Monday, May 11, 2009

DAY 129: The Greatest Show on Earth


May 9th 059, originally uploaded by Kikigill.

I might have made an error when I ordered tickets for the Ringling Bros. circus this weekend. As a disclaimer, the only reason I bought tickets was that it was the only way to attend the animal open house which is the event I REALLY thought the kids would enjoy (and they DID). I swear to you, the circus I remember from when I last went, when I was ten, was a simpler event. Since then, it appears the circus has mated with a Vegas casino and rock concert.

The music was unbearably loud. The tricks and animals were glitzed out. There were flashing lights, gaudy costumes, light effects, and blasts of fire and fireworks. The circus I remember from my childhood had three dirt rings and simple tricks going on in each. The excitement and overstimulation came from trying to decide which of the thrilling acts to watch at each moment. It was enough. This new fare was too much.

We didn't make it to intermission. The kids thought it was too loud. I thought it was bordering on scary. There was a villain! Did circuses used to have a villain? So, is my memory failing? Did I just paint a Pollyanna view of circuses past? Chime in and let me know.

1 comment:

Lorraine said...

I totally agree. The part at the beginning is cool, if you can avoid spending $15 on some trinket. The actual show is totally overwhelming and I was shocked to find that they had to have a whole "back story" including a villain. Definitely too much!