The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

The Big Top

by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner

September 23, 2009

A circus came to town last evening in Stronghurst at the Henderson County's fairground. It was full to the brim with kids, parents, and grandparents, all having lots of fun.

According to the Family Big Top Ringmaster, there were 33 circuses traveling the U.S. in 1976 when he came on board. Now there are only 6 or 8. Nobody wants to work any more, he said, for the circus is a lot of work.

Putting up the big tents, practicing and performing for their acts, moving quickly to put on the show, then tearing down and moving on to another town for the next big performance is a lot of work.

The young juggler was 14 and practices two hours every day, and I believe he could juggle anything you gave him. For sure, everyone enjoyed the clown on his unicycle and kept us laughing, and he was only 10. There were acrobats high in the air, hula hoop girl, horses, along with cotton candy, peanuts, popcorn, light sticks and balloons. The kids will remember the Big Top. I know it took me back to those wonderful times.