Carson & Barnes Circus coming to Lincoln

Largest big top opens Tuesday

[July 07, 2008]  The largest big-top circus in the world, complete with exotic animals and performers from a variety of countries, will be in Lincoln on Tuesday. The Carson & Barnes Circus will perform at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the Logan County Fairgrounds.

The fun begins at 9 a.m. that day with the raising of the massive big top by elephant power. The circus opens its free zoo that morning for residents to see the animals arrive and be watered, fed and cared for.

This is the second appearance of the Carson & Barnes Circus in Lincoln in three years. Both this year and in 2005, Zion Lutheran School in Lincoln hosted the circus, with Graue Inc. as the sponsor.

New this year are the many children of performing families who are featured in the show. These youngsters perform on the flying trapeze and astound the audience with acrobatic feats, horseback trick riding and championship hula hoops.

Other show highlights include:

• Death-defying high-wire performers from South America.

• The giant Wheels of Destiny with astounding feats of balance and agility done blindfolded.

• A daring motorcycle ride up the wire while an acrobat performs suspended below.

• The Incredible Flying Fernandez Family featuring the triple somersault.

• The biggest and most stunning aerial ballet from high atop the circus tent.

• Millers Majestic Prancing Ponies -- a hit with children of all ages.

• The world's best elephant acts performing under a big top.

• A grand parade, which this year features a "Salute to Our Troops," displaying beautiful hand-made patriotic costumes and animal blankets.

"The Carson & Barnes Circus is fast-paced, action-filled, quality family entertainment at its best," said Zion circus chairman Doug Sheley. "Giving children the chance to see to live acts in person, the circus is the best bang for the buck anywhere."

"This is one big circus," Sheley noted. "The circus tent is longer than a football field, and the entire circus community takes a space equal to three football fields to unfold. When you see the 60 transport vehicles (including trucks, trailers and RVs), you'll know that this circus is one big operation, which has been traveling America for over 70 years."

Families are encouraged to come early to the performances to allow time to enjoy the midway and traveling zoo and to take advantage of elephant rides. Entrance into the circus tent is approximately 30 minutes before the show. Handicapped seating is available in all sections, and there is a handicapped entrance who people who cannot walk, with special parking nearby.

Strollers are welcome on the show grounds but must be parked in the assigned area inside the tent. The circus performances are held rain or shine since the action takes place under the big-top tent.

If purchased by 5 p.m. Monday at participating outlets, tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 2-11. Tickets will also be available from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Zion Lutheran School, 1600 Woodlawn Road in Lincoln. On the day of the performances, the price will be $16 for adults and $8 for children.

Advance tickets are available at Graue, Dairy Queen, IGA, Prairie Years, Brandt's Arcade, Mary Todd Hallmark, McEntire's Appliance, State Bank, Illini Bank, Sheley Service, Sheley Repair, Lincoln Radiator, Modern Brake and Alignment, Logan County Farm Bureau, Zion Lutheran School in Lincoln, Johnson's Food Center in Mount Pulaski, Oney's in Mason City, Hartsburg State Bank, New Holland Banking Center, Atlanta National Bank and Hopedale Banking Center.

On circus day, advance general admission tickets can be upgraded to preferred seating for an additional charge.

Circus goers with advance tickets can turn them in at Graue Inc. the week after the circus for a chance to win a high-definition color TV.

[Text from news release received]

Zion School clowns