|
[October 08, 2012] 
Send a link to a friend
The Kelly Miller Circus came
to town on Saturday. Shows were at 2 and 5 p.m., but
before the shows were even ready to begin, people arrived early in
the morning to watch the workers prepare the grounds for the day's
events.
At 9 a.m., circus employees began to bring out equipment and
heavy-duty stakes in order to erect the main tent, or "the big top."
The tent, which contained the one-ring show, had a seating capacity
of 1,500 people. The tent was 120 by 130 feet and 40 feet high, and
it had to
be supported by more than a quarter of a mile of heavy-gauge
aluminum tubing as well as several miles of rope, steel cable and
chain.
In a span of just under an hour, the tent was up, ready for
the show. Typically, the center pole is raised by three Asian
elephants that are part of the entourage. However, at less than 40
degrees outside, the weather was too cold for the elephants.
While the elephants remained inside their trailers, other animals
were still brought outside. Zebras, llamas and goats were available
for viewing, and for $5, children could ride a camel.
The land the circus was erected on belongs to the Best Western Plus
on Lincoln Parkway and historic Route 66. Photos will be made
available on the hotel's Facebook page.
The Kelly Miller Circus has been in operation since 1938. They are
based in Hugo, Okla.
[Derek Hurley] Photos by
Nila Smith |
|
In the early morning hours Saturday, circus
workers were out preparing to raise the big top.
|
Several of the animals were out for the public
to see as people passed through on the first tour of the day. |
 |
|
