This past Tuesday I surprised the kids by introducing them to a clown. He was scheduled to be at the library to promote the tour of the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus coming to Odessa in May so I thought we ought to be there. He even gave a FREE performance, including magic, juggling, music and silly stuff that made us all laugh out loud with amusement. Even Tia got to go on stage and perform a bit of magic hersel! That was sooo cute (how I wish I had my camera!). One of our favorite comedic moments was when he started playing When You Wish Upon a Star on his ukelele. He became so serene and happy as the tune played on that he had to stop and say, in a choked up voice, "It's so beautiful." All of the kids just roared with laughter. How silly he was! Sophia turned to look at me, Daniel put both of his hands on his head, and Tia just giggled and wiggled. There were many more very funny moments, but considering the show lasted for an hour I certainly can not share them all!
The Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus has been around for quite a while now. Originally they were two separate circuses (Ringling Brothers/Barnum & Bailey) but become one in 1919, making their debut in Madison Square Garden, New York. Similar to the depictions we have seen in Disney's Dumbo, the circus really did travel the rails and perform under a big top for many years. It was not until 1957 that they became an indoor production.
I have countless childhood memories of the circus! Even now so many of the acts are still vivid in my mind, particularly of the tigers, the trapeze artists and the elephants. Even as a young adult all I wanted to do for my birthday was go to the circus. I thought it was phenomenal!
So, you can imagine how intrigued I was to learn that in addition to hosting this litlte show, the Ector County Library is sponsoring a reading program in cooperation with the circus! All the kids have to do is read five books and they will each get a FREE ticket to the show!
Needless to say, we're going to give this one a go! It makes me very excited to imagine taking the children to my favorite circus! I just can't conceive of anything more fun and delightful!
For showtimes and ticket information, go to: www.ringling.com.
The Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus is coming to Ector County Colliseum in Odessa Texas! Show dates and times are:
| Thu | May 26 | 7:30PM |
| Fri | May 27 | 7:30PM |
| Sat | May 28 | 3:30PM, 7:30PM |
| Sun | May 29 | 2:30PM |
