Under the big top

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Contributed report

DEMOPOLIS-Did you say a 5-ring circus? Over 100 exotic and domestic animals?

A host of performers from around the world?

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The biggest circus tent in the world?

Here in town?

“YES!”

To all of the above and more. Carson&Barnes Circus is coming to Demopolis on Oct. 26 for a shows at 4:30 or 7:30 p.m.

Hosted by the Demopolis Rotary Club, this is the largest traditional big top circus touring America today.

Its 300-foot tent is longer than a football field and it takes a space equal to three football fields for the entire circus community to unfold. When you see its 80 transport vehicles (including trucks, trailers and RV’s) you’ll know that this circus is one big operation traveling America for over 66 years.

It will be at Demopolis High School.

One night stands?

You bet.

Of the 250 days a year the circus plays, some 200 of them will be in different towns and cities where folks of all ages turn out for some good old-fashioned circus fun.

“LIVE in front of you, it’s the best bang for the buck anywhere,” according to a circus press release. “Rated ‘G,’ with no sensationalism, foul language, or violence of any kind, the Carson&Barnes circus can be billed as fast-paced action-filled family entertainment.”

“Watch in awe as lions and tigers mix in the same cage. Marvel at the death defying double wheels of destiny as acrobats perform at the peak of the big top. Be astounded by flying trapeze artists, clowns, jugglers, and the mammoth elephants. The Fusco family from Argentina will bring their ‘Malambo’ act to the United States. This Big Top center ring ‘Gaucho Extravaganza,’ will feature the cracking and sparkling whips used on the plains of the Pampas in Argentina.”

Early circus morning see the elephants pull the big poles up in the tent and visit the large traveling zoo featuring exotic and domestic animals, as they are unloaded, watered and fed.

Many of these species are rare and endangered, such as hippo, zebu, zonkie, zebra, camels and both Asian and African Elephants.

Advance ticket prices are $12 for those 12 and older and $6 for children ages 2 to 11.

Tickets the day of the circus are $16 and $8 respectively. Upgraded tickets will be available at the door.

Tickets are available at Parr’s Chevron in Demopolis and Greensboro, Spec-Tacular and the Blackbelt Gazette in Demopolis and from any Demopolis Rotary Club member.”

On Circus Day advance general admission tickets can be upgraded to preferred seating for an additional charge. Don’t miss the huge Carson&Barnes Circus.