Big-top circus rolls into town

The Netherlands National Circus hits town. Picture by Neil Silk 120648a

From: scarborougheveningnews.co.uk

12 Feb. 2012

ROLL up, roll up, the big top is in town.

The Netherlands National Circus has pitched up in Scarborough for the first time ever.
The 900-seater big top, and its blue illuminations, can be seen across the town from its base in Burniston Road car park.
Last night the curtain went up for the first time as audiences enjoyed thrilling flying trapeze, daring springboard acrobats, unicycles, magical illusions, whimsical comedy, hilarious clowns and an orchestra.
The first show saw money raised for St Catherine’s Hospice.Performers won’t have a chance to get cold as they take to the stage again today at 2.30pm, followed by another show this evening at 7.30pm.
The circus was established in 1948, and has gone on to receive great reviews from across the globe.
The Stage called it “slick and stylish”, while the Edinburgh Evening News said it has “something for everyone, providing a great night out; the kids loved it.”

The Aberdeen Evening Express reviewer said: “The best critics are children and mine loved it.”
Further performances will be showing 1pm and 4pm tomorrow, and 2.30pm and 7.30pm Monday to Friday, with the last day Saturday February 18, when shows will start at 1pm and 4pm

New show at Busch Gardens
from: TBO.com

2012 Florida State Fair highlights - rides, foods, animals, crafts,

Uploaded by AttractionsMagazine on Feb 11, 2012
A quick look at some of the highlights of the 2012 Florida State Fair, held at the state fairgrounds on I-4 just west of the the I-95 interchange. The fair has many blue ribbon competitions, but with a dash of uniqueness to Florida. This video emphasizes the thrill rides, but the midway is filled with attractions for all ages.
Video recorded and edited by Don Gworek.

WICHITA SHRINE CIRCUS FOTOS
PART I

Pete Sturgis, Ringmaster, Opens the show

EGGROLL?????????
(correction: it's Larry Clark)

Thanks Bill Prickett

LAURA HERRIOTT'S DOGGIES

WICHITA SHRINE CIRCUS FOTOS

PART II

Midian Shrine Circus: Fun For Kids Of All Ages

Midian Shrine Circus at Hartman Arena

Casey Siebels, Fetchtoto.com Editor(WICHITA, Kansas)

February 10, 2012

The Midian Shrine Circus performed at the Hartman Arena with 8 performances packed full of action and entertainment.
The circus line-up included clowns, unicyclists, trapeze acts, motorcycles, magic shows, acrobatics, and trained animals.
Tigers jumped through burning rings of fire, elephants stood on balancing balls, and dogs performed daring stunts.
During intermission, children were allowed to come down to the stage where they had an opportunity to ride elephants, ponies, and even a camel.
Other fun activities included taking photos with clowns, face painters, blow-up slides and games.

Be the Star of the Show at the Circus Zirkus

Colin Giles -- Future Ring Master

From: chicagonow.com

By Caitlin Giles

Feb 11, 2012

At the Chicago Children's Museum's newest exhibit Circus Zirkus, your kids don't just get to see a circus -- they can actually perform in the circus. At this one-of-a-kind exhibit, kids get a hands-on, interactive take on what it would be like to be a real circus performer.
In the backstage area, aspiring circus performers can practice tumbling, juggling and balancing skills, create a circus poster, swing on the Flying Trapeze or take a twirl on the Spinning Hoop. Whew! The equally bustling performance area features Tricky Plates, Twirling Balls plus the opportunity to don costumes and entertain the crowd as a wacky clown. Or skip the main stage and sell hot dogs and ice cream, staff the ticket booth and cheer from the bleachers. This space is overflowing with super cool props (including my favorite -- fake 500 pound dumbbells so you can be the world's "strongest" man) and apparel for hours of imaginative play.
I visited this exhibit with my three year-old son last week and we both had a blast. I was most impressed by two things. First, this is really a one-of-a-kind exhibit. So many of the cool props and activities were custom-made specifically for this experience. And the things that aren't custom-made come from vendors who supply actual circus performers. This stuff is the real deal. I was also impressed with the ways that the creators of the exhibit drew from real, local circus performing groups as their inspiration.
Second, this exhibit really appeals to all ages. My three year-old was way too timid to give the Flying Trapeze a try, but he loved walking the "tight rope" that was a whopping three inches off of the ground and pushing the ice cream cart around hawking treats to anyone who would listen. Older kids were having a blast with the more physically challenging parts of the exhibit. I even saw a dad wait in line for a turn t the Spinning Hoop (and I thought to myself, "Dude, what are you doing?"). Anyway, my point is that the exhibit has something for circus enthusiasts of all ages.
Circus Zirkus: Where you are the star of the show is free with museum admission. The exhibit runs through August 12th so you've got plenty o' time to check it out -- but definitely put it on your "to do" list.

Howard Tibbals in the Big Top of The Howard Bros. Circus Model on display at the Ringling MuseumCredit John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

Romance at the rodeo? No, really.

Newlyweds Julie and Rodney Meyer share a kiss in the Wine Garden at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Feb. 9.Photo: Robin Jerstad

By Jennifer Hiller

From: mysanantonio.com

Saturday, February 11, 2012
Ah, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, where romance blooms amid the sweet smell of thousands of animals and under the bright lights of signs advertising “Giant Turkey Legs.”
No, really.
Sure, carnival rides, noisy distractions and educational attractions abound for kids, but the Stock Show & Rodeo also has plenty to offer couples on a date or those looking for love.

Sam and Heather Graves enjoy a romantic moment while attending the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Feb. 9. Photo: Robin Jerstad

For the second year, the Wine Garden offers visitors the chance to sample and purchase 53 Texas and domestic wines. There's a burbling fountain, outdoor space heaters, lots of landscaping and wrought-iron cafe tables and benches where patrons can enjoy wine and bistro snacks such as cheese, fruit and deli meats.
“It's a nice little venue to relax,” said volunteer and wine enthusiast Dinah Covert. “You know how when you're in Napa and you just want to relax and have some cheese and wine? That's what we're going for here.”
Tasting samples start as low as $1 and glasses of wine cost $3 to $14. The acrylic wine glasses — safe to have around animals — are welcome almost everywhere throughout the grounds. So you can, as Covert said, “Take your glass of chardonnay and go look at the pigs.”
After each rodeo, some of the biggest acts in music perform — an obvious date-night choice.

But Dale and Holly Schlundt said they usually skip the shows and enjoy seeing the livestock and horses instead. Dale Schlundt grew up showing goats, sheep and turkeys, and admits that the awe of animal-admiring is more his thing that his wife's, whom he describes as a “city girl.”
“This is my treat,” he said.
But the couple plans to return for Valentine's Day — Holly Schlundt's suggestion.
“I do like shopping,” she said.

Chloe Hamm rides piggyback on Jacob Daily while attending the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Feb. 9.Photo: Robin Jerstad

Guys looking for ways to please their better half would be wise to let her wander — without complaint — through booth after booth of shopping, advised Sharron Arnold, the Stock Show & Rodeo's marketing coordinator.
“Women love to shop,” she said.
Alternatively, those wanting to impress their date with feats of strength can head to the Army Interactive Zone and do some pushups and pull-ups.
And there's no reason couples can't enjoy the activities and attractions geared toward kids.
Roxanne Huron and husband Austin Jimenez happily wandered the grounds Friday afternoon holding hands, planning to do just that.
“We came here for the petting zoo,” Huron said..

KEN "TURTLE" BENSON

ROBERTS BROS CIRCUS

1996 SEASON

"GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN"

FROM CASEY GIBBS

ÉTOILES DU CIRQUE DE PEKIN - JONGLAGE BOLS SUR

Rain could dampen state fair plans tonight
from: tampabayonline.com
February 10, 2012




Goat just wants some fair food
An adventurous goat interrupts News Channel 8 reporter Chip Osowski's live shot on the opening day of the Florida State Fair.

A look at the man behind the ringmaster

Jason Gibson has been circus production manager for 15 years. / FELD ENTERTAINMENT IMAGE

Written by Josh Davis For Go! Magazine

Feb. 9, 2012

SALISBURY,MD -- Plenty of kids have dreamed of running off with the circus.
It's a fantasy world -- something perfectly within the wheelhouse of an imaginative child. Beyond that, however, there's a certain amount of magic involved in a circus show that often finds a way to transform adults into the wide-eyed optimists they were as small children.
For Production Manager Jason Gibson, that magic is an enormous part of his everyday life.
"I just love it," he said. "We get to meet new people every day, and whether I'm wearing my Ringling Bros. shirt or my Ringling Bros. jacket, people always come up to me and say, 'Oh! You work for Ringling Bros.!' and then they want to ask a million questions. It's definitely not a 9-to-5 job, and it's just so amazing; we're just ordinary people, but we have an extraordinary job. My friends and my old army buddies just shake their heads and say, 'I cannot believe you get to do this!' "
Although many people in Salisbury enjoyed Ringling's stop in town in 2011, Gibson promises an entirely new experience this year.
"This is a different show than what you saw last year in Salisbury," he said. "Barnum Bash is all about the party; It's a big party and it's a lot of energy and a lot of fun. From the second you walk through the door at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, the party music is going on, and the pre-show -- this is how we roll."
Salisbury audiences will also have the privilege of seeing one of the very first stops on the tour.read more:http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20120209/ENTERTAINMENT12/202090355/A-look-man-behind-ringmaster?odyssey=nav%7Chead

Kelly Miller Circus comes to Port Isabel

Delayna catches a ride on Lisa, one of Kelly Miller's performing elephants. (Courtesy photo)Special to the Parade

from: portisabelsouthpadre.com

Feb. 10, 2012

The Kelly Miller Bros. Circus, founded during the Great Depression, is marking another milestone this year as it celebrates its 74th anniversary.
The public is invited to step back in time as the Kelly Miller Bros. Circus brings the history and tradition of the old fashioned circus to Port Isabel on Monday, Feb. 13 thanks to the sponsorship of the Museums of Port Isabel. Performances will be at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at the Laguna Madre Park. The tent raising will begin at 9 a.m.
Advance and General Admission Tickets for the performances are $12 and can be purchased at Port Isabel City Hall, Museums of Port Isabel, Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce, South Padre Chamber of Commerce, and the Port Isabel Library.
General admission ticket prices on circus day are $16 at the Circus Box Office.
The circus was founded in 1938 by Obert Miller and his sons, Kelly and Dores; this traditional tented circus has the passing of the millennium and still offers the same great family entertainment it presented in its humble beginnings.
While the show in 1938 was little more than the Miller family, some ponies and a couple of monkeys, they still move about the country – as they do today – in trucks and went through the same routine each day of setting up and giving performances in a new town.
The 2012 season will feature elephants, horses, llamas, camels, clowns, and a host of international circus stars, but each morning the public gets an all-together different kind of show as the circus lot comes to life.
Circus trucks pull onto the lot in the early morning hours, animals are unloaded, stakes are driven and elephants lift the giant big top into the air. Best of all, the public is welcomed to watch this entire spectacle free of charge.
In fact, after the first of the four massive main poles that support the big top are set in place, the public is invited to step into the tent and see men and beasts complete their work. A knowledgeable circus veteran will be on hand to explain the action and answer questions about circus life.
This season, the Kelly Miller Bros. Circus will travel nearly 10,000 miles and give performances in over 200 cities and towns across North America from March through October.

Jasters - LANCEUR DE COUTEAUX - LE PLUS GRAND CABARET DU

New Providence twins capture top photography prize in Monaco

Jason and Justin Senft's photo of a circus elephant deftly grasping a baby bottle in her trunk to feed a performer's baby was awarded "Best of Show" by H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco and exhibited at the 36th Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo.

By Independent Press Independent Press
From: nj.com/independentpress
Published: Friday, February 10, 2012,
MONTE-CARLO, Monaco — A charming and perfectly executed photograph of a circus elephant feeding a clown’s baby taken by Jason and Justin Senft, New Providence artists and identical twins, is the “best of show” winner in the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque’s 2011 photography contest. The winning image portraying the “Children and the Circus” contest theme was selected by Federation Honorary President H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco from a dozen finalists selected by an international panel of judges and will be exhibited during the 36th Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo (Jan. 19-29) and featured on the cover of the Federation’s 2012 wall calendar. The award also includes hotel accommodations and tickets to competition shows at the Festival.
Defying the famous show business saying, “Never work with children or animals”, artists Jason and Justin Senft dreamed up the fanciful concept of a circus elephant deftly grasping a baby bottle in its trunk to feed a circus performer’s baby. After several weeks on the road with John Ringling North II’s Kelly Miller Circus and working closely with elephant trainer Armando Loyal, Becky the elephant, circus clown Ryan Combs, and his six-month-old son Nicolas, Messrs. Senft finally realized their vision and captured a magical moment at the circus. The Senfts were also among the winners of the 2010 photography contest with another “Norman Rockwell-esque” circus image.
“We are inspired by the rich visual history of the circus, in particular, the traditional circus, under a canvas Big Top,” say the Senfts, “and we hope to capture and convey the beauty and excitement that happens when the circus comes to town.” The Senft’s dedication and passion for their art has them going to great lengths to get the perfect image. Often experiencing the same conditions as the performers, they have traveled hundreds of miles and endured sweltering and frigid temperatures, torrential rains and muddy lots – just another day at the circus. “It would be a thrill,” say the Senfts, “to obtain a grant so we could spend more time documenting the unique art form and lifestyle of traditional traveling circuses which are gradually disappearing within the United States and Europe.”
Jason and Justin Senft have been collaborators all their lives and defy categorization by skillfully working in many disciplines such as sculpture, painting, printmaking, drawing, photography, video/animation, computer graphics, theatre arts, as well as the art of magic and illusion. The Senfts’ work has received many awards and honors and has been exhibited in museums, galleries, private collections, and featured in print and on television. Jason and Justin Senft graduated with honors from Syracuse University’s College of Visual & Performing Arts, earning Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Communications Design.
Participating in this year’s contest were amateur and professional photographers from 26 countries: Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, France, Germany, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Poland, the Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
The 2011 international jury comprised circus historians Greg Parkinson (USA), Antonio Giarola (Italy), Arthur Hofmeester (The Netherlands), Mark St. Leon (Australia), Julio Revolledo Cárdenas (Mexico), and Charles Ricketts (South Africa).

Kenny & The Kids Three rings, countless thrills

from: courier-journal.com

Written byKen Neuhauser

Feb. 9, 2012

Tigers, clowns, aerialists, the “wheel of thrills” and Fabio’s Extreme Motorcycle Riders, plus ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages.
You know what’s coming to town. In fact, it’s already here.The circus, of course. The Kosair Shrine Circus, which opened last night at the Kentucky Exposition Center, has remaining performances at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. today; and 10 a.m., 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in Broadbent Arena. The doors will open one hour prior to each show.Elephant and pony rides will be available for a fee before each performance and during intermission.Marvel action hero Captain America will greet fans 30 minutes before each performance and during intermission. Be sure to bring your camera.The three-ring circus is produced by George Carden Circus International. Carden is a fifth-generation showman and has been in the circus business all of his life.Carden’s son Larry is the show’s elephant trainer. His parade of powerful pachyderms performs picturesque pyramids with flair and precision.Broadway Bo, an Asian elephant considered one of the most entertaining acts in the circus world, is part of Carden’s act.Bo, who has mastered more than 60 maneuvers, can skip, dance like a ballerina, and play drums, harmonica and trumpet.In addition to clowns, jugglers, Raffo’s Tigers, motocross, Caroline Williams’ Liberty Horses, acrobats, high-wire artists and captivating canines, there are all sorts of specialty acts, including David Smith the Human Cannonball and third-generation hair-hanger Andrea Ayala Raffo.Tickets for reserved seats are $18, $22 and $25. They are available at the expo box office and through TicketMaster. Call (800) 745-3000. For more information, visit http://www.kosaircircus.com/.

WBCA Carnival Ride Malfunctions
By KGNS News, Laredo, Texas
Feb 10, 2012