Have you ever been to the circus?

@GardenGerty (160696)
United States
April 17, 2010 1:38pm CST
I do event security for the company my husband works for, I do not get much work, but this weekend I am working at a small circus. I know some people are scared of clowns, some people are opposed to animal acts, etc. So have you ever been to a circus, and how did you like it? I went to one as a teen, rebellious all the way because my MOTHER made me go. It was a Ringling Bros. circus and was huge. I like this one much better, it is small, has some good acts and the animals and equipment seem well taken care of. There is just enough thrill to make it a good time. I was at two performances yesterday, will be at one and one half today and one tomorrow. The work does not pay well, but I get to see the circus for free!!
13 people like this
44 responses
@Dumpertaker (1187)
17 Apr 10
I have never been to the circus...I always wanted to go to a circus when I was a child, but my father said I wasn't worth paying for tickets. The one year I could have gone to the circus (friends gave me money to go) my father said I wasn't allowed to go because I have allegedly stolen some money, which was untrue.
4 people like this
• United States
17 Apr 10
Your father sounds just like my father! WOW!!! Couldn't believe that. One year, I was about 14, I was in our church play and I wanted my dad to go see me, (he NEVER went to church!)he said he couldn't cause he had to much work to do. So I carried all the wood in and stacked it, till I couldn't get more in. We had to pump our own water so I pumped and carried water in. Filled everytihng in the house so he would have no excuse. He didn't go!!!! I have never forgotten that!
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
18 Apr 10
Very sad, both of you. I hope two things for you First, I hope that each of you are nice to yourselves, because you are worth it, and secondly, if there are kids in your life I hope and pray that you remember how you felt as children and do your best to not make them feel that way. Use your fathers as the best bad example of how to treat children and other human beings.
1 person likes this
18 Apr 10
My father abused me mentally, physically and sexually so I don't talk to him any more, if I did I fear I would do something that I would regret. As for kids, I don't want any...because as much as it repulses me I fear the abused will become the abuser.
1 person likes this
@basqui (3888)
• Philippines
18 Apr 10
I was still in primary school the first time I've been to a circus, I was maybe 10 then. It was The Royal London Circus that played in the city. I was really amazed of the acts and to see the animals I only see in pictures. It was really a fun time for me then. I wish I could go to big circuses like it again. We have small circuses here but not as amazing as those performers I've seen before.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
18 Apr 10
There were some pretty exciting acts in this circus, although it was not a big one. I bet The Royal London Circus was really huge. It sounds like fun.
1 person likes this
@tonyllenium (6252)
• Italy
18 Apr 10
i watched the circus show many times ago when i was a child and so i did not really remember much because i was really little...normally the circus was a great attraction but noticed that in the last year surely their appeal is realli go down in relation to the past!!
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
18 Apr 10
There is a certain amount of excitement that only a kid can feel. I think I am enjoying this circus a lot, though, partly because I am interested in how things are staged.
2 people like this
@cupkitties (7421)
• United States
18 Apr 10
I went once with a friend and I honestly don't remember much about it except the people who were swinging to each other in the air and my friend when he said "F...THAT!!" about the soda and snack prices.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
18 Apr 10
Aerialists are exciting, and concessions are out of sight as far as prices go.
1 person likes this
@cbjones (1147)
• United States
18 Apr 10
I don't have any recollection of ever going to a circus as a kid. I've been to the state fair a few times, but never a circus. I assume the elephants are just as large in either venue, correct? And carnies and circus clowns are pretty the same anyway(carnies are cooler though.)
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
18 Apr 10
Elephants are always huge. Carnies are more like the guys who operate the games and rides and try to boost sales. Clowns can be good or bad to be around. . . they scare lots of people. Carnies usually have some kind of a spiel, clowns might be more physical humor.
1 person likes this
• Canada
18 Apr 10
never been to one myself but always wanted to go
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
18 Apr 10
Perhaps you will get a chance sometime. I actually like it better as an adult.
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
20 Apr 10
Hi Gerty Yes I have been to a Circus but I was about 11 when I went I did enjoy it then, but now I have no urge to go, as I do not like the Clowns they seem evil to me I don't know why but I think they do I do hope you enjoy the Circus though lol
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
23 May 10
There have been many horror stories written with clowns in them. I have performed as a clown, and the group I was with emphasized the non scary aspects, and performed in the spirit of the jester who was allowed to advise the kings because of his humor. I have seen some scary looking clowns.
• Canada
17 Apr 10
when I was really little I went to one, but we had to leave, because the noise was just too much for me. I was not scared of the clowns or the animals, I just never did take that well to loud noises. As an adult I went to one, and it was much better, not as loud as the one I went to as a kid.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
18 Apr 10
This one is about two hours and a little more long. Not as loud as some, and not so overwhelming. The acts are quality acts, though.
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63594)
• United States
17 Apr 10
I have been to circuses and I have to say, I'm not fond of clowns but as much as I love animals, they are here to be used, as the Lord said (not abused or neglected) and honestly, while it has happened in the past, most realize that abused or neglected animals aren't going to be good in the show...
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
18 Apr 10
I thought of you during the big cat act. The lioness is a ham of the worst sort. She lays on her back and refuses to move. The handler DRAGS her around by her front and rear leg. Then he cranks her up like an old jalopy with her tail to get her going. All the big cats get treats, at the end of long skewers, looks like about 4 oz of raw meat at a time. At the end the lion PROVES he is king of the beasts by refusing to leave on cue, and it is all part of the act, I have seen it five times now.
3 people like this
@ElicBxn (63594)
• United States
18 Apr 10
cool! I like the big kittys, gee, I wonder why...
1 person likes this
@Maggiepie (7816)
• United States
20 Apr 10
Oh how I'd love to see the lion act!!! I wonder--could you possibly post any snapshots or anything? Maggiepie Can't find a spot for your discussion that really fits? Try Open Mike!
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
18 Apr 10
I love circuses too and was to the Ringling brotheres in Anaheim and we had so much fun. there were lions and tigers and bears, and a lot of elphants too. but what I always loved was the high wired and aerialists best they were so exciting too. We used to have small circuses come through the midwest when I lived in South Dakota and they were always so much fun to go to. I remember I always ate a lotof cotton candy and drank strawberry pop. Ihavent had strawberry pop in years. lol lol lol.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
18 Apr 10
It has been awhile since I have eaten cotton candy, but it used to be my favorite treat. We have some good aerialists in this circus. They seem to be whole families that work together on their acts.
1 person likes this
@Maggiepie (7816)
• United States
20 Apr 10
I once had a date with an old, retired trapeze artist, who took me to the inner circle (backstage, I guess you'd call it), where everyone prepared for the show. I got to see up close for the first time real tigers (), & smell the strong pong from the other various critters, meet folks, & in general be dazzled. It was my first circus, & I got to walk around the front in the big parade with everyone else! Maybe because I had on weird clothing (I designed it), people just took me for part of the circus. Heady stuff! But I've come to prefer the smaller circuses, the intimacy, the fact that one can really see everything, impossible when trying to track the action in 3 rings and the stuff that happens overhead. In its own way, a little circus is just as exciting as the glamorous B&B types. Still, I'll never forget that first night! Maggiepie Can't find a spot for your discussion that really fits? Try Open Mike!
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
23 May 10
I would love to see some of the clothes that you designed. I used to wear some pretty interesting stuff myself.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
26 May 10
Sounds gorgeous and fun.
@Maggiepie (7816)
• United States
26 May 10
Well, you could never accuse me of being a seamstress (), but once in a while I'd break out the needles, pins, scissors, threads & material, & design something. It nearly always had a long skirt, which I prefer. For example, once I designed a white satin caftan on which I had used a sunny, buttery yellow dye to paint occasional large blooms, using tiny streaks of black India ink to hint at stamens & other structure.. The sheen of the satin, & the random bursts of color glowing forth from the billowing material looked glorious in the beach sun--very flowing & romantic, with my waist-length strawberry blonde mane! Maggiepie "It is the absolute right of the state to supervise the formation of public opinion." ~ Joseph Goebbels, infamous Nazi
1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
17 Apr 10
I haven't been to a circus in probably 25 years. A small circus came to town & i took my son to see it. We both enjoyed it. Things like circuses & carnivals don't come to town like they use to. They use to be real big events in this small town. Of course when ur kids get grown u don't always know what's going on either or care.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
18 Apr 10
We are in a small town but have a carnival for a week every year, in early May. The celebration started as a way to honor graduating eighth graders, over one hundred years ago. It is a huge day in our community with the carnival for a week before hand and a nice parade.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
23 May 10
I went out of town and missed the parade this year.
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
18 Apr 10
gOOD SUNDAY MORNING gg, sounds like it use to be here on the 4th of july when the carnival came. It was a big day here. U saw people u hadn't seen in ages. they had live entertainment all day & a performer usually from nashville as the main attraction. It was a fun time especially for the kids. Thi9ngs sure do change.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (167015)
• Boise, Idaho
17 Apr 10
When I was very young I used to go to the circus nearly every year. As I grew older I still loved to see all the animals but I hated to see just one(I think there should always be two so they have another of their own species to pal around with) of a certain species and see them caged up. I don't like to go to the zoo anymore either because of this same thing. I feel so sorry for them it is upsetting for me.
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
18 Apr 10
All of the animals in this show have multiples, so they have "friends" except the horse that I think is a Percheron is the only Percheron, the other horses are white Arabians, I believe. All of them seemed affectionate with their handlers and excited to perform. Many zoos are getting better about provide natural like habitat and "toys" for mental stimulation for animals. They have come a long way.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
18 Apr 10
I am wrong, the horse is not a Percheron, wrong colors. I will have to research.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (167015)
• Boise, Idaho
18 Apr 10
I am glad they have multiples. And I think they have come a long way also.
1 person likes this
@cyrus123 (6363)
• United States
18 Apr 10
I used to go to the small circuses that would come to Jasper all the time. I went to the Ringling Bros. Circus in Birmingham several years ago and I really enjoyed it! I never had been to a big circus like that before. I even bought a clown mug! It's so cute! I especially enjoyed the horse acts. You know me and how I like horses, anyway, LOL! Not only were you able to get in the circus free but you made some extra money as well, even if it wasn't much. Kathy.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
18 Apr 10
The horse acts in this one do not involve much riding, but the horses even have costumes of a sort. There is one that comes out, with a sparkly horn like a unicorn. He, or she is a large horse, I was thinking a draft horse, because there was a lot of hair around its ankles (should I say feathers around its fetlocks?), but it had big patches of color, kind of like a paint pony, but it was definitely not a pony. There were six white horses, later, with wings on, like Pegasus, and I am assuming they were Arabians, but I will have to look more closely tomorrow. Maybe you could tell me from my descriptions a little more about the horses.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
23 May 10
Circus horse - They had six performing white horses, that all had wings attached.
Gonna go look for horse pictures for you ladies. I hope Elic posts about her horse experience. My hubby does not care for horses. The only time he got up on one she decided to roll with him.
1 person likes this
@Maggiepie (7816)
• United States
20 Apr 10
Gerty: Ask Elic about horses, as they're her other favorite subject, & she knows gobs about them, & even taught dressage long ago. While you're asking her that, get her to ell you about the time she took me to see the Lipizzaner review, & a particular trick one of the non-Lipizzaner horses played! Maggiepie Can't find a spot for your discussion that really fits? Try Open Mike!
2 people like this
• United States
17 Apr 10
When we were in Canada we went through a safari and they had a circus there. We enjoyed it. Don't remember any clowns. Don't even remember the name of it. Loved the animals. It wasn't one of these mobile ones though it was a permanent part of the safari.
2 people like this
• United States
18 Apr 10
I don't remember us feeding the animals butthey did come up to the van. We have two zoos here and we can feed that giraffes the kids love it.
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
18 Apr 10
I have been to an animal park that you drive through called the Arbuckle Wilderness, in Oklahoma. By the time we left we had been slobbered on by camels and our mirrors were full of ostrich drool. I would love to go back! The animals recognized the cups that you bought animal food in to give them, and would chase you down for them.
1 person likes this
@drannhh (15219)
• United States
17 Apr 10
I have never been to the Circus, unless you count the Circus-Circus Casino in Las Vegas. I went there once and saw some amazing trapeze performers from Mexico. And hubby played the bonk the rooster into the cooking pot arcade game and bonked so hard the "rooster" flew clear out of the second floor arcade and landed in the middle of a blackjack table down below on the first floor! The next time he didn't hit it quite so hard and won me a nice stuffed animal, rflol. My mum was one of those opposed to animal acts, especially when the animals were 2-legged. She did not want me seeing people on display as "freaks" or whatever. I've seen circuses on TV though, and never thought the clowns were funny. I guess I just don't like that kind of humor. But doing security at the circus sounds like fun. Sounds like a great part time job to me! Have fun, but be careful and don't get hurt...
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
18 Apr 10
This circus is not too heavy on the clown acts. Most of it was funny, if a little slapstick. I have performed as a clown and taken a class from a group of Ringling CLowns. Little bit of trivia, in my clown troupe we were taught that the clown eye paint aka "tears" were there to show that for just this short time the clown is willing to take on the tears of the world so that the world can laugh. I would have laughed so hard at your husband bonking the rooster it would have split my sides. I have not seen any "freak shows" associated with the circus in a long while, but do see them at the fair. All the animals in this one seem well cared for, and playful and affectionate.
2 people like this
@drannhh (15219)
• United States
18 Apr 10
I did laugh until the tears rolled down. I was gasping and clutching my tummy doubled over when I saw the face of the black jack dealer. Aye, Yie, Yie. I probably should have had the sense to be afraid but it was just so funny. Probably if I saw you being a clown, that would be funny, too, but so far the ones I've seen have not made me laugh. I painted tears on my face once at Halloween once. Big blue ones!
1 person likes this
@ifa225 (14461)
• Indonesia
13 Apr 11
i remember that my mother took me to see it when i was just seven maybe. and i can say that it was not a good experience. the place is not great just like i used to see on TV. but maybe my mother just want me to have more experience about many things
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
13 Apr 11
Circus on TV has all the bad things covered up. I am certain that you are right this was something that your mom wanted to share with you, and there are really some wonderful things when you put all of the color and fancy clothes on it. I hope you did enjoy the time you spent with her.
1 person likes this
@jugsjugs (12967)
5 May 10
I went to the circus when i was really young and i loved it as there were lots of different acts.We also took our children to the circus a few years ago now and they loved it the trapease was great aswell as the clowns.While we were at the circus we did notice that there were no animals as they are now not allowed to perferm in the acts.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
23 May 10
I guess some places they do not allow the animals to perform, but you know, there are lots of things that are entertaining without animal acts.
• Boston, Massachusetts
24 Apr 10
Hi Garden, Yes. I've been to the circus since i was still a kid and even when i am already working as i took the clients to the circus in one of their weekend outings. i admire the performers. they are really skilled to do risky stunts and they are truly amazing!
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
23 May 10
I do especially like the acrobats and aerialists. The sparkly pretty clothes are great to help the circus seem glamorous.
@cip116 (1011)
• Romania
5 May 10
I have been to the circus a few times First I saw a blue whale "dry" Then I was when my son was small Show is not like TV Cirque de Soleil is fantastic !
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
23 May 10
Displaying an animal that way does not seem right. I agree, the Cirque De Soeil is fascinating but I will probably only ever see it on television.