HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1995-08-02, Page 8Page 8
Times -Advocate, August 2, 1995
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Karen Mansfield, Bob
Mann, John Scott and
son Devon, Phil Maguire
and B111 Weber conduct-
ed a small opening cer-
emony declaring July 27
'circus day' in Grand
Bend, at top from left.
Left, Brandon Millar
from Hensall plays with
a dinosaur his mother
bought for him at the
circus.
A day at the circus is
special for children
and this young boy,
pictured at top left,
was delighted with
the pony ride. Alicia
Harrison and her sis-
ter Michelle from
Grand Bend, above
enjoy some cotton
candy while below
left, Stella Park from
Exeter reacts to a
side show perfor-
mance prior to the
main act.
Circus clowns were popular among the children as
they handed out balloons and smiles.
Photos and story by
Chris Skalkos and
Heather Mir
Kelly -Miller Circus is a
traditional `mudshow'
PORT BLAKE - "Colne one come all!"
The Kelly -Miller Brothers Circus rolled into Port
Blake on Thursday to entertain over 2000 spec-
tators from Grand Bend and surrounding areas.
Over 30 trucks were needed to haul the travelling
circus group from Hugo Ohio. They performed
everything from thrilling high -wire and trapeze acts
to amazing animal shows under a big -top tcnt.
Kelly -Miller comes to the Bluewater area once
every two years. This year, the event was organized
by the Grand Bend Rotary Club and all proceeds
were donated to a variety of different charities.
John Scott, rotary club member and circus co-
ordinator said over a dozen rotary club people vol-
unteered their time to help make this event a suc-
cess. He said the Grand Bend Chamber of
Commerce has looked after organizing the event in
previous years and this is the first time the Rotary
club has taken on the project.
Most of the tickets for the one day show were
sold in advance and according to Scott the profits
will provide a tremendous boost for local charities.
"The more revenue we make the more we give to
the community," he said.
Scott said the task of organizing and making the
necessary preparations is a task almost as enormous
as the circus itself.
"You have to clear a lot of hurdles to get the prop-
er permits and make the necessary arrangements,"
he said.
But in the end he felt it was all worth while as the
two shows were both filled with spectators, most of
whom were families with young children.
"This is definitely a family event and Grand Bend
needs more family entertainment such as this. It's
really oneheck of a show," said Scott.
Albert Vondesheid is a vendor who travels with
the circus from March to October. He said a total of
90 entertainers and support staff are involved with
the circus and they are practising their unique form
of entertainment according to the tradition of trav-
elling "mud -shows" that began over 150 years ago.
"If you want to be in show business, the circus is
it. It's more of a lifestyle than a job;" he said.
Vondesheid said the circus mostly performs in
small towns and he feels they are appreciated more
there than in large cities.
"When our show comes to town it provides a way
for local non-profit organizations to raise funds for
charity and the whole community comes out and
has a good time."