Monday, June 16, 2008

Carson & Barnes

Published: June 14, 2008 02:34 am print this story email this story comment on this story

LOCKPORT: Carson & Barnes Circus rolls into town
By April Amadon
E-mail April
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal

There were thrills and excitement under the big top Friday as the Carson & Barnes Circus rolled into town, bringing with it clowns, elephants, acrobats and other traditional circus fare.

The three-ring circus, presented by the Sunrise Optimist Club and the Optimist Club of Lockport, brought an international cast of performers to Lockport for two performances.

“It’s a good old-fashioned circus,” said Doug Munsell, a.k.a. “Poppa D,” the circus spokesman, who was fully decked out in his clown gear Friday.

The performance kept up a constant motion, with all three rings moving at once.

A contortionist from Columbia fit his entire body through a tennis racket and then secured himself into a tiny box. Two girls performed spinning maneuvers while suspended on a pole from the ceiling.

Three performers balanced dozens of hula hoops on their bodies at once — with one girl spinning two around her limbs while suspended by a cable in midair.

The “Mixed Animal Revue” featured ponies, horses and performing poodles.

Troy Berning brought his daughter Zoyea, 4, to see the animals.

“She just loves animals,” he said. “She loves elephants and clowns.”

The performers came from all over the world, hailing from Brazil, Peru, Nicaragua, Italy, Mongolia, Germany and Argentina, among other countries.

There was no net for the gravity-defying acts, including the motorcycle rider who did a handstand on his handlebars while riding across a tightrope, and the two performers who walked blindfolded around the “Death-Defying Double Wheel of Destiny.”

Munsell said the Carson & Barnes Circus is the largest traveling big top in the United States, and has been in business for 72 years.

The smaller atmosphere is a bit more personal than a big arena circus, he said.

“You can sit in the front row and shake hands with the performers,” he said. “We’ve got a circus atmosphere.”

Contact reporter April Amadon at 439-9222, ext. 625

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