice cream, Lambert estimated, and is decorated with chocolate sauce.
For impressive feats of strength, you can see draft horses, ponies and even miniature horses pulling weights that are appropriate for their very different sizes.
Speaking of animals and their amazing feats, did you know pigs can swim?
Robinson’s Paddling Porkers will be at the Great Allentown Fair this weekend, proving that piglets are willing to race through a 24-foot pool – called “the hogwash” – just as they’re willing to race on the ground if there’s an Oreo cookie waiting at the other end.
That’s just part of the fun at the Allentown Fair, where big cats and canine stunts are on the schedule and such Pennsylvania Dutch-style treats as fried green tomatoes and corn pies will add to the hometown flavor.
Then on Wednesday the Luzerne County Fair begins, proving that such time-honored handicrafts as quilt making and home-canning tomatoes have not died out in Luzerne County.
“We want to bring crafters back because it seems they’re becoming a dying trade,” Brenda Pugh, publicity coordinator, said. “We want to invite those that are out there back in so people can see the wonderful crafts they have and what they’re capable of doing.”
Pugh also said the fair committee aims to expand its vendor pool.
“We have lots of food on the grounds, so now we’re trying to bring in new and exciting things for people that they can become educated on, whether it’s tractors or home improvement.”
This year lumber mills and wood carvers are added to the vendor list.
Of course, there’s still enough farm equipment that “bring-your-own-tractor” competitions can take place, such as the tractor obstacle rodeo that will take place Sept. 11. A barnyard Olympics that day will allow participants to try their hands at activities such as a hay bale and egg toss or wheelbarrow race.Times Leader staff Read more: http://www.timesleader.com/entertainment/When_city_folks_arrive_at_the_Kiwanis_Wy_09-01-2011.html#ixzz1WskNTbSe

Carson and Barnes circus setting up at Lake Storey soccer fields

NICK ADAMS/The Register-Mail.

The Carson and Barnes circus is in Galesburg today for two performances at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. The tent is being put up this morning with the help of the circus' elephants. It is being set up at the soccer fields at Lake Storey.

By LISA COON The Register-Mail

Posted Sep 01, 2011

GALESBURG — Seventy-five years of circus tradition is in town today as the Galesburg Noon Lions Club brought the Carson and Barnes Circus here for two shows.
The two shows, 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. today, will be at the Lake Storey soccer fields under the tent of Carson and Barnes.
The tent is huge and elephants are helping today to it up.
The acts included in the nearly two-hour shows include elephants, camels, clowns, acrobats, aerialists, horses, jugglers, dogs, flying trapeze and a variety of other performances.
Tickets on the day of the shows are $10 for children and $18 for adults.

Circus heats up under big top

Grandma takes grandson to first circus

NICK ADAMS/The Register-Mail.

Carson and Barnes Circus performers ride elephants into the tent during the second part of the show at Lake Storey Park on Thursday night.

By ERIN MCCARTHY The Register-Mail

Posted Sep 01, 2011

GALESBURG, IL — The moment Vicki Brooks of Abingdon saw a marquee at Hi-Lo Grocery advertising the Carson and Barnes Circus coming to Lake Storey, she knew exactly who she’d bring to see it.
Brooks said she attended several circuses throughout her childhood and wanted her grandson, 3-year-old Jeremiah Huxtable of Galesburg, to have the same experience.
They even arrived a half-hour early to the circus Thursday, so he could “soak it all in.” And seeing the ear-to-ear smile on wide-eyed Huxtable as he rode around on a pony, she knew she made the right move.
“This is his first time at the circus, and his first time on a horse,” said Brooks. “He’s really liking it.”
As soon as the pony ride was over, Huxtable took his grandmother by the hand and already had his mind set on the next adventure: the “C & B Train.”
And after that, he wanted to go on the inflatable, or what he called, “the bumpy thing,” but Brooks explained the show was about to begin, and they hadn’t even gone inside the gate, yet.
Huxtable was disappointed at first, until he saw what awaited him inside — camel and elephant rides, and a petting zoo. He took one camel ride and the pair entered the big top.

Flipping in mid-air while blindfolded, Maurico jumps into the arms of Fabio during the Carson and Barnes Circus. The Galesburg Noon Lions Club brought the circus to town for two shows at Lake Storey Park.
In the moments before the circus began, Huxtable and his grandmother discussed what was about to happen.
“That’s where the animals will be, in that ring,” said Brooks.
“Like maybe a tiger?” asked Huxtable.
“Yep, maybe.”
In the 1 hour show that followed, Huxtable never did see a tiger, but he didn’t seem to notice among the excitement of elephants, camels, clowns, acrobats, aerialists, horses, jugglers, dogs, trick cyclists, tight-rope walkers, flying trapeze and more.
But the glitz, glam, big band music and stunts were no match for the heat of the tent. At intermission, the edges of Huxtable’s hair were damp with sweat, and the two walked out to the evening breeze, not to return for the second half.
Instead, seemingly having found his second wind, Huxtable took full reign of the attractions outside the tent, first bouncing around in the inflatable, then taking a second round on the train and finishing up at the petting zoo.

NICK ADAMS/The Register-Mail.
Clown Alex juggles Thursday during the Carson and Barnes Circus at Lake Storey Park
And Brooks was just happy to see her grandson enjoying himself.
“He was getting too hot in there,” she said as the music and applause could be heard coming from inside the tent. “And he just wants to do everything. He’s really liking absolutely everything.”
Huxtable confirmed his grandmother’s assumption. He said his favorite part was the train ride, but the “coolest part” of the circus was the camel — and the “grrrrr” noise they made.
“And the elephants,” he added to his list. “And the clowns were very funny. And I liked the horses, too.”
Just before calling it a night, Brooks again noted how much her grandson enjoyed the circus, and how happy she was to have been the first to take him.
“He’ll be talking about this for a long time,” she said. “I’m sure of it.”

PETA protests Glendale Rose Parade float's elephant design

A handful of animal activists protested this week outside Glendale City Hall over the design of the city's circus elephant float for the 2012 Tournament of Roses Parade.

from www.latimes.com

September 1, 2011

A handful of animal activists protested this week outside Glendale City Hall over the design of the city's circus elephant float for the 2012 Tournament of Roses Parade.
The activists from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals waved signs before a City Council meeting Tuesday that said, “Sink the Circus Float” and “Circuses Are No Fun For Animals.” The float features a circus elephant towing a carriage, the Glendale News-Press reported.
Matt Bruce, an assistant campaigner for PETA, said he hoped the city could do “what they can to stop the float,” echoing concerns from animal activists who say the design glamorizes unfair treatment of elephants used for entertainment.
But with construction on the float in Pasadena nearly completed, City Council members on Tuesday said there was likely little they could do to change the design that was green-lighted by the Glendale Rose Float Assn.
“Isn’t there some way we can change the theme? Come up with something better?” Councilman Frank Quintero said.
Mayor Laura Friedman suggested the float builder change things around to display the elephant in a wildlife setting. Councilman Rafi Manoukian said a sign could be placed on the float noting the city doesn’t support the use of circus elephants.
Design has historically been selected by the Rose Float Assn., but some officials asked that that responsibility be transferred to the city’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department last week. In addition to the design controversy, the float also encountered fund-raising issues and was saved largely by major donations from business owners.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

The only reason I publish these articles is to show

just how ridiculous these people can get!

Circus denies USDA charges of poor animal care

By Lorena Anderson - landerson@thesunnews.com

Thursday, Sep. 01, 2011

Cole Bros. Circus, which is coming to Myrtle Beach next week, says its show will go on despite animal-welfare charges filed by the United States Department of Agriculture.
“We deny the allegations. Our attorney is working on this, and we feel confident that the charges will be dropped,” said Renee Storey, vice president of administration for the circus, which is based in DeLand, Fla. “It changes nothing about the way we operate.”
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals sent out a press release this week saying that after it lodged complaints against the circus last year regarding the treatment of two elephants, the USDA filed charges that include failing to provide proper veterinary care for underweight elephants and improper animal sales.

Blog Editor's note--

It goes on to state that Cole Bros doesn't even own the animals!

Read more: http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/09/01/2364447/circus-denies-usda-charges-of.html#ixzz1WsmQ7AGd

ILLINOIS STATE FAIR--AUG. 15

Uploaded by 987WNNS on Aug 15, 2011

Chris and Genevieve start their journey discovering new foods at the Illinois State Fair. Stay tuned for more! Wake up with Chris and Genevieve every morning from 6 to 9 CST on 98.7 WNNS, 80s, 90s & Now online at www.WNNS.com

Ailing Buzz Barton

I was asked to spread the word that BUZZ BARTON, "The Ice Man", also known as Jeweler to the Stars, broke his hip several weeks ago. He is recuperating at HEALTH SOUTH, Sarasota and would like to hear from friends. Spread the word, please, it is boring there!http://www.healthsouthsarasota.com/default.aspAccording to the web site, the general number is 941 921 8600.The address is: 6400 Edgelake Drive, Sunny Sarasota.Caution, if you are going to visit don't bring cash, he might want to sell you something, it is just his hip that broke not his ability to make a deal!