A unique piece of authentic Americana

[Owl Mirror]

The Circus came to town today, I went to the early show and am glad I made time to do so.
It was such a refreshingly unique piece of authentic Americana.
I almost forgot how it felt, enjoying a family travelling circus.

This of course, is the outside tents and the BIG TOP

This is the Ringmaster announcing the beginning of the show.

This is the Ringmaster, closing the show with a fire eating act.
It concluded with a series of these huge fireballs.

When was the last time, you did not go to the circus, when it came through your hometown ?
These travelling family circus are a slowly dying breed.
People simply have no desire to support these authentic American traditions.
I'm glad I went today because, it may be the very last time I shall see such a great show again.
I wholeheartedly urge you to make time, the next time a travelling circus comes through town and invite any children you may know or parent. You won't regret it, I promise ;>}

 

[resin_lung]

That looks like a blast. I've never been to a circus, I've never even been to the zoo!!! LOL do they come every year?

 

[Owl Mirror]

That looks like a blast. I've never been to a circus, I've never even been to the zoo!!! LOL do they come every year?

Well, these type of Family circus troops used to be common.
The Ringmaster talked about that point, saying that in 1994 there were 3000 travelling Family circus troops around the country and, today there are only 9

This isn't Barnum and Baily, all the performers were under 21 and part of the same family. They had jugglers, clowns, animals, women on swings and ropes doing high wire tricks and ended with a magic show and a fire-eater.
They also had a petting zoo, complete with a Camel, Zebra, Llama and some ponies.

I even bought my favorite Bar tender a red rubber clown nose ;>}

If you ever see an advertisement for a small family run circus, you won't regret making time and taking a kid(s) for some afternoon fun.

 

[eglider]

Yup, More fun that you would ever think you could have. I was suprised by the quality and skill of the acts. Amazing trapeze work and a hugely funny clown and dog show. It was well worth the price of admission and watching the pleasure of my young daughter and her friends marvel at the skill of an arielist close in age to themselves was priceless.

Watch out for llama spit, they are very accurate....and smelly.

A must see event. It will definatly take you back to another place in time.

 

[resin_lung]

L.A. sucks!!! LOL

 

[Owl Mirror]

L.A. sucks!!! LOL

Come on resin_lung, LA has to have a circus, somewhere ;>}

Here are some cool links I just found: http://www.circushistory.org/index.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traveling_circus

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_circuses_and_circus_owners

 

[resin_lung]

I use to see commercials for "ringling bros, barnum and baily" but I haven't seen them in 15-20 years. we do have pretty good county fairs though.

 

[The Southpaw]

I always loved taking the kids to the circus..

 

[cellardweller]

aw shit..
I thought you had a pic of Betsy Ross's granny panties..