Saturday afternoon we took the kids to the circus that visited our village (only two performances over the weekend).
I had in my mind it would be a big affair, but it was in fact a very little circus.
We arrived a little early as we weren't sure what to expect. This guy met us at the entrance:
He was snacking, slobbering and enjoying the view of our village.
Oh look, camel toe.
Someone brought her favourite new handbag:
The whole Big Top seated maybe 200 people. We paid a little extra so we could sit ringside.
This fella was the opening act. His tricks were quite tame but being right next to such a small ring with a galloping horse, it got the heart a-thumping.
This little guy came on next, hamming it up for the audience, showing he was just as good as the big horses.
All the acts were aimed at the younger kids (ours loved it).
Being so small, staff were at a minimum.
The two jugglers were also the two cowboys/lasso artists.
Then one of them jumped up on the trapeze:
After which he put on his coat and went to take over the snack station!
I loved that they weren't at all fazed about being a small operation, in fact they played up to it.
I've never seen a kitten used as a circus act. But look at that fella go - he's just a blur!
Cranky goat was cranky:
All those sitting ringside were then asked to move their chairs back half a metre. The big guns were coming out.
The jumping llama was first up.
Then the big guy himself. He set a cracking pace around the ring, right up close to the barrier.
I firmly believe there are some things in this world that should not be seen running. Naked men, for instance. And camels.
There was not a part of him that wasn't wobbling. The humps wobbled, the neck rolls wobbled, the lips flapped.
After his trainer gave him a reward he started frothing at the mouth again. Then he was back running around the ring, spittle flying off in all directions.
I guess you can imagine how he smelled. This was intensified when he took a leak half way through his second run. Very camelly.
But he was a clever boy.
Next up was the clown, who was charming and had all the kids in tears.
Our 6 year old was laughing so hard I was worried he'd follow in the camel's footsteps (he managed to hold on).
The clown was the closing act, I don't think anyone could have followed him.
The circus was a fun two hours which the kids in particular really enjoyed.
I don't know if I can say the same for the camel.
Have a fab weekend, everyone!
9 comments:
It's so sad to see wild animals made doing circus tricks...
Ok, I'm ROFL here. And the cameltoe? I told you crafty ladies went nuts :D
Diana, after that video last week I figured you might want to see some proper camel toe!
Anonymous, you raise a valid point - and I will admit I wasn't sure how I was going to go at the circus, how I would feel about the animals there. (This was my first circus). While I can't say anything about other circuses, I will say that these animals were in top condition, obviously well cared for. When we arrived they were all out of their enclosures moving about, eating grass/hay what not. During their performances only food rewards were used, there was no 'negative' training. The crops the trainers held were used to lightly touch the larger animals' hindquarters to let them know to change direction, extend a foot, etc. On several occasions the animals did NOT perform - it was obvious they had 'missed a trick'. The animal received a scratch behind the ears and the trainer gave a 'you win some you lose some' look. From the audience they received applause. While I don't know what their day to day life is like, I feel I could vouch for their training conditions.
You mention wild animals - I don't feel many of the animals in this particular circus are wild, perhaps the camel? All the others are commonly domesticated/herded etc. I think that circuses are starting to head this way because of concerns with lions/elephants/monkeys living this sort of lifestyle (esp as the lion wouldn't get to graze outside the big top, he'd spend his life confined). I think this is a good thing.
kirsty, your photos are fantastic again. thanks for the circus tour , i loved it. i got an extra thrill out of seeing miss 5 with her budgie bag slung stylishly over her shoulder. we take our kids to the circus every year during the summer beach break and it is exactly as you describe, a small family affair with trapeze artists doubling as popcorn vendors. hilarious. all adds to the fun of watching your kids wide eyed amazement at the spectacle. nice camel hoof
Ahh a camel salivating, yep couldn't miss that or the camel toe :)
Great to see your photos of the circus, and someone with her new handbag!
Love your circus photos! Had a good laugh about the camel toe!! I've only been to the circus once, years ago when I only had two girls. It's quite sweet really when most of the acts are done by people and not amimals. I always love the swinging girls up high. Wouldn't you love to be able to do that?
Ah! A real camel toe! What fun- I felt like I was there with you! Lots of lovely memories made and thanks for sharing them!
Too funny! How many trapeze guys can also juggle? I could probably manage only the snack-selling part of his repertoire.
Ha ha, LMAO. That may be the ugliest camel I have ever seen. And as for his toe...Actually not as bad as some...
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