Kate goes on an Adventure to the Circus

Coffee Break with Liz and Kate » Headline, Kate's Escapades » Kate goes on an Adventure to the Circus

May 11th, 2010 | Add a Comment

Last week my daughter came home from work with some circus coupons which basically said, and I paraphrase, “If you pay a small fortune for an adult ticket and promise us your next born child, we’ll let your kid in for free”. Always a sucker for a “good deal” like that, I rounded up the troops and headed out for an evening of good, old fashioned, controversial family entertainment.

Here is where I should tell you I have very mixed feelings about the whole circus thing (very similar to my mixed feelings about the whole zoo thing). At that moment, part of my brain was racing trying to remember reports I’d watched, and stories I’d read, about circus animal cruelty and how miserable the animals might possibly be. Another part of my brain was feeling warm, fuzzy, nostalgic thoughts about how fun and exciting I remembered going to the circus was when I was a kid, and thinking that this circus must surely be full of nice animal trainers.

I know that in some parts of the U.S., the mere mention of a circus coming to town might result in an some sort of politically correct response like a community protest. I, however, live in Spanish Fork, Utah. Our status symbols consist of how loud your diesel truck is and if you have a big rack (of deer antlers hanging in your garage, of course. What did you think I meant?) The highlight of our year is the sold-out rodeo held every July, which would also likely cause an animal rights protest in many parts of the country. The other high spot of our year is hunting season. We have so many hunters here that we hold a draw, similar to a lottery, to select which lucky few get the privilege of trying to take down some big game. Enough said? I somehow knew that the fine citizens in my community would have no problem welcoming the circus to town.

At this point my mental flip-flopping about the going to the circus was brought to a quick halt because my children had seen the circus coupons and were in full begging mode, which I have to admit easily tipped the scales to the warm fuzzy side.

I grabbed my camera and press pass headed off on the Gatti Circus Adventure. (Once again the NPPA press pass worked magnificently…even got me access to the INSIDE of the circus ring.)

We had a great time at this little family run circus. The performers and workers were a friendly and fun bunch. The typical delicious and unhealthy goodies were abundant. The animals seemed to be well taken care of (at least that’s what I’m telling myself). So here are some images from my adventure to the circus…

Leo the clown was by far my favorite part of the circus. He had great interaction with the crowd (and with me). His nuttiness seemed to come naturally, perhaps too naturally, the true sign of a great clown. The hair on his face...it's real.

Here's the star of the circus, Big Patti. When the light hits her just right like this, you can see how her youthful appearance is emphasized. Perhaps she'd like to share her skin care secrets with the Coffee Break readers?

Who doesn't love a good dogs-pushing-kids-cars-and-going-down-slides act? My 21 year old immediately came home and watched Bingo (the movie about dogs escaping from a cruel circus).I guess we all know where she stands on the circus cruelty issue.

Some of the fine rodeo loving, animal hunting, big truck driving, circus loving folk who attended the same performance as us.

And last, but certainly not least, our friend Big Patti, who obviously has some bladder control issues. Sorry, I couldn't resist. Look at the smile on the big girl's face.