September 15,1980 NumberS?

Page 2 September 15,1980

Joseph C. ReisingerATTORNEY AT LAW

Entirtiinmem La* - Civil Trills - Immigration

For Frtt Consultation or AppointmentCall: 415 4 7 2 - 1 0 5 0

.• •INT'L MAGIC SPECTACULAR

BY DON SANDMAN

Jim Nordmark's "International Magic Spectacular" Show played in Delaware, Ohio, Aug. 2Vat the Willis Jr. High School, sponsored by theDelaware Jaycees.It was a well paced magic and circus perform-ance with Mines Rucker as ringmaster. LeeKetchem led the 4 piece band (organ, drums,bass, trumpet) and with the musicians doub-ling on other instruments it gave a big bandsound. The show was built around Joe Eddythe Master Illusionist and was presented asfollows:Overture by Lee Ketchem and the band; MissPatty, foot juggling; Joe Eddy, Master Illus-ionist; The Great Stradivarius (Tom Sinks)Popcorn the Clown; The Cycling Terrys; Pop-corn and Dusty, in See the Stars; Bobby Fair-)child, juggling wizard; Color Book Pitch; fol-lowed by a 15 minute intermission.Joe Eddy and Betty, illusions; Dusty theClown, rabbit from the hat; Miss Sally's Ex-otic Bird Fantasy; Popcorn and Dusty withthe Long Shirt; Terry O'Brien and Camille,slack wire juggling; Mines Rucker and Jerry,ventriloquist; Joe Eddy and Betty, lighterthan air, floating a lady.The show personnel all doubled as conces-sionaires. The O'Briens had popcorn; MattySinks, novelties; Betty Eddy works tickets;Bobby Fairchild, Popcorn and Dusty, colorbooks. Everyone helps to put it up and takeit down and another fine evening of enter-tainment is complete.

THE CIRCUS REPORT Is published each weekby Don Marcks, 525 Oak St., El Cerrlto, Calif.94530 - Phone: (415) 525-3332.SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $15.00 for the year,Overseas rate via surface mall Is $20.00 a year.ADVERTISING RATES: (Per Issue on a firstcome basis) Minimum Ad $5.00; Quarter Page$10.00; Half Page $20.00; Full Page $35.00

ACTS - Are you listed with us ?

DWIGHT DAMONEntertainment Unlimited

Lane Manor, Box 685, Merrimack, NH 03054

603 - 424 - 3341

On The CoverThe cover painting for this week is called "TheInterrupted Performance" and was created byA. Lonza, painted in early 1900.The scene is a rough anteroom of the circus. Anacrobat has been injured in the ring and hasbeen brought back to be offered assistance byhis fellow performers. The man is badly hurtand lies dazed on a make-shift couch.Two clowns are offering aid, while the womanof the group shows an intense interest in theinjured performer. The woman rider has cometo the doorway to inquire about the man'scondition.The artist has caught the entire group of circuspeople in a moment of unconsciousness, in thepresence of a possible fatal accident. These arecircus people, whose heart pours out to the in-jured man and who offer every aid, thus show-ing that human response triumphs over paint,mask and tinsel.

MiscellaneousEvery year in August the city of Wetumka,Okla., celebrates "Sucker Day" which includesthe crowning of a Queen and a variety of oth-er special features.The event is a reminder of an August day in1950, when a F. B. Morrison, of Chicago, soldmerchants tickets to a non-existant circus. Hewas later caught and jailed, but that sparkedthe beginning of "Sucker Day" every Aug. 23.

License PlatesOfficial Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. CircusLicense Plates. Limited edition of 500.Bright colors embossed on sturdy metal.

- $ 6.00 post paid -

B. F. B. ADVERTISINGP. 0. Box 578 Winter Park, Fla. 32790

CLARK'S LIONS

THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR MAKING

1980 A GREAT Y E A R

IAN GARDEN

M & M PRODUCTIONS

EMMETT KELLY, JR.

GEORGE MOFFITT

KLEIN'S ATTRACTIONS

LARRY GARDEN

SANDY DOBRITCH

PHIL GRANGER

AND A SPECIAL THANKS TO

THE HOWARD SCHULTZ AGENCY

Summer Address:23036 Ardmore ParkSt. Clair Shores. Mich. 48081

313 777 6502

Winter Address:Rte. 6 - Box 294McKinney, Texas 75069

214 542 • 3657

Page 4 September 15.1980

Show DatesGreat American CircusSep. 15 Oxford, Pa.

16 Bel Air, Md.17 Brooklyn Park18SevemaPark19 Sterling, Va.20 Marshall

Happytime CircusSep. 19-21 Newark, Calif.

Ringling-Bamum • BlueSep. 16-21 Seattle, Wash.

Ringling-Bamum - RedSep. 17-21 Toledo, Ohio

Royal Lichtenstein CircusSep. 15 Caldwell. Idaho

16 Boise17 Pocatello18 Salt Lake City, Ut19 Laramie, Wyom.20 Denver, Colo.

Swan Bros. CircusSep. 18-21 Lodi, Calif.

TNT & Royal OlympicSep. 17-21 Rapid City.SD

• - - • M A G I C - - - -

Chiron Magical MachineSep. 15 Tallahassee, Fla

16 Orange Park17 Jacksonville18 Fernando Beach20 Charleston, SC

Ron LondonSep. 20-27 Mitchell, SD

Prf. Miller Magic Time USASep. 16 Westminster, Colo

17 Longmont18 Loveland19 Boulder20 Windsor21 Ft. Morgan

Felix SnipesSep. 19-20 Cedar Falls,

Iowa

* •••«••••••••••••••••••••<

- • - - O T H E R D A T E S - - -

Burr's Fun-0-RamaSep. 14-20 Farmington.Me

Century 21 ShowsSep. 15-20 Rome, Ga.

James H. Drew ExpositionSep. 15-20 Marietta, Ga.

Foley & Burk Showsto Sep. 21 Fresno, Calif.

Gutis Familyto Sep. 21 West Springf'ld

Mass.

Hall & Christ Attractionsto Sep. 21 Albuquerque,NMSep. 19-28 Okla. City.Okla

Mighty Thomas ShowsSep. 19-28 Ft.Smith, Ark.

Peking OperaSep. 16-28 Los Ang. Calif.

Royal American ShowsSep. 19-28 Kansas City, Mo

The SikorskysSep. 17 Toronto, Canada

19-21 Chas. Co., Md.

Tip Top Shows - BlueSep. 19-21 LaCrescent.Wsc

Tip Top Shows - GreenSep. 18-21 Berlin, Wise.

Beatty-Cole CircusSep. 15-16 Panama City

Fla.17-19 Oothan, Ala20-21 Opelika

King Bros. CircusSep. 15-16 Montgomery,

Ala.18 Demopolis

19-21 Birmingham

NORTON MCRA2 30? 1 tl

' MIMA/

' S T R E E T SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA 97101 17141 738•«»•••••«•••»•»»»««•»••••««««»««««.

JULLIANA VASQUEZ, currently with theHubert Castle Circus, is expecting her secondbaby (hoping for a girl) and the baby is duesome time in January. The VASQUEZ FLY-ING ACT will spot date in 1981 and has al-ready signed dates with M&M and Bentley Br.

CAROL OBANDO called to say they are having a good long season with the TEGGE mallcircus TNT & Olympic and that their routeends in Texas where she and CARLOS will vis-it me wheile I am on the Texas dates. It seemsthe whole show-biz world is coming togetherdown there!

CLOSEUPS: The CARLOS TWINS, enrouteto the Chicago area, where Circus Vargas isplaying five spots, stopped to visit FRED andLONI VAN VOORDEN. Loni remarked thatnext season she and BARBARA will book theirfoot-juggling display on spot dates as they didearlier this year.. .Band Director BOOM BOOMBROWNING, living now in the Chicago area,will divide his winter/spring season betweenM&M Circus and the new Circus Odyssey. Thislat ter show has signed the Boston and WilkesBarre Shrine dates. This, in addition to a tourin Puerto Rico, now set for Feb. 27th insteadof the previously reported Feb. 15th opening.. JOSH SILVER continues to make greatstrides with his new Entertainment Agency inthe Big Apple.. .When I stopped over enrouteto Cape Cod to visit the Hannefords at the ArtFestival at Purchase (NY) many other visitorswere on tap including members of the Big Ap-ple Circus helmed by PAUL BINDER. TheHanneford elephant act is outstanding, by theway, the first time I had seen it in several yearsand Tommy said he was planning a really bigriding act in 1981. He will have two male starriders in the act: MARK KAROLY and DEN-NIS ZOPPE.. .IRIS KEPPO and husbandTONY POTTER have returned for the balanceof the season to Garden's Showtime Follies.With them are Erik Adams & Bobbi, and Emiland Debbie Goetschi.. .My thanks to Or. WIL-LIAM STANDRING, of Evansville's Hadi Tem-ple for securing a half page ad in their HotSands magazine touting my new book.. Evi-dently the HERNANDEZ TROUPE will alsospot date in 1981 and producer ED MIGLEYinforms me he is negotiating with them forsome dates.. .1 understand that producerWAYNE McCAREY will once again producehis Big 'E' Circus at the Springfield (Mass) Fair

in 1981 on his own and will not use the nucle-us of a ready-made circus presentation.. .Atthis time of year rumors abound as to who haswhat in 1981 and it gets somewhat confusing.The fact remains that a rumor is simply thatand nothing more and I have learned not tobroadcast them anymore • BUT • one thing iscertain - there WILL be many changes in pro-ducers in 1981 and even more so in 1982. .Anextraordinary amount of dates were signed atthe last minute this year, unusual in itself andobviously the Shrine Committees are takingsome long, soul-searching looks at their showswhich I am happy to see. In this era of ever-rising expense it costs just as much to have thebest as it does to have the mediocre. Compe-tition is keen, signifying that producers mustnow upgrade their productions or get lost inthe shuffle of dates.. .EDDIE ZACCHINI hastaken the Milwaukee Shrine date and this Iknow as a fact because a number of acts havealready signed their contracts - that means thatZacchini also has the Green Bay date.. .TheMANUEL RAMOS troupe in addition to theirrisley and flying acts have a new cat act usinga mesh arena and are adding several more catsfor a mixed group. All they need now is anelephant and they have a full-scale circus andManuel says they even have a tent.. .Despitethe almost t.Mal smash-up of their rocket shipin that rigging collapse at Three Rivers for IanGarden, BILL and TRUDY came into CapeCod only a week later and one would neverknow the ship had been damaged at all. Thosekids have had a tough season of break-downsand bad luck.. .BOOM BOOM BROWNINGcaught Circus Vargas and reports the show hasan excellent new band, batoned by a new bandleader whose name Boom Boom didn't catch.Boom also caught the Carson & Barnes Circusplaying in the area at the same tine as Vargas.. JANET and FRANK BURGER, due at CapeCod, had to cancel the day before the showopened as Janet had suffered a severe case ofsun-stroke. Fortunately, TRUDY STRONGwas on hand with her Dalmatians and filled inthe dog display.. .MIDDY STREETER ring-mastered the Cape Cod Circus, his first timeout for a major three-ringer, even though hehad been announcing Circus Odyssey on theshow's college dates. With a little more exper-ience and exposure he will be excellent. BILLFISCHER, trumpeter with Boom Boom, now

(Continued on Page 21)

Page 6 September 15,1980

Show ReportCARLA WALLENDA'S CIRCUS

BY BILL GALLOWAY

The Carla Wallenda Aerial Thrill Show and Family Circus was presented as a free act duringthe Monroe County Fair (Rochester/Henriet-ta, N.Y.) Aug. 1-9. The ground actt worked ina tent next to the grandstand while the pro-gram concluding high acts worked directlyoutside.

Shows were at 2 and 9 p.m. with usually goodcrowds. The show has been out since Januaryand will be playing fair dates into November.Two TV and one radio station had coverageof the performance and interviews with Carla.The local morning newspaper, "Democrat &Chronicle" had a nice write-up for her.The show's line-up included:0verture and an-nouncement; Rabu, gorilla parody, Paul Rabi-taille; Sandy's Canines, Sandy Wallenda; Clownwith $10 gag. Sir Quagmire (Paul Rabitaille);Valdayras, unicycle trio (Sandy, Valerie andTara Wallenda); Sir Quagmire and Mortimerthe Skunk; Valerie's Pigeons (Valerie Wallen-da); Miss Carlita, low wire (Valerie and Paul);Aerial San Marcos, hanging perch (Sandy Wal-lenda and Mark Fetch; Sway Pole, Miss CarlaWallenda; Slide for Life, Miss Carla Wallenda.

N E W C I R C U S BOOKS

Greatest Show on Earth $ 7.50Colorful World of Circus . . . . 7.50Little People (Midgets) 16.00Meyer - How to Clown, Juggle and

Acrobat (RBBB Books) (each) 7.50Calhoun - Medicine Show 8.00Coxe • Seat At the Circus . . . 17.50Comp. Films - Wm. S. Hart . . 9.00Carny, Broncho Billy (new film)

(each) 2.50Tim McCoy, Tom Mix, Buck Jones,

Ken Maynard (photo books)(each) 7.00

Behind The Big Top (signed) . 17.50American Carousel 5.50Careers With Circus (H. Castle) 5.00Pop-up Books (1890's) Circus,

Menagerie, Zoo (each) .... 8.00FRANK BARRY

707 S. Warnock St. Pliila. Pa. 19147

CIRCUS VARGAS NOTES. . .

Due to an injury the Espanas flying act wastemporarily replaced during the openingstand in Chicago. The new act consisted ofNoe Espana (15), Evon Espana (13), IreneEspana (15) and catcher Freddie Silvas (15).After a nervous first show the kids came thrulike seasoned troupers with Noe and Freddiecatcjing their first triple the third show. Theact also included the traditional passing leap.The Flying Espanas act returned to the showopening night at Naperville, III.Alysoun Seacat, a graduate of Moorpark Col-lege, is breaking a third ring of Samoyed dogsfor the '81 season. He has been working onering of Samoyeds and riding dressage thisseason.

Bill and Jan Biggerstaff are now selling videorecorders and initiated a video-club on CircusVargas which has over 125 movie titles in itscollection.The three rings of liberty horses are presentlybeing worked by Tina Risdon, Kathy Batche-lorand Henri Wagneur.Joanne Pinson filled in for her sister DonnaBanister in the Kneisley's cradle act for a fewdays while Donna was recuperating from aminor surgery.Recent visitors included Dory Miller and fam-ily and personnel from Carson & Barnes Circus,Hoxie Tucker and personnel from the Hoxieshow; personnel from Bentley Bros. Circus en-route to Dubuque;the Elkins Sisters; BorgerBros.; and the Arwoods.

FOR SALEEVERYTHING CONNECTEDWITH OR FOR A CIRCUS

Equipment, Title, Etc.

ALSO Have Many Collector'sItems Available

H. T. HUNTP. O. Box 66 Florence, NJ - 08518

Phone: 609 - 499 - 0865

Pdi; 6-B September 15,1980

OLD TIMEVAUDEVILLE

NEEDS: Stage acts starting Nov. 15th for show featuringMorey Amsterdam.

PHONE MEN AND MANAGERS: To sell tickets and adsfor outstanding Badge Date - Resort area nearSan Francisco.

NEED: One capable man to handle P. A., Lights and Stag-ing - Must Drive.

Show will tour Nationally next year and Good Managerswill have year round work.

Our sponsors will be predominantly Badge Sponsors.

CALL: SID KELLNER at ( 4 0 8 ) 6 8 8 - 3 5 7 7

• :CIRCUS ODYSSEY

The new Circus Odyssey made its long awaitedentry into the Shrine Circus field with its Aug.12-14 debut at the Cape Cod Coliseum for theAleppo Shrine Temple of Boston.At least thirty Shrine Oivans flew in to catchthe new three-ringer which features a full-scalespec with lighted mobile props and large floats,outstanding physical equipment (all three rings;n lighted), special lighting effects, and six-super-troupers of its own. Also utilized is light-ed ice show styled backdrop through which thespec and the star acts make their entrance.The concensus is that Circus Odyssey is the firstmajor new circus of quality of the 1980's. Thesiinw is innovative and fresh and the program,running two hours and forty minutes, was fast;iai:i'd and dazzled the eye.Talent on Circus Odyssey included: Jorge Bar-reda, Lilli-Ana, Joselito, Pirates of the Sky,Lou Ann Jacob and an aerial ballet, The Quassars. The Pietro Canestrelli Family, the Gutis,Satani Demon, Rex Young, Erik Adams andBobby, Cimse, Trudy's Dalmations, the TonyDiano Elephants, Mister Sensation, Senor Mayana. Riccardo, Marcelli and Janis, Mike Nau-

ghton, specialty clown and come-in.

Staff included: Ed Migley, producer; BillyBarton, performance director; William Brown-ing, musical director; Bobby Davis, Jr., propboss; Oavid Strong, assistant props; DavidChabira, Pancho Magana, David Strong, rig-gers, Bill Strong, Jorge Barreda, assistants toBilly Barton, Bill Gavigan, production design-er, Ricki, electrician, Cyndy Migley, wardrobeand secretary, Joyce Canetsrelli, aerial ballet,Rex Young, producing clown, Sven Kristensen,Jorge Barreda, Erik Adams, Jr. and MickeyGutis, assistants to the producer and costumesby Armida.Visitors, in addition to a number of New Eng-land Circus Fans and Shriners already mention-ed were: Aurelia Hall, Rosemary Marino andBeverly Heigham (Better Booking), Tibor Alex-ander, Marc Schultz, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne MeGary, Mr. and Mrs. John McConnell, Mr. Med-ro and numerous others whose names were notobtained.Circus Odyssey will begin its 1981 tour withsix weeks in Puerto, opening in mid-Februaryand will then play a route of Shrine and oth-er indoor dates in the states. The first half ofthe season will end in May, the second halfof the tour kicks off in September.

The Chris Alberti'sAcrobatic Poodle Revue

G I O V A N N I ' S P I Z Z A S U R P R I S ES i d e S p l i t t i n g C a p e r s W i t h C r o c k e r y

TWO OUTSTANDING AND SUPERB ACTS -

N O W B O O K I N G F O R 1 9 8 1 S E A S O N

1959 Welwyn Ave., Des Plaines, III. 60018

.

(312) 824-5178

Page8 September 15, 1980

Show ReportCHINESE ACROBATS

BY KENT GHIRARD

I have just witnessed one of the most outstanding "circus-oriented" shows I have ever seen inmy lifetime. I refer to the Chinese Acrobats ofCanton, who have had a five show engagementhere in Honolulu. This is the first stop on atour of the U. S. and I want to alert all circusfans and performers to the sensational perfor-mances put on by this troupe.

This is not to be confused with the ChineseAcrobats of Taiwan, who have been thru heretwice and I believe have made at lean two toursof the U. S. mainland. This group, from Main-land China, is in every way superior to the Tai-wan troupe, although they of course were out-standing, also.

It is difficult to put into words the impact ofthis performance. The entire audience, andthe house was packed, spent most of the even-ing uttering sounds of disbelief, and shakingtheir heads, and I was among them.The costuming, the lighting, the pacing, thespecial effects and above all the physical achie-vements of the artists were simply in a class bythemselves. I will not attempt to mention eachact in the show, but simply say that there wasnot a weak act in it, and most you would haveto see to believe. It would do no good to des-cribe it on paper.The youthful, large cast, exuded personalityand showmanship. It is interesting to notethat all costumes were flashy but ultra con-servative, using the typical Chinese pants andblouse, in contrast to the ultra-sexy wardrobeworn by most of our American performerstoday. The sequined G-strings and bikinis

were not missed in this show, as the peiform-ance itself was so fantastic that one did notneed the "vegas" type costumes to sell theacts.

Also interesting to note is two fill-in clownbits, both traditionally seen in Americanshows, one being the levitation gag, and theother the tug-of-war with the long jacket, us-ed among others by Jimmy Williams at Bar-aboo.

Among the acts included in the fast-pacedperformance are juggling, unicycle, perch pole,plate spinning, tumbling, contortion, chairbalancing, rolling globes (with a new twist)and high-pole acrobatics that will leave yougasping.

As a life-long circus fan I can honestly say Ihave never seen a more outstanding acrobaticshow anywhere, and I highly recommend thatall fans and performers make a supreme effortto see this show if it comes anywhere near you.Prices ranged up to $12.50 here, but it is wellworth every cent.

TOM LUDWIG is recuperating at home afteran operation and would enjoy cards and letters(Box 448, Charteroi, Pa. 15022). He was withthe Piccolo brothers when they visited BentleyBros. Circus at Johnstown, Pa.

CHECKERS & PATCHES (Steve Baker andGary Ray) closed their Six Flags Over Texascontract on Labor Day and left for Tuscon,Ariz, for a short visit with Gary's family, af-ter which they will embark on a tour of seventeen cities including Los Angeles, Las Ve-gas, San Francisco, Tampa and New York, topromote their book "The Adventures ofCheckers and Patches."

FROM THE S I X T H G E N E R A T I O N OF PERFORMERS

Fol lowing in the Footsteps of His G r a n d f a t h e r

Enrico Wallenda

C o n t a c t T h r u : H E L E N W A L L E N D A

3209 Henrietta PlaceSarasota, Fla. - 33580

Phone:813 - 955 - 2768

Page 10 September 15,1980

ALL T Y P E S OF ACTS

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P. 0. Box S-353

South Attleboro, Mass. 02703

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CIRCUS QUIPSBY KARL J. BISCHOFF

WHAT IS IT WITH SERVICE STATIONS ...the office ... the safe ... the cash register arealways open but the restrooms are always loc-ked.

IMAGINATION is something that sits up with Ia showman's wife when her husband is out late. |

CIRCUS BUSINESS stands aside to let anyshowman pass who knows where he is going.

SHOW BUSINESS.. the more we learn about)it the more we knowTHE MORE we know.. the more we forgetTHE MORE we forget.. the less we knowTHE LESS we know .. the less we forgetTHE LESS we forget.. the more we knowSO WHY ARE WE IN SHOW BUSINESS?

MiscellaneousHE PLAYS IT SAFE

BY MICHAEL L. GAYNES

(Reprinted from a recent issue of TheReader's Digset magarine)

The Shrine Circus was setting up for an eve-ning performance at the basketball arenawhere I was a security guard. The animal han-dlers unloaded an elephant in the street andchained her to the nearest post which happened to be a parking meter.I wandered out to watch the excitement andone of the handlers saw me coming and spot-ted my badge. He immediately ran over tothe curb and stuck a nickel in the elephant'smeter.

CIRCUS BOOK • "The Circus Life and Ad-ventures of Adam Bardy" - A truly interest-ing life story for old-timers especially. Only$7.95 a copy - Order from: Adam Bardy,Thompson, Conn. 06277

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WILLIAM J ENGLISH, PRES.

Page 12 Septsmber 15,1980

PEOPLEGREGORY FEOINand NINA KRASOVINA,who operate a Circus Arts Centre in Hoboken,N.J., will be the guest speakers at the annualFelix Adler CFA Tent Banquet on Oct. 19th.

PAUL LUCKEY is at home in Baraboo, Wise,after spending five weeks in the hospital. Thisyear marks his wife, ETHEL's 21st year at theCircus World Museum.

JACK KING will take over management of theside show on King Bros. Circus. This is a first.He booked the show now he'll work it.

LEON PINTER is playing the organ for theStebbing Royal European Circus at its Green-ville, SC fair date.

BOBBY BEROSINI's Orangutan "Clyde" willbe featured in the new CLINT EASTWOODfilm "Every Which Way You Can." The filmis currently in production in Wyoming.

ED NORMAN, librarian for the A. Harry War-ne Memorial Library of the Emmett KellyCFA Tent in Hagerstown, Md. says the "gen-erous gift of circus memorabilia donated byBILLY BARTON is probably the largest sing-le package of circus items coming from a non-member since the liberary's inception."

BOB and LOU FLOWERS STODDARD visit-ed with CHECKERS and PATCHES and Chec-ker's Mother ROSE at their home in Arlington

BETTY WENOANY'SFUNS A-POPPIN

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(Texas) on Aug. 21st.

RON SINGER (Surya), juggler, was featuredin the Point Richmond (Calif.) Village LaborDay festivities.

GEORGE C. BINGAMAN reports he enjoyeda day with the Bentley Bros. Circus last monthwhere he visited with friends on the show.

ROBERT BAUDY was featured in a specialAP news story last month about wild animalsand his animal facilities in Florida.

FELIX ADLER, the late popular clown, isfeatured in the April/May 1980 issue of themagazine "Calliope".

DAVE (Skinhead) LEWIS represented theState of Texas, The Texas Mid-Cities ClownAlley No. 85, of Dallas, at the Michigan StateFair in Detroit. He won second place in theIndividual Act Competition, receiving a largetrophy, $50 in cash and a Second Place rib-bob at the "Clown Day At The Fair", on Aug.24th.

The Circus Report Page 13

CIRCUS DOUBLEHEAOER

BY GEORGE BIRD

The 103,000 people who jammed Ypsilanti,Mich., for the second annual Yesteryear Her-itage Festival, Aug. 22-24, were treated to aspectacular circus doubleheader. The FranzenBros. Circus was set up in Frog Island Park onone side of Historic Depot Town while River-side park on the other side of the Huron Riv-er was the site of the high wire performanceof Tino and Olinka Wallenda Zoppe whichwas presented as a free act. This was the se-cond appearance of the Zoppes in as manyyears and their smooth as silk sensational rou-tine drew "oohs" and "aahs" from the hugecrowds. This has to be one of the finest twoman high wire acts of all time and the aud-iences showed their appreciation.The Franzen show which did excellent busi-ness at all six performances proved to be ex-actly the right kind of traditional, old fash-ioned family circus to be included in this fes-tival. Their performance is very strong withexcellent balance between human and animalacts. Much has been written, in this publica-tion and others, about Wayne Franzen's lib-erty pony act (12) but you have to see it tobelieve it. It is fast paced, it is breath-taking,it is an all star act! No wonder this showleaves audiences and sponsors smiling and no

HELEN WILSON - Show Organist (OwnEquipment) 704 - 786 - 456:<. - Write:Box 1167, Concord, N. C. 28025

wonder almost eighty per cent of their datesare return dates.Both the Franzens and Zoppes appeared inthe 110 unit parade. Okah the elephant prob-ably stole the show with her frequent head-stands and other tricks, but Clyde the camel,Chico the llama and other performers drewtheir share of attention too. Many of the thousands lining the parade route followed the pro-cession to the circus lot and they were seatedright up to the ring curbs for the matinee.One of the highlights of the festival was TinoWallenda Zoppe's ascent of a guywire support-ing his rigging. This was the first public perfor-mance of this feat and was done, Tino explain-ed, to show his appreciation for the fine recep-tion Ypsilanti had given him and his family.This trick landed Tino in the Guiness Book ofRecords, by the way.

Ypsilanti enjoyed hosting not only the ad-ult members of the Zoppe and Franzen fam-ilies but also the next generation of circus per-formers and owners: Alida and Andrea Zoppe,Brian (already a performer at five) and ChadFranzen.

3§?*

§ *

lllQ

The Circus Report Page 15

Keeping in touch with show peopleand their needs

FATHER DAVID TETRAULTEpiscopal Chaplain to the Circus

110 Richards RoadWilliamsburg, Va. -23185

Phone: 804 - 253 - 0797

:P & G CIRCUS

BY RICHARD STRELAK

On Aug. 15-17, the Du Page County Fair-grounds in Wheaton, III., was the site of thenewly formed P & G Circus, Inc., producedand directed by Phil Granger. It was unfort-unate that Mother Nature was not very coop-erative; more rain fell that weekend than whatnormally falls the entire month of August.The festivities started Thursday night with anold fashioned circus parade through downtownWheaton, complete with calliope wagon. Fridaywas overcast and rainy off and on all day, Sat-urday was completely rained out, but Sundayremained overcast. It was really a shame thatbecause of this unfortunate weather the crowdswere very sparse, for the show was excellent.The program included: Clown warm-up; Op-ening Parade; Mike Clark and his PerformingLions; The Rolls Duo, aerial cradle; Clowns,sharp shooting; Erna's Performing Chimpan-zees; Miss Michelle, trapeze; King's Perform-ing Animals; Al and His Lemonzeen, comedycar; The Kolmedys, head balance; Clowns andfashion show; Tino Wallenda Zoppe, tight wire;Miss Olinka, trapeze; The Fabulous Darnells,magic; Clowns, boxing; The Olmedas, bicycles;Joyce Rice, baton and whips; The Bertinis, aerial perch; King's Performing Elephants; The Al-banis, motorcycle; Hugo Zacchini, human can

nonball;and Finale.The ring master was Ernie McLean, substitu-ting for Al Dawley; Al Vernon, musical direc-tor; Gary Maximena, prop boss; Mike Finck,producing clown. Clown Alley consisted of:Nick Pinto, Rick Masino, Jeff Konicek, PaulZillman, Dave Mysliwiec, Steve Priedel, AlKing and Greg Dimpfl.The show lasted 2 hours and 34 minutes. Itmust be mentioned that the performers didan outstanding job. The grounds were extre-mely wet and muddy even though it lookedlike they had a lot of mud bull-dozed off. Inthe shows I saw, the performers were workingunder a constant threat of a down pour. Everyone seemed to be chipping in to spread saw-dust and straw in preparation for each show.It was a shame that more people couldn'thave seen this great show with a real "theshow must go on" attitude. I hope that P & G"weathers" this storm for I would not mindseeing a few more programs of this caliber inthe area.

GREAT AMERICAN CIRCUS NOTES . .

The Old Time Side Show has a new manager.Isom Null has taken over from Bob Keese whobecame ill and had to leave. The side show isdoing capacity business these days.Mrs. Silverlake was in Princeton, N.J., Hospi-tal for a few days, while suffering from flu.She is doing OK now. She's the show's officemanager.Joe Frisco, Jr., elephant trainer is back againafter a thort vacation. Tlie elephants werehandled by show manager Jim Silverlake dur-ing his absence.The show moves on ten trucks and PatrickItshoy is transportation manager.Business in New Jersey and Penna. has beengood for the show.

Page 16 September 15,1980

BENTLEY BROS. CIRCUS

BY GEORGE C. BINGAMAN

Tommy Bentley brought his three ring Bent-ley Bros. Circus to the municipal stadium atReading, Pa., for two days of outdoor perfor-mances, sponsored by Reading's policemen,on Aug. 21-22. Representing the Robert Do-ver Tent No. 112, CFA, I visited the show onthe second day's matinee and filmed the splen-did array of displays which attracted happycrowds.Outstanding performances were given by Aer-ialetta on the single trapeze and Rudolph delMonte, center ring contortionist. George Ber-kin, Reading Times staff writer gave the cir-cus an eight column write-up and six marve-lous photographs, observing, "Del Monte, whosports a head of blond Aryan hair and a greenShakespeare-like costume, made pretzels cringeIn the course of his ten minute act Del Monteplaced his arches under his armpits while doingpush-ups and arched his back horizontally ov-er his head while supporting himself by hismouth."

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Following the opening spec the Ramos Fam-ily presented their first of five displays withfive cats in the steel cage, three lions, a tiger,and a jaguar, fine-looking cats in a series oftricks. The family returned later with perfor-mances on the ladder, hand balancing in tworings, risley and the flaying trapeze. The ris-ley performance was as fin° as any I haveseen in a decade.Following the performing cats the GalambosTrio, Frank, Doris and their five year old Die-ter, gave a spectacular aerial cradle, returninglater on rolling globes. Hans Kraus and Adellegave a fine performance in ring one while HansWinn did chair balancing in ring three. Hansand Adelle returned later to delight the crowdwith their gorilla thriller while the Winn Fam-ily added a death walk, neck slide and a mo-torcycle-on-wire finale to their numbers. Out-standing in center ring was the James ZoppeRiding Act, spectacular and thrilling in everyrespect.The Young Troupe appeared earlier in a finedemonstration of juggling and later returnedwowing the cheering throng with a tremen-dous teeterboard thriller.Three ponderous pachyderms strutted theirstuff under the guidance of Ben DeWayne.Five clowns, headed by Jim Spencer, and hisgroup of zanatics, Bruce Warner, John McKay,Deon and Beverly Aumeir entertained thespectators with four gags and a fine come-inwarmer-upper featuring the musical top of asteel barrel.Music was handled expertly by Steve Stephaniat the organ and Paul Griles, drums, with anoccasional trumpet toot from the Winns. Tom-my Bentley was the ringmaster.

COL. BILL VOORHEIS, of Saginaw, Mich.,died last month after losing a bout with can-cer. He was the owner/producer of VoorheisBros. Circus, Col. Bill's Early American Cir-cus and most recently a tented magic/circusshow. He was originally a drummer in the '40era and played drums and announced with hisown shows. He clowned as "Willie the Clown"and worked as "The Amazing Byron" on hismagic show. Survivors include his wife, MaryKay, a daughter and two sons.

The Circus Report Page 17

anaFROM BILL HAMILTON

(Pogo the Hobo)

I am currently working at Six Flags Great Ad-venture Amusement Park, where I am a clownin Joseph Bauer's "Circus International" circusshow.It's a very good circus show which ranges be-tween one hour long to an hour and 15 min-utes. The show consists of the LemoinesTroupe, The Flying Torralbas, Ervin Hall, Javana's Baboons, Barry Sloan, The HernandezTroupe, and of course The Fabulous FearlessBauers performing their Sway Pole act. It's apleasure working with all these fine perform-ers, and also knowing that I'm a part of thisspectacular show.What I am writing to you about is a specificperformer that met tragedy not too long ago.His name was Zapatta. In 1977 I was a clownat Great Adventure. We all had a day off fromthe show and decided to visit the Circus Vargasshow in Yonkers, N.Y., Myself and the HassaniTroupe went to see some of the performersthat they all knew. We were met at the conces-sions by Habebe and Zapatta, who were twoof the clowns in the show. (The third was JohnPeers). They took us back to their trailer wherewe sat and talked for hours. During the fewhours I was there, I seemed to grow this ex-treme fondness for Zapatta. He explained tome how his dad worked in the circus and howhe got into the business, including his attend-ance at Ringjing Bros.,-Barnum & Bailey Cir-cus clown school.This man was so kind to me, that I had to writein and express my feelings. What I put on paperprobably can't explain the way I felt about him

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MiscellaneousSEEKS AID FOR ELEPHANTS

The World Wildlife Fund, an international conservation organization, has announced it plansto raise $1.1 million for protection of Africanelephants endangered by ivory hunting poachers."The current epidemic of 'ivory fever' is thedeadliest since the turn of the century," saysRussell E. Train, president of the World Wild-life Fund-U.S.

I was in total amazement at his performanceand his personality.The next night I went back with some of theother clowns in our show and watched the per-formance, again. Zapatta, Habebe and JohnnyPeers made our sides split from the second theywalked out into the ring. We all received somuch experience as performers and as peopleseeing Zapatta through this meeting.The clowns at Great Adventure will miss hishilarious antics and his warm personality for-ever. Any good clown in the world todaywould probably agree that seeing Zapatta gavethem a boost in professionalism and in just be-ing a fine person.

Page 18 September 15,1980

FOR SALE - SURPLIS STOCK0/2 • African Elephants • /',• yrs. old •

handable, trained to lead and oneis a performer 2/525,000

Chimpanzee • 51/? yrs. old • Train-ed! Works Good as a Single or ina group • $6,000

Bengal Tiger • 6 yrs old • Breeder$1,000

Tapir • Gentle • Proven breeder •$1,900

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1/1 • Nilgai Antelopes $1800 pair

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JUNGLE

P. O. Box 7129

AFRICAN SAFARINaples, Fla. - 33941

Call Evenings: 813 - 261 - 3501

Shrine DatesCOMPILED BY MIKE SPORRER

Tacoma, Wash. - Affi Temple

(Up-dated information • First published inCR on April 23,1977).

1934 - Apr. 30-May 5 • Eastern States - Armory1935- 1939- None1939 - June 12-17 - Polack Bros. • Armory1940 1945-None1946 - Apr. 25-27 - Booked Acts Armory1947 Apr. 1719 - Booked Acts - Armory1948 - Apr. 15-17 Booked Acts • Armory1949 Apr. 21-23 - Booked Acts CPS Fieldhse1950 Apr. 20-23 -Booked Acts1951 - Mar. 29-Apr. 1 - Booked Acts1952-Apr. 17-20-Booked Acts1953 Apr. 9 12 Booked Acts1954 Apr. 8-11 - Booked Acts1955-Apr. 14-17-Ward Bell1956 - Apr. 19-21 - Polack Bros. Western1957 - Apr. 12-14 • Polack Bros. Western1958 May 9-11 - Polack Bros.1959-May 8-10-Polack Bros.1960 May 20-22-Polack Bros.1961 May 12 14 -Polack Bros.1962 May 18 20-Polack Bros.1963 May 17-19 • Polack Bros.1964 May 15-17 Polack Bros.

1965-May 14-16- Polack Bros.1966-May 13-15-Polack Bros.1967-May 12-14 • Polack Bros.1968-May 10-12- Polack Bros.1969-May 9-11 • Polack Bros.1970- May 8-10 Polack Bros.1971 - May 7-9 • Polack Bros.1972-May 5-7 - Polack Bros.1973-May 4-6-Polack Bros.1974-May 3-5 Polack Bros.1975- May 2-4 • Polack Bros.1976- May 7-9 - Polack Bros.1977 - Apr. 1-3- Polack Bros.1978 Mar. 31-Apr. 2 American Continental1979 Mar. 30-Apr. 1 American Continental1980 - Apr. 4-6 - American Continental

(Note: All dates since 1949 have been playedat the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. In1960 the College of Puget Sound was renamedthe University of Puget Sound).

PEOPLEBILL BACKSTEIN visited Hoxie Bros. Circus,Circus Vargas and Carson & Barnes Circus allin the Chicago area.

AL CONOVER, RON and Mrs. BACON, DONSANDMAN and JAKE CONOVER recentlyvisited the Int'l Magic Spectacular Show andreport they were really treated royally.

Page 18-B September 15,1980

S.F./OAKLAND AREA KEEPS BUSY

Labor Day weekend is traditionally a busytime of year around the San Francisco areawith several shows and special events goingon. This year was no exception with showsand special features just a few miles fromeach other.

The Ringling Blue Unit was winding up itsengagement at the Cow Palace, while acrossthe Bay in Berkeley, the Pickle Family Circuswas

The Ringling Blue Unit was winding up its an-nual engagement at the Cow Palace, while justacross the Bay the Pickle Family Circus wasplaying in Berkeley and the Royal Lichten-stein Circus was just starting a series of localarea dates.

At Penngrove the annual Magic Fun Day washeld Aug. 31st, and used a circus theme. Thatevening a "Magic With A Message" show waspresented at the Methodist Church in El Cer-rito, while in nearby Point Richmond therewas an open air variety type show. On Sept.2nd, the Oakland Magic Circle held its annualdinner and inter-club competition.During its weekend date in Berkeley the Pic-kle Family Circus drew full houses for eachperformance. Prices were $4.00 for adultsand $2.00 for children, with a slight reduc-tion for advance ticket buyers.

The show moves on two straightbed trucksand numerous private vehicles. The perfor-mance is presented in a single ring, with seatson three sides. A colorful backdrop is usedas the entrance by acts and the entire thingis surrounded by a high sidewall (yellow.blueand red).The five piece band is on a stage and plays apre-show concert of popular tunes. Childrenin the audience are encouraged to sit downclose to the ring curb and much of the actionis aimed at them. There are two girl prophands, dressed in white slacks with red hal-ter-type tops.The program opens with an introduction ofMr. Sniff, the clown. He works a variety ofballoon gags, ending with a giant red balloonwhich is tossed out into the audience.The Pickle Family Jugglers (2) follow, afterwhich comes a group of five clowns in a ver-sion of Charivari; Mr. Sniff the Strongman;Sandy Counts, tight rope; Gypsy and Wendy

and their huge trained dog; a trampoline act;girl on single trapeze and other clown featurepresentations.

Inflation has hit this show just as it has all ofthe other shows. While they continue to tourextensively on the west coast their costs havejumped tremendously. The performance hasbeen cut back some in an effort to keep ex-penses down and as a result some regular fea-tures are missing.Earlier this year the show's mailing literatureincluded a request for financial assistance forits continued work and operation. Now, ateach performance a small printed program ispassed out and it too, includes a request forfinancial assistance as a means of keepingthe show on the road.All show dates are played for a sponsor andadvertising is a combination effort by thecircus and the sponsor. A number of localorganizations are invited to set up a boothon the midway and as a result a wide varietyof food and specialty items are always avail-able there.Before the show's season is over they haveseveral engagements in Southern Californiaas well as others in Central California.

POP OF THE SAWDUST RINGS

BY EMORY C. BROWN

The Circus is bowed in sorrowFor the Angel of death has passed

And reaped with his scythe and sickleThe Fruit of his breath's chill blast

Tis cruel, selfish Death, who alwaysTakes those who are loved the best

And leaves us to morn the sorrowThe one who has gone to rest.

When the heavenly band starts playingAnd the Angelic music swells

And the chorus of Angel's voicesBlend sweetly as silver bells

Whilst the Heralds are blowing their trumpetsThe heavenly Hosts in white

March Gloriously forth to welcomeThe man that's come home tonight.

He hasn't a crown or a sceptureHe hasn't a great big name

But he will sup tonight with the MasterOf earthly and heavenly fame

He'll sit at the Master's tableAnd sup with the King of Kings

And the Lord of creation will welcomeOur Pop of the sawdust rings.

The Circus Report Page 19

THE CIRCUS GRUSS

BY JACK NIBLETT

The Cirque Gruss (Le Cirque a I'Ancienne)which I saw recently, remains in Paris forpractically the whole year around, pitchingits tents on the site of the old Abattoir at Vangirard where it shows mainly at mid-week andit week ends. The program is presented in con-

junction with the adjacent Circus School ofSylvia Monfort, and features members of theAndre Gruss family, and pupils from the school

The first half of the program opens with a liv-ly "Parade a I'Ancienne" and is closely follow-ed by Alexis and Gipsy Gruss, with pupil Maryindulging in acrobatic routines with one bigand one small elephant. Act 3 is "Le Puits (Ti-no and Angelo in a clown barber shop routine)No. 4 is "La Barre Russe" (Alexis, Patrick Grussand Mary); No. 5 is "Le Trapeze Washington(Gypsy); No. 6 is "Le Duel" (Clowns Pipo andPatrick; No. 7 is "Lei Cyclists de la Belle Epoque" (Gypsy, Martine, Martine II, Angelo) andthe first half closes with an "Entree Comique"by Alexis, Dede and Company.

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The second half was aptly titled "Le Cirquecommence a Cheval", a<id in a truly remark-able program, every act, excepting for oneclown entree, featured classical circus horseand riding acts. The list included (1) Le Pos-tilion de Longiumeau (Patrick straddling twoand driving four horses); (2) L'Ecuyere (Mar-tine as Ballerina on horseback); (3) Presenta-tion en Liberte (Alexis with big and little hor-ses); (4) La Trapezists et le Cheval (Mary in asolo trapeze, circling the ring motivated by atrotting horse); (5) Le Break de Chasse (AlexisPatrick, Martine, Martine II, Michele and Pipoin identical acrobatic routines on horses andhunting-wagon); (6) Entree Comique (Dede &Company, clowns); (7) Les Poses Equestre (A-lexis and Mary in classical pas-de-deux on hor-seback); (8) Reprise Comique (Pipo and Tinowith unrideable mule); (9) Le Triple Jockey,(Alexis, Patrick and Martine in traditionalEnglish jockey riding act); (10) was a final lineup by this small hard working company witheach artist being introduced by RingmasterDominique Senati, and each one getting re-sounding applause.The show was a great delight, and one whichshould be seen by all lovers of the true tradi-tional circus.

Page 20 September 15,1980

SPECIAL NEW YORK FAIR CIRCUS

BY BILL GALLOWAY

The 1980 Pesi Cola Circus at the New YorkState Fair (Syracuse) was produced by Cor-onas Circus Productions, appearing there forthe first time. The show was in a six pole bigtop supplied by Florida Tent and could seal2,000 people in the 150 x 300 ft tent. Twoshows were caught on opening day and abouta tw-thirds house was pulled for each perfor-mance.

The circus moves on four diesel units (semis),has a large painted scenery back door and afenced bandstand. Three, steel 42 ft. ringcurbs are used. Show schedules are 12, 3 and6 p.m. from Aug. 23 to Sept. 1st.Performances ran about one hour and forty-five minutes with an intermission.

Show line-up: Overture; Rocket/Cannon byGeorge Coronas; display with Zamperias, un-icycles, Armando (Cristiani) juggling and Da-nachek. unicycle; Rocket ship/trapeze. MoonGoddess (Janie Zamperla); Mixed animals by

Walt and Barbara King (pony, llama, camel);La Gilda's Uncaged leopards {Cristiani); Cloudswing by Warren Adams; display with Janie'sDobermans (Cristiani) and Marina's Afghans;The Gyro Wheel, George Coronas; Intermission;Aerial Escape, Adamo (Warren Adams); Tram-poline, the Cristiani Bros.; Clown balloon sale;Napoleon's Roman Riders {Zamperfa family)riding act; Aerial motorcycle, George and SergeDuo (Coronas); Elephants presented by Waltand Barbara King; Exit Marches.The show's staff consisted of: Executive Pro-ducer, Charles Coronas, Sr.; Staged and Direc-ted by Serge and George Coronas; GeneralManager, Charles Coronas, Jr.; Circus Announ-cer, Earl Michaels as "Toe-Toe the Clown."The band included: Richard Rosio, organ;Van Sterling, drums and Doc Buttolpn, trum-pet.

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The Circus Report Page 21

BILLY BARTON (Continued)plays their double dates as band leader.. TheTANGER TROUPE, Arabian tumblers, withCircus Vargas last season are now with theAmerican Continental Circus.. .LILLI-ANAand HERBIE WEBER played the EmmettKelly, Jr. date in Washington,DC in late Aug.

OBANDOS. GRIN & BEAR IT, were amongthose making the River Rouge Labor Day cele-bration for GRACIE MclNTOSH. Grace mean-while had the circus at the Detroit Fair...CAROL OBANDO visited the Barreda's res-taurant in Edmond, Okla. in a new shoppingmall and reports that business is good and thatthe food is great.. .While the YOUNG TROUPEis on the road, pappa Nick has an ice creamtruck that is proving lucrative • good for him!

AT least three marriages have gone splits-ville this season - one in particular was a shock.But reconciliations are always possible so Iwon't even hint at the couples' names.. CAR-OL ATTERBURY trekked north with the roc-ket car for the Burton (0) fair for Hubter. .

Also there was lovely LOU ANN JACOBS..AERl ALETTA has decided not to play datesthis winter and spring but will stay in collegein Virginia instead. It's a shame that a girlshould give up an act that is so outstandingand who could work all winter and spring ifshe cared to, but, after all, that's her prero-gative. . JOSELITO and JORGE BARREDAcurrently fair-dating in the southwest... Ru-morhazzit JAMES ZOPPE will duet with RO-GER ZOPPE for a riding act on Circo Ataydethis winter, but again, yoo-all • that is only arumor.. .1 think the Bionic Godmother AU-RELIA HALL totes that cane much the sameas ZACK TERRELL used to - as a dterent toargument. She certainly doesn't need it anylonger!

BOOK CHAT: The long-awaited HANNE-

FORD bio, penned by publisher JOHN MeCONNELL, will be released to coincide withthe Moslem Shrine Circus, produced by Han-neford in March. McConnell published thebook himself and is using a picture format scattered throughout rather than a "gallery" sec-tion in the middle. Designer GEORGE DaDEPPO created the book jacket.More and more authors with any sort of mar-

keting medium engage in self-publishing inclu-ding such well-known ones as ROBERT LUD-LUM in partnership with publisher MAREK.Too many houses have been gobbled up byconglomerates who care only about the BigName. Rarely do they give a new author abreak. As a result many good books never finda home. I have nothing but sympathy for au-thors with real talent, frustrated in their ef-forts to get published. My advice, for what it'sworth, is First to develop a market and thendo it yourself. It can be done. I know, I didit. BEWARE of heavily advertised agenciesthat charge a 'reading fee', promise a lot, de-liver nothing. Top literary agencies don't chargereading fees and if your work is not salable theytell you so in no uncertain terms, will not leadyou on only to extract money from your wal-let. New authors, anxious to get published,will believe anything which is what certainagencies prey upon. Check and doublecheck,please. BEWARE also of vanity Presses whocharge to publish your book. You'll wind upwith a loss of ten cents on the dollar if youare lucky!

BILLY RODGERS has added a book sectionto his costume shop in Gibsonton and amongthe books on sale there are the MAE NOELopus NOELL'S ARK and a book on Circusand Carnivals by JOE McKENNEN, plus anumber of rare books Billy has been buying

(Continued on Page 22)

Page 22 September 15, 1980

BILLY BARTON (Continued)

up for yean.A FUNNY THING happened to the GUTIS

and the PLUNKETTS at the Isle Verte Fair inQuebec: Forging through a language barrierthe acts learned their show would go on be-

tween 8:30 and 9:30 pm. They worked at 9and then relaxed. Charlie had a few beers, sodid Corky and James. Peter and Jeffrey wereplaying ball. At 11 p.m. somebody knockedon the Gutis' trailer door informing the reve-lers in broken-English there was a second showut 11 and it was now only a few minutes to!Their contract had stated ONE show but any-way, to make a LONG story short, they wenton and WHAT a show, according to ELVIRAGUTIS, it was! Chris James did a n; I tipsy'drunk' comedy bit that night (fortunatelythat is all he had to do) and during the tramp-oline act the kids asked Corky how many beershe'd had and he replied: "I'll let you know af-ter I get through this!" Elvira said it was luckythey didn't have to do their balancing act.The Charlies, only the Gutis number which isall comedy anyway. Apparently, it was 100%Comedy Special that night!

SCOTT LAND, performer-trainer from theGreat Alt American Youth Circus, was featur-ed as "The World's Tallest Cowboy" (stilt wal-ker) during Knot t 's Berry Farm's "Urban Cowboy Days" Aug. 21-Sept. 1.

I'M not revealing a secret when I write thatWAYNE WAI NWRIGHT wears what is prob-ably the most perfect toupee anyone has everseen. With it on he looks half his age - with itoff he's one hell of a shock. The thing isWayne loves to "accidentally" let it fall offjust to shock people. No vanity there, Id say.

ITEM: BUBBA HASTINGS, Jr. got marriedon Labor Day. Joe Sherman gave the brideaway and Bill Galloway was best man. Bill Kayand George Hubler were too busy to attend,but sent telegrarrs of commiseration. JuneDewsbury baked a pizza, stuck a weddingcouple on top, mailed it but the offering waslost in the mail. It ended up in Hawaii on thePaul Kaye Circus and Carol Wainwright woreit in spec. That's alright. Everyone knows Juneis a lousy cook...

SEE YOU down the road, luvs.

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The Circus Report Page 23

MAGK UMIUD • LLOYD E ONfS -

BY LLOYD E. JONES

Staged by the Society of American MagiciansAssembly No. 70, the "Circus of Magic andFun Fest" drew a near capacity crowd to penn-grove, Calif., on Aug. 31st Activities started at10 a.m. and ran to 10 p.m., but the hard work-ing bunch were there at 6 a.m. to decorate thehall with circus posters, banners and streamersand to tine the walls with striped decorationsand to dress themselves in circus costumes.Five magic dealers were crowded into thesmall room in front while in the main hall adozen or so set up swap, buy or trade tables.First feature was a gambling lecture by Bren-da (Saxon) a new endeavor for her since shealso does a magic act, rides a unicycte, does aiuggling act and assists magician Bob Brown.She's a busy lady with an informative andwelt presented lecture. Also lecturing wereTony Lewis from San Rafael on Dice Stack-ing and Mike Caveny on coins.A close-up session had routines by Svengari,Steve Blencoe, Larry Jennings, Frank Shields,and Mike Cavern/. At the group where I wasseated Jack MacMillan filled in a wait withsome of his card magic. It was truly an out-standing group of close-up workers.In the evening a circus parade livened thingsup while preparations went on for a buffetmeal. Both were commendable and showedhow hard the group worked in preparing andpresenting this outstanding day of fun.The stage show opened with Roger Rodan,and he was followed by Nahmen Nissen andMike Caveny, who was also m.c. Tina Lenartas a magical palmist was very well received,and the show closed with Svengari & Co.,

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EMORY C. BROWN (98), retired circus manand collector, died Aug. 24th in Georgia afterlosing a fight against cancer. His circus careerstarted in 1897 when he joined the Forepaugr-Sells Circus, working as a teamster. Later heworked for the Carl Hagenbeck Circus, M. L.Clark & Sons and other major shows, wherehe worked at a variety of jobs and at onetime served as a catcher in a flying act. Allthrough his life he collected circus materialand just prior to his death he gave the collec-tion to the Florida State University at Talla-hassee. A number of his items are on displayin the University's library.

MiscellsuieousOn Oct. 20th, at Salt Lake City, Big JohnStrong will open a Magic/Variety show whichwill feature Hapner, the Magician.Others appearing with the show will be ten-nie Maze), juggler; Mario Alberti & Co.; NeilArmstrong, organist; Rick Jones, drummerand Kim Dixon, MC/Manager.

with some well presented and entertainingmagic.

A commendable feature of the full day wasa snack bar where very reasonably pricedsoft drinks, wine, beer, hot dogi, pop com,etc., was available.Already plans have been announced for an-other session in 1981! It too will certainlydraw a crowd for this Central Calif., groupnot only knows how, but produces an actionfilled day.

A hot rumor has it that the famed Magic Cel-lar of San Francisco is being revived. But theCarter material will be missing from the dis-plays. Arthur Murata will no doubt be the res-ident magician. The Carter pile of posterscan be bought singly from Phil Temple, tem-porarily grounded from all stage appearancesbecause of physical problems, but active withthe selling of posters, including those of Car-ter and some choice Dante items.

Rumors were also rampant that the Black-stone Show, which ran into financial prob-lems near the end of their Broadway appear-ances has been cancelled from local perfor-mances because of slow ticket sales. Looks asif a travelling magic show "must" have pro-motion schemes or sponsoring to survive.