As part of their 78th consecutive year of touring the USA, Carson & Barnes Circus, the largest traveling big top tent circus in America will visit Russellville on Friday, Oct. 24. Performances will be at Ag Arena on the grounds of the Logan County Extension Office, located at 255 John Paul Road.
The event is sponsored by the Logan County Tourist & Convention Commission in an effort to bring more quality entertainment to Logan County and as a fund raiser to support other tourism efforts.
Show times are scheduled for 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. on that Friday. For the best value, fans should purchase their advance tickets from the tourism office at the Historic Logan County Courthouse, at Daymar College or at the Logan County Chamber of Commerce. Ticket prices: Adult/$12, Child/$6; or at the gate on Circus Day, Adult/$16, Child/$10. Tickets can also be purchased online at the Circus website at www.BigTopShow.com. Tickets bought online incur a per-ticket charge of $1.50.
Circus fans can get free discount tickets at area retailers or print them from the Circus website at www.BigTopShow.com to get a child in free with the purchase of an adult ticket at the gate, from local outlets, or when buying online.
The following is a description of the circus submitted by Carson & Barnes:
The Carson & Barnes Circus is “The Real Circus” with everything fans expect to see under the big top: clowns, acrobats, aerial daredevils, spectacular pageantry, and a cast of amazing performing animals led by the biggest stars of the show—the Carson & Barnes Asian elephants. We are the oldest family-owned circus in the United States. We strive to provide an experience for all ages showcasing artists from around the world. There is something for every generation to enjoy and create a cherished family memory.
The show is “still” the traditional circus under the Big Top with over 78 years of experience. The children are the prime reason we travel from city to city each year bringing magic and enchantment to each town. Carson & Barnes Circus feels there is nothing more rewarding than watching the glow in the eyes of children who are witnessing circus magic for the first time.
It would be difficult to choose the “most exciting” part of the show. Every act of this year’s tour has been hand selected to provide a unique experience for all in attendance. Patrons can expect to sit in awe for the following productions: The Globe of Death, Flying Cavallini’s, “Smallest elephant in the world”, Rosales Family Juggling Legend, Masters of Magic and Illusion, Canine Capers, Equines of Excellence featuring the beautiful Appaloosa Stallions, Arial Ballot, Teenage Singing Sensation and the stars of the show – the Spectacular Ponderous Pachyderms!
One of the most popular attractions at the Circus is before the show. The Circus travels with a menagerie of exotic animals including a rare Sicilian donkey, two llamas, a miniature zebra and a standard-sized zebra, an alpaca, camels and a half-dozen pygmy goats. Kids delight in the chance to get up close and pet these unusual creatures – free of charge.
Also on the Circus midway the little tykes can ride a miniature train or saddle-up for a Shetland pony ride. For older kids there's the SuperSlide. Towering above all along the midway are those magnificent Asian elephants and the camels. Both can be ridden with the right ticket in hand.
With a cast of dozens and twenty-five vehicles loaded with everything from popcorn bags to grandstands, exotic animals, hundreds of costumes and tons of equipment for the performers, and even the big top tent itself, every day is an adventure.
For the nearly one million guests who will gather under the tent this year for the thrills and excitement that are the hallmark of the greatest of all family entertainments, it all comes down to the center ring where the outside world yields to the fantasy world under the big top — an American icon.
Find a complete tour schedule, show information, and how to buy tickets visit the circus website at www.BigTopShow.com or call 580 743-7292.