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Do You Remember?
By Sharon Hopper
At the Summer Concert in the park last Sunday night (July13) the main
circus theme was played and upon listening to that piece of music many
many memories came flooding back from my childhood. I lived in a town
where the big B circus came every year or so and it was a holiday of
sorts. The big B stands for Barnum & Bailey Ringling Bros. Circus.
The Greatest Show on Earth.
My grandfather was a great fan of the circus and on circus day I would
stay at their house so we could get up very early and watch the train
unload the circus and watch the parade go from the train to the grounds
where the Big Top would be erected along with the side show tents and
animal cages. I remember this vividly because it was amazing to watch
the elephants work on command setting the poles and raising the Big Top
and side show tents and it was all done by 10:00 in the morning. Then
my grandpa would lead me through the circus grounds and show me the
animals that were caged and the others like the horses and monkeys that
were kept in smaller outside quarters.
After awhile we would go home, have some lunch and a nap. It had
already been a long day and we still had the circus show to see that
evening. My dad and mother would come to town and the whole family
would meet at my grandparents and pile into two cars and proceed to the
circus, rain or shine. I say that because a couple of times we went in
the rain with all that mud covered with straw. Made no difference.
Inside the show was bright and the band was playing for the performers.
What a wonderful time that was. The excitement of the show, the
laughter at the clowns, the amazement of the circus performers and the
excitement of the wild animals. For two hours it was pure magic.
My Dad was a big fan of the circus and he always stayed to watch the
elephants and workers proceed to lower the BigTop and pack up
everything and prepare to load the train for the next stop. Imagine
doing that day after day all over this country. Living the life of a
circus performer is a great, exciting thing to imagine, but in reality
it is hard work and demanding in time and talent. I have since seen the
big B since it has been moved to arenas. I understand the necessity for
that move but I really am glad that I had the experience to see and
experience first hand and in person The Greatest Show on Earth.
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