Yesterday evening found us at the Cole Brothers Circus! It was so much better than I thought it was going to be… I was apprehensive because tickets were pretty inexpensive, the kids were free, the tent was set up in a field adjacent to our local community college, and, quite frankly, carnies/showfolk kind of freak me out… I mean, how do they decide that they want to make a living twirling by their hair from a wire 20 ft in the air while juggling? How do they know they have that talent? What do you put on your resume? Gypsy? Are there recruiters for circus jobs? It’s very intriguing and freaky at the same time.
Anyway, it was exactly how I remember circuses to be when I was a kid. Animals, excitement, popcorn and cotton candy!
The kids loved it, of course. We went with some friends so there were 4 moms and 8 kids in our party. Luckily, we were all able to sit together right in the middle of the tent. We didn’t lose anybody either, so, that’s a total bonus.
Some of the performances were pretty amazing. Like the guy on the spinning hoop thing and the girl doing tricks with hanging sheets and the acrobats on the flying trapeze.
The dog and pony show was fun to watch too.
The cotton candy was a huge hit with the kids as well. There’s nothing like a pre-dinner sugar high! Just look at his eyes gleaming with a sugary haze.
Cutie Pie loved the “EFFANTS!” He kept chanting, “Effant, effant, effant” when they came into the ring. It was so sweet.
The clowns were a tad strange but that’s to be expected. I really don’t like clowns… No matter how endearing they try to act.
The best part for Wildman was seeing a man get shot out of a cannon. He couldn’t wait to get home to tell J!
It was a good time. I’m so glad we had the opportunity to go!
Adventures of Four 
onescrappygal
Nov 12, 2008 @ 14:51:15
A clown would just as soon stab you as it would hug you! I fear them too!
As for carnies…they are part of what made this country so great! OK maybe not…
Glad you all had a good time. I, too, wonder how one finds they have a talent for carnival life. My boy is very flexible. I think he might have a future as a contortionist. How do I KNOW though?
Angela
Nov 12, 2008 @ 15:43:07
Looks like you all had fun. We went to that circus a few years ago, and it wasn’t bad, but a camel got loose and that was quite a spectacle!
I think I was biting my nails the whole time that guy was running on that huge metal hamster wheel thing! Yikes!
pullacreep
Nov 13, 2008 @ 19:12:22
I enjoyed your photo’s and story. I have to disagree though with your thoughts about circus people. If you knew them you would find out that they have the same concerns as any other normal person…they pay bills, raise children, get an education, have concerns about making it to the next town on time with out having an accident… I would say the majority of them are hard working, good people like you and your friends. I worked for circusees here inthe US (Rinling Bros., UniverSoul Big Top and in Europe) for over 20 years. I would say that the only difference is the way me make a living. Please check out my photo’s of the circus if ou have a moment or two:
http://billpayne.wordpress.com/bills-photos/
Regards,
Bill