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 Current News, Announcements
 Fred D. Pfening Jr., the legendary editor of Bandwagon, suffered a mild heart attack about a month ago and he then broke his hip on July 7. His hip surgery was successful and he is now in a rehabilitation facility to regain his strength and mobility. Fred's attitude is upbeat and the prognosis is good. Well wishes for his recovery and return to his beloved Bandwagon can be sent to Fred Pfening, Jr., 1075 W. Fifth Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43212.
Circus Day in America (link), Shelburne Museum, Vermont, May 16 to October 24. A look at the art and experience of the circus during its heyday from 1870-1950. Using art, artifacts, photographs and film, the exhibit evokes the sights and sounds of the circus coming to town. Explores the development of advertising and the art of exaggeration with posters of freaks, sideshows and outlandish animals from the museum’s collection of over 500 rare posters. Other exhibit features include performers' costumes, a smelling station with signature scents of the circus and an installation of contemporary sideshow banners that measures 40-feet long by 20-feet high. Also on display are two extraordinary miniature carved circuses - The Arnold Circus, which recreates a circus train with nearly 4,000 pieces stretching over 500 feet and the hand carved Kirk Bros. Circus with three rings and 3,500 figures.
Circus Juventas (link) summer show 2010, titled "Sawdust," July 29 to August 15, St. Paul, Minnesota. "Sawdust" is an adventure from the golden age of the traveling circus, a salute to the origins of the modern-day circus, taking you back to the early days of the big top.
A new video interview with family-owned Feld Entertainment CEO Kenneth Feld, operator of such events as Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus and Nuclear Cowboys. Kenneth Feld discusses the leadership qualities needed to not only operate a large family-owned business but also those needed to operate such complex events as only circuses can be. I thought this would be a fascinating video to share with your students and members. I have attached a link below to the video as well as the accompanying article on Kenneth Feld. Information from Ian Saleh, Washington Post. Video Article
The American Association of Museums' "best-of-show" award, the prize for excellence in publication design, known as the Franny, was awarded to the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, Florida, for Circus: The Photographs of Frederick W. Glasier. The publication was edited by Peter Kayafas and Deborah W. Walk. Read about it at American Association of Museums
Bill Reynolds video. A 2000 video interview that CHS trustee Lane Talburt did with Bill Reynolds on his early '80s experiences in driving a six-horse-hitch team pulling a Carson and Barnes parade wagon. A six and one-half-minute segment on YouTube. Bill was band leader for D. R. Miller for several seasons. He and his parents and siblings took out a school show, Reynolds Family Circus, for about 15 years. - Lane Talburt.
Video. Director of Clowns Don Tootle talks about famous clowns as he gets ready for the Aladdin Temple Shrine Circus at Columbus, Ohio.
Support Circus World! The Ringlingville courtyard, rebuilt after the 2008 flood, features Circus World's Landmark granite marker, proclaiming the site's National historic status as the Ringling brothers winter quarters. You can dedicate a brick or authentic reproductions of benches, plant urns or table and chair sets. Information link: Circus World.
World Circus Culture film. Angela Snow, documentary filmmaker, is about to begin production on her most recent feature film, World Circus Culture, in conjunction with the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo and the World Circus Federation. View the trailer for the project: Video (1 min, 30 sec).
The feature documentary "World Circus Culture" has begun filming. To the
Moon Productions is following circus acts around Europe until next year,
January 30th, culminating at the Monte Carlo Circus Festival. Big news is
they will be highlighting a Cirque du Soleil Russian Bar act, who are
competing at the Festival. You can see VIDEOS from the road at videos.
Follow our travels on our BLOG and FACEBOOK pages!
Help preserve and promote an understanding and appreciation of circus arts across the world. This film takes the subject of the Circus worldwide and
gives it an international perspective as never done before. Visit To the Moon Productions for complete information!
Circus Rosaire. The much anticipated Circus Rosaire dvd is now available for sale on Amazon.com! Just in time for the holiday season, this deluxe 2-disc Special Edition set features the award winning documentary film, along the with an hour long, fun-filled Rosaire Family Circus performance under the Big Top. It also includes nearly 45 minutes of never-before-seen additional scenes and interviews.
Film Synopsis - For nine generations, the Rosaire family has entertained audiences all over the world with their legendary animal acts. From lions and tigers, to bears, horses and chimpanzees, the Rosaires are renowned for their unique and respectful way of training and performing with animals. At the height of their fame, they headlined shows for royalty, presidents and legions of fans with their spectacular feats. Today they are struggling to survive in the modern age of entertainment. Major declines in audience attendance, and increasing concern for animal welfare have significantly impacted the Rosaires way of life. Their livelihood and future are at risk as they attempt to carry on the family tradition. Filmed over a five-year period, Circus Rosaire is both heartbreaking and hilarious as it takes an intimate, behind the scenes look inside this quintessential circus family. Circus Rosaire has been screened in over 20 film festivals worldwide, and has won numerous awards. Visit the official film website: www.circusrosairemovie.com
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New! July 2010
New York Clipper for 1867 to 1870 additional information added (excerpts). Click on History on the navigation side bar, scroll down to bottom of page for Excerpts from the New York Clipper.
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Post your circus history message here Circus History Message Board. CHS members and others are encouraged to frequently take a look at the messages posted and reply or participate in a discussion.
Yankee Robinson's 1869 Circus Rebus Puzzle Solved! click here
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Copyright © 2002-2010
Circus Historical Society, Inc.
CHS webmasters J. Griffin and Bob Cline, last modified December 2009.
Circus Historical Society, on the web since May 3, 2002.
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Contact CHS
Bandwagon, magazine.
Join Now!
Post questions or information on circuses, performers, staff, etc. here!
2010 Convention news!
Circus logos from the 20th century, illustrated.
Photos of shows, acts, wagons, animals.
Circus and circus-related books, magazines, newspapers, other.
Major collections in the USA.
Information on circuses, staff, performers, acts, equipment.
Day-by-day routes for a number of circuses.
"Insider" circus humor.
Links to websites with early history, circuses, biograpies, museums and organizations.
