7th Year September 18,1978 Number 38

New Show DuePlans for the debut of a new arena show based on the Hanna-Barbere cartoon characters

was announced at the Louisville (Ky) Convention of Auditorium Managers.

The new show which is tenatively titled "Ahba-Dabba-Doo" will be produced by SarnoffInternational Enterprises.

The world premiere of the new show will take place at Perth, Australia, on Jan. 1,1979,and is to be followed by a tour of Australia. In July the show will open in Mexico and it is nowscheduled to start its U. S. tour at Corpus Christ!, Texas, on Sept. 2nd.

A TV Special will be filmed on the showduring its Australian debut. This will be screen-ed in the U. S. on NBC-TV, probably aboutEaster of next year.

Thomas W. Sarnoff, former NBC execu-tive who was with the NBC EntertainmentCorp., which presented "Disney on Parade" ishead of the Sarnoff Int'l Enterprises. Jack Sid-ney, who was also a former "Disney on Parade"official has been appointed the new show'smarketing director and tour supervisor.

Other people connected with the new

show are: George M. Cahan, producer/director;Tom Hansen, choreographer, with Corinne Pe-derson, assisting with costumes. The costumesand sets will be by Steve Ehlers and Bill Evans;Dominic Frontier! will be in charge of the mus-ic and Corinne Sidney will handle advertising,promotion and publicity.

The show will carry its own wood floorand will move on about 7 trucks. A cast of 50is contemplated.

A VAILABLE FOR LIMITED ENGAGEMENTS

HOLLYWOOD ELEPHANTSContact

PAUL V. KAYESuite 519 • 1680 North Vine Street • Hollywood. California

Area Code 213* 462-600190028

Page 2 September 18,1978

THE AMAZING ELLIOTT, magician, is appearingwith the HELEN FORRESTT show at the "Silver'Dollar Showroom" in Reno, Nev.

FRANK and BERNICE DEAN visited the Lancaster(Cahf.) Fair where CHARLIE ALLEN was featuredwith his Petting Zoo.

RON and SANDY S E V E R I N I , advance clowns forthe R8BB Blue Unit, are expecting an addition totheir family sometime in late October.

BOB and SANDY MOMYER (Roberto & Alexandra)had their magic and illusion act at the AllentownState Fair as part of the Stebbings Royal EuropeanCircus, the show appeared as a grandstand featureon Aug. 28-29.

THE HIYABUSA BROS, who are both tumblers andcomedians, are appearing with the "Naughty ButNice" show at the Nugget Casino in Sparks, Nev.

MALFALDA and JIMMY ZOPPE are reportedlyexpecting an addition to the family sometime latethis year.

DeLAGE and MARGARET were one of the featureacts at the Hemisphere Beauty and Talent Contestheld in Philadelphia.

For SaleTOP NOTCH G O A T ACT

- C O M P L E T E -

4 Goats — 1 Banty Rooster

Well Trained and Seasoned

4 Years -

Props — Costumes

All Necessities

RUCKERS PERFORMING ANIMALS

11154 Phillippi Ave., Pacoima, Calif. 91331

Phone: 213 896-8973

WANTEDMan with driver 's licensewho can dr ive t ractorand semi.

— Work A r o u n d Elephants -

Contact:

B U C K E Y E C I R C U S C O R P .

1000 W a r n e r Road S. E.

Canton , Ohio • 44707

Phone: 216 - 456 • 7229

KARL WINN and Family, who worked in Honoluluwith the PAUL V. KAYE produced circus last monthjumped overnight to Hongkong and worked there astyphoon Elaine whipped through the area.

MARIO MANZINI, escape artist, worked at NewYork's Ston/town Circus in Lake George during thesummer. He escaped from the local police handcuffsand offered $1,000 reward for failure to escape fromany police cuffs. On Aug. 25th he escaped from astrait-jacket and cuffs while suspended by a burningrope from a helicopter.

TERRY FINNY, elephant man on Carson & BarnesNo. 2 Unit left last month to join the American Con-tinental Circus for the remainder of the season.

STEVE CHURCH, a performer on the No. 2 Unit ofCarson & Barnes Circus is now working with VIC-TOR and LINDA FLORES.

ADA SMEDYA and her tigers are reportedly signedto be featured at the Circus World Museum in Bara-boo, Wise., in 1979.

Tin CIRCUS REPORT is published each week byDon Marcks, 525 Oak St., El Cerrlto, Calif. • 94530.Phone: (415) 525-3332.SUBSCRIPTION RATE: $15.00 per year. Overseasrate via surface mall is $20.00 a year.ADVERTISING RATES: Minimum ad $5.00; Quar-ter Page $10.00: Half Page $20.00: Pull Page $35.00

The Circus Report Page 3

Now Booking for 1979

TheYoung Troupe

ORIGINAL COMBINED DOUBLE TEETERBOARD

WITH TRAMPOLINE

Also Second Act: THE JUGGLING J E W E L S

Contact:

NICHOLAS YOUNG2805 Bay Street Sarasota, Fla. - 33577

Phone: 813 - 9 5 5 -9263

Page 4 September 18,1978

SHOW DATESBentley Bros. Circus

Sep. 22 24 Oubuque, Iowa

Circus VargasSep. 19-21 Ft. Collins, Colo.

22-24 Colorado Sprgs.

Great American CircusSep. 18 Maysville, Ky.

19 Brooksville20 Owenton21 Versailles22 Fort Knox

Happytime CircusSep. 21-30 Bakersfield, Caht

Hoxie Bros. CircusSep. 18 Crofton, Md.

19 Oxen Hill20 Charlottesville, Va.21 Lynchburg23 Statesboro, Ga.24 Charleston AFB.SC

Ringling-Barnum Blue UnitSep. 19-24 Seattle, Wash.

Ringling-Barnum • Red UnitSep. 20-24 Toledo, Ohio

Royal Hanneford CircusSep. 23-24 Middletown, Oh.

Shrine CircusSep. 22 Farmington, N.M.

23 Gallup

TNT & Royal Olympic CircusSep. 20-24 Joliet, III.

1935- - -June 5 - Downie Bros. Circus

at North Adams, Mass.

June 29 Milliken Bros. Cir-cus at Copake, N. Y.

July 6 - Ringling-Barnum Cir-cus at Pittsfield, Mass.

July 19- Hagenbeck-WallaceCircus at No. Adams, Mass

Oct. 19-26 Frank Wirth'sCircus at Pittsfield, Mass.

- - - • O T H E R D A T E S - - - -

Al's Lemon-Zeen Comedy CarSep. 18-23 Muscle Shoals, Ala.

Barton-Jennier Fair UnitSep. 18 23 Goldsboro, N.C.

Blackstone, Jr., the MagicianSep. 18 El Paso, Texas

19-20 Albuquerque.NM21-23 Tulsa, Okla.

Century 21 Shows Blue UnitSep. 18-23 Columbus, Miss.

Century 21 Shows - Red UnitSep. 18-23 Rome, Ga.

James H. Drew Expo ShowsSep. 18 23 Marietta, Ga.

Fantasy On IceSep. 20-23 Muncy, Pa.

Ice Capades Eastern Unitto Sep. 24 Pittsburgh, Pa.

Ice Capades - Western UnitSep. 22-27 Okla City, Okla.

Kaye's Hollywood ElephantsSep. 23-24 Oubuque, Iowa

Los Latinos • wire actSep. 23 24 Oubuque, Iowa

Magic Time USA • Pf. MillerSep. 18 Blackfoot, Idaho

19 Ruppert20 Rexburg

Pedrero's Attractionsto Sep. 24 Albuquerque, NM

Royal American ShowsSep. 20-25 Lawton, Okla.

The Sikorskys - JugglersSep. 22 Norristown, Pa.

23 Baltimore, Md.24 Columbia

Tales of Hoffman - Opera. Sep. 22-23 Duluth, Minn.

Tip Top ShowsSep. 22 24 LaCrescent.Wisc.

BOOKING FOR NOV.-DEC.6331 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 603

Hollywood, Calif. - 90028

Phone: Person-to-PersonKEN GRIFFIN after4:30 p.m.

Houston (713) 729-7076

In MemoriamWILLIAM H. KASISKA, a chartermember of the CHS, died in Bara-boo, Wise, on June 7th.He was well known to show folksand fans and was an avid collec-tor of circus letterheads.

HOB TON• • • • • • • • • I

MEHAZ 302 17th STREETu':t It \ut in \ 11

SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA 92101 I 7 I 4 I M 8 1375

JOINING THE "BREAKDOWN BRIGADE" is ALDAWLEY whose radiator blew 80 miles from theSpringfield (Mo) Fair. Al made it in on a dribbleand a drab, pouring water in every few miles. Ad-ding insult to injury, upon arrival at 9 ayem, Alspent TWO hours trying to talk his way throughone of the gates, finally had to produce his con-tract to prove he was part of the Kool Aid Cir-cus. When he got in he had only 10 minutes inwhich to dress and get ready to announce thefirst show.

I can't understand WHY performers are hassledso much and at SO many fairs by gate guards. Anact breaks its neck to arrive on time, pulls up tothe gate with out-of-state tags, loaded obviouslywith show equipment, and then gets the runaround- is sent from gate to gate or is held up for hoursby officious little men exerting their "once-a-year"authority. I know this is the case because it hashappened to me several times this season on fairdates.

Appearing at the Kool Aid Circus in Springfield(Mo) were: the Ramon Twins, Lipko's Chimps, Al'sLemon-zeen, The Gutis, Arturu Segura, Cristiani'selephants. The Espanas, and the Sensational Leighs.At Springfield (III): The Ricardo Trio, Moore's Mongrels, Norbu, Canestrelli Family, Moore's ComedyMules (2), Tony Diano's elephants. The FlyingVasquez and the Great Bruno.

ERNIE BURCH pens he has been in touch withthe State Dept. and with Pres. Carter in an effortto send an American Circus to the Republic ofChina as a Cultural Exchange Program. He says thelatest letter he received was "very encouraging."

Negotiations have been underway since earlyspring to take a very well known circus to SaudiArabia in Jan. These negotiations are still under-way, gaining momentum in fact; although I am notat liberty to disclose the name of the show OR theproducer at this moment.

It would appear that CLIFFORD VARGAS ismaking "sweeping changes" in his show for '79.Not only will the format be altered but mostlynew acts and personnel will be in evidence as thegreatest part of the "old guard" leaves or is repla-ced. Reports are HARRY THOMAS returns withhis tiger act; ditto the CARLOS TWINS, currentlywith Castle. ..

RON & JOY HOLIDAY introduced their new"fire illusion" at the Calgary Stampede to excel-lent results. The Dazzling Duo also garnered plentyof newsprint. Ron and Joy are currently at thePlantation Club in St. Louis winding up a lengthy

run. . .HUGO ZACCHINI was also featured at Catgary in a production Finale built around his can-non act.

LONI and BARBARA VAN V O O R O E N aredueting on dates nowadays. Barbara has learned todrive and the two foot jugglers go out togetherworking either as a team or single-o. Freddie hasdecided to stay off the road. Meanwhile plans areafoot to build a house and rid themselves of allthat big equipment. The girls plan to tour withjust a car and motel-it. LONI and BARBARA arealready signed to spot-date with CASTLE andSAM T. POLACK in 1979.

JACK SAMPSON is the new Director for CIR-CUS! MICHAEL STEELE, who directed the firstfew episodes, did so as a favor to producer BILLHARTLEY. Mike is busy producing his own hitseries for CTV "Stars on Ice", which has beenrunning for several seasons and is also syndicatedon the European Market.

JENNY WALLENDA's daughter TAMMY burn-ed her hand badly when a red-hot frying pan slip-ped spewing sizzling sugar all over. TAMMY, inci-dentally, was the stunt gal for the Fall of the Se-ven in the Wallenda flick. . JANICE ARIA wasbitten on the hand by one of their bears on open-ing day at Storytown in July. The hand is a-okaynow.

JIM SWAFFORD visited CWM at Baraboo andthe Circusfest in Peru. Took a lony weekend whichinvolved flying East out of Calif., on a Thursdaynight and being back at work in L.A. on Mondaymorning.

SNAPSHOTS: MICHAEL CHIRRICK is appear-ing in the "Foxy" show at Reno's Sahara. . .Alongwith SIEGFRIED & ROY at the Vegas Stardustare KRIS KREMO, juggler and FRED ROBY &ANGELA with the remote control acrobatics of adummy on the horizontal bars. . .HELEN WALLENDA hosted a party closing night of the Wal-lenda tour. . .GUNTHER WALLENDA also on thetour. . .CARLA WALLENDA's son, RICKEY, isstill in England. . JOSE BISBINI was hospitalizedwith pneumonia in Aug. . JEAN-PAUL ARNOSIwent to Mexico to spend time with TABOC, wasthere a week, got homesick and returned . . .CHUCK CLANCEY has been in Calif., setting upXmas dates for the Bentley Combine . . H E R B I EWEBER and MARCELLA were guests at WALLYJONES' birthday party held on the Hanneford Cir-cus in August. . .The fabulous LA NORMA keepsoccupied teaching trapeze and hand-making thosefantastic dolls. . .1 saw Norma several times this

(Continued on Page 16)

Page 6 September 18, 1978

FOR SALETENT, Side Show, 1 Yr. old (80x160')all poles, ticket boxes, stages, bally plat-forms, 40' semi-trailer with sleeping quar-ter*. Self-contained one unit. Gas or Die-sel tractor also available.

VARGAS PRODUCTIONSBox 4356 Burlingame, Cat.-94010

Show Folksby CLAYTON WOODMexico City was the scene, during the winter, ofthe wedding of Irene Alvarado and Fernando Bau-tista. The couple have worked together in the Fly-ing Bautistas, juggling and hand balance acts forsome time. The Bautistas spent the entire winterseason at Old Chicago a year ago. They are withCarson & Barnes No. 1 unit this summer.For those who believe in signs and superstitions(who doesn't) an interesting thing happened toVeno Venito and Lupe Rodriguez (the couple areengaged). A photo of Veno performing, assistedby Lupe, shows a bright star over his heart ( alight reflection of a stone in his costume). Acouple of weeks later in a photograph of PabloRodriguez high bar act there is an identical starover Lupe's heart (Veno was standing by whilethe photo was taken). Lupe pointed out bothphotos had been taken by the Clayton Studio. ToLupe and Veno this is a meaningful sign. Do yousuppose cupid created those stars?Old Chicago will begin a shorter week after La-bor Day. The park will close on Monday andTuesday. The Rodriguez troupe and Lee Merritt(Rolls Duo and Great Wizbini) closed Sept. 4th.The Iberras family with their flying act, trampo-line, web, etc open after Labor Day. Billy Bishop,talent co-ordinator at the park reports a goodsummer season, much better than 1977.

'ANIMAL TALENT FOR ALL MEDIA"

STUDIO ANIMALRENTALS, INC.

(305)558-4160Miami, Florida

WILLIAM VERGISPres./Head Trainer

IN MEMORIAML. N. FLECKLES, circus producer, died in Chicago,III., on Sept. 2nd, after a long illness. Prior to enter-ing the circus field he had produced and workedwith ice shows and fain.

JOHN JOSEPH HENEY (75) a former member ofmany touring bands, a bandmaster and teacher/liedon Sept. 1st at DeLand, Fla. A native of San Fran-cisco, he started his musical career in 1921 playingdrums for the Sells Floto Circus. Later he touredwith Rmgling-Barnum, the Royal Scotch Highlan-ders and the John Phillip Sousa Band.Mr. Heney taught and worked with school bands inFlorida. He also wrote 23 band compositions, most-ly between 1939 and 1941.

Joyce Rice, The Arwoods, The Kellys and BruceNewton were seen recently at "Elburn Days" anannual affair at a small town west of Chicago.Joyce is spot-dating and went from there to LaGrange, Texas, then to Atlanta.The Farfans, flying act on Ringling, are breakinga new act for 1979. They are using all Dobermandogs with one miniature and it promises to be oneof the better dog acts.

EURQPQRAMA,INTERNATIONAL J O H N W I N N . President

223 West M a i n St., Suite 205, Medford , Oregon 97501 - Phone: (503) 7 7 9 - 7 4 4 1

A E R I A L T H R I L L and N O V E L T Y ACTS - FUNNY C L O W N S- A COMPLETE 2 HOUR SHOW -

The Circus Report Page 7

THE LAST OF THE LITTLESA M E R I C A ' S N U M B E R O N E E L E P H A N T A C T

AVAILABLE HOWWE ARE NEAT AND C L E A N AND OUR W A R D R O B E

IS DYNAMITE.

W E A R E V E R Y P R O U D O F O U R S E L V E S A N D W O R K

FAST A N D G R A C E F U L L Y .

IF YOU O N L Y W A N T E L E P H A N T S THAT RUN

A R O U N D THE RING AND W O R K FOR PEANUTS DON'T

WRITE AS THEY GIVE US A B E L L Y A C H E .

ANY INTERESTED P A R T I E S C O N T A C T OUR MOTHER

AND KEEPER.

• alsc available •2 LARGE ELEPHANTS

and

CAGE ACT WITH 7 LIONS AND 2 TIGERS

MS. B A R B A R A TATAP. 0. Box 264Seagoville, Texas • 7 5 1 5 9Phone: 214 - 2 8 7 -4226

PageS September 18,1978

BETTY WENDANY'SEUNS-A-POPPINPackage Shows to Fit Your NeedsBox 391 Sunland, CaM 91040

(213) 3524277 (213) 352 2454

ProgramEMMETT KELLY, JR. CIRCUSLouisville, Ky. Aug. 17-27The circus played the Kentucky State Fair, witha three ring show under canvas. An opening dayparade was featured at the fairgrounds.The 10 piece band was directed by Virginia LeeFenton, while Nancy Kelly served as ringmistress.Props were handled by Judy Satterwhite and Ron-nie McGuire.The program featured: Lilli Ana's leopards; TheBerens, trapeze; Whizzer the Clown (Don Brid-well) weight lifting; Veno Venito, swords; Michel-le and Rene (LeMoyne), slide for life; Whizzer inPulling Teeth; Wm. Rodger's Bird Fantasy; Em-mett Kelly, Jr., rope walking; The Claytons, whipsand ropes; Teresa and Teddy, aero balance; KimKristensen, long rein dressage; The LeMoyne's,aerial motorcycle; Emmett and Nancy bid good-bye.

Aurora, III. - Aug. 29 Sept. 4The circus played on the stage of the ParamountTheatre, ind presented a downtown circus parade

WANTEDMUSICAL DIRECTOR

For one of America's Major TentersGood Long Season • No Bad Habits.Write: Bandleader c/o Circus Report

525 Oak StreetEl Cernto, Calif. - 94530

on Sept. 4th.Virginia Lee Fenton directed the band, NancyKelly was the ringmistress «id props were hand-led by Judy Satterwhite and Ronnie McGuire.The program featured: Lillia-Ana's leopards; Whiz-zer with balloon animals; The Kents, balancing;Emmet and a Hanky; Kim Kristensen, long reindressage; Emmett with magic; The Aerial Pinsons,cradle act; Whizzer the strong man; Teresa andTeddy, aero balance; Intermission.The second half included: The Pinson's CanineRevue; Emmett, standing on hands; Veno Venito,swords; Emmett, walking a rope; The Claytons,whips and ropes; The Berens, trapeze; Whizzerballoon gag; The Pinson's elephants; Finale withthe entire company.

HAL HAVILAND worked the Woodstock (Conn)Fair with his dogs and pony on Sept. 2-4. Alsoappearing there were the ALMIROS DUO, jugglingplus a local balancing act and MC.

DON BRIDWELL (Whizzer the Clown) had to runfrom the Kentucky State Fair to Daybrook, W.Va.

due to a previous commitment, then back toLouisville for the closing day on Aug. 27th.In all it was a 1,000 mile drive, says Don.

DANNY ROGERS and his partner CARLSCHMIT will be at the Texas State Fair inDallas, presenting their "Swaying Bilros"high swaypole act.

ACTION PACKED PRECISION DRILL

FOR SALE298-3^02

FOR SALE0/1 Asian elephant "Lita" 8 yrs. old. Pre-act trained - $19,500.Also 40' semi-transport trailer "completeset up" for 2 elephants, outfitted with aheater, fully insulated, lights, drainage sys-tem, etc. - $6,500

Both for: $25,000

Call: Ernest Hagler - 405 424-3344 for in-formation.

The Circus Report Page 9

Fawcett's Chimpanzees

NOW APPEARING

WKST GERMANY

Page 10 September 18,1978

SPECIALby Billy BartonLate November will find Mike Polakov (Co-Co, re-nown stiltwalker) with his wife. Hazel, daughter Mi-chelle and son, Coconut, flying to London for twoTV appearances with the Billy Smart Circus, bothappearances in honor of Mike's late, famed father,the original Co-Co.Co-Co the First, passed away in 1974. Prior to hisdemise he was awarded the prestigious QBE (Orderof the British Empire) by the Queen of England.An interesting sidelight to this honor is that the or-iginal Co-Co would have been Knighted had he beena British subject. His birthright was Russian.Mike's scheduled arrival in London has created anextraordinary advance clamor by press and public,who positively idolized the Original Co-Co (his famein Europe was extremely widespread) and Mike Po-lakov's imminent appearance is already being hailedas "The Return of Co-Co".Mike's first USA appearance was in 1953 when heand his family were imported from England by theMills Bros. Circus. At the close of that season thetroupe returned to England and, in 1958 Mike signedwith Mills again, this time solo, played two seasons,

VisitorsVisitors to the Baeur-Hall Kiddeeland Circus at theMichigan State Fair in Detroit (Aug. 29 Sept. 4) in-cluded: Grace Macintosh, Chuck Marine, George DaDeppo, Art Barrett, Rex and Sandy Young, Don Gil-crest, lone Stevens, Jerri Pressley, Donny Macintosh,Alberto Zoppe and family, Mr. and Mrs. Irv Romig,Pete the Tramp, and Chatles Schlarbaum, plus manyCFA people.

ACTSA Labor Day Variety Show, produced by M&M Pro-ductions, was presented by the Merchants of RiverRouge (Mich) on Sept. 4th. The 7:30 p.m. show in-cluded: Arwood's Dogs; Maryse Begary, one armswings; the Widgets, comedy; The Kellys, rola bola;Irv Romig, M.C. and the Wainwrights, trampoline.

then signed with Ringling in 1960 where he remain-ed 11 years, through 1971.To clear up any confusion as regards the Co-Co title,Mike was called Co-Co, Jr. while his father was aliveand performing. With his father's death Mike becameCo-Co and his son, Graham, currently on tour withNordmark's Int'l All Star Circus, is Co-Co, Jr.Any other clowns using this title are using it fraudu-lently and laying themselves open to litigation.

Equestrian Acts NeededArena Productions, Inc., producers of

THE R O Y A L L I P I Z Z A N STALLIONS SHOW

is looking for new and different equestrian acts for

their 1979 and 1980 tour ing season

— M i n i m u m of 30 weeks work per year —

— 2 Year Contract —

No liberty acts or bareback acts pleaseInterested in High School, Comedy and Dressage Only

Please send pictures, resume and information immediately to:

GARY LASHINSKY - Arena Productions, Inc.922 Quarrier St., East • Suite 400

Charleston, W. Va. - 25301Phone: 304 - 346 - 0703

The Circus Report Page 11

can placeCircus People in all Departments

The experts claim we can't move an ice show on

overnight jumps, but they don't know circus people.

NEED

Electricians

24 Hour Man

Wardrobe - Master or Mistress

Press Agents

Drivers

Concessionaires

Mechanics

Musicians

Prop Men

Fast-Steppers and Troupers

Sarasota rehearsals begin October 1st - Show opens

Oct. 29th.

Contact:

JIM N O R D M A R K or JOE EDDIE

Phone: 813 • 366 • 4884

or write

1770 Wood Street Sarasota, Florida - 33577

P. S. Bob Adams can always place strong contractors

Page 12 September 18, 1978

Friendsby Earl Tegge

It started in March, when the TNT & Royal Oly-mpic Circus played Mesquite, Texas. The Ed Mil-lette Tent of the CFA hosted the entire person-nel of the show to a buffet supper at the homeof William Hooper and family.

In July when the show played Dallas, the samegroup held their annual picnic with TNT's em-.ployees as their guests once again. A picnic sup-per was served at a nearby park.The show continued to move East, into Iowa,and the Tegge's were the guest of John Holley inCedar Falls. A visit with the Holleys is always adelightful experience.In Austin, Minn., the Al Tietles, the Gary Davi-sons and many others visited. TNT day-and-datedCarson & Barnes in Austin, and many visits wereexchanged by personnel from each show.The show moved to Mt. Prospect, III., after someof the TNT personnel visited in Baraboo and theCircus World Museum on July 31st. Many friendsand their families visited in Mt. Prospect, as well

as many performers passing through the area, theJohn Albertis, Fred Kuruwe, Don Philips

Harold and Barbara Stekly and members of theJohn L. Davenport Tent in Chicago played hostto the show's cast for a buffet supper and even-ing of enjoyable conversation.The show then moved to Aurora (Denver) Colo.,where the Gerry Pearsons and many others wereon hand to visit.In Peoria, III., the following week the show wasvisited by many, including Frank Upp who says hewill revisit at Davenport, Iowa the week of Sept. 6Toledo, Ohio (Aug. 23-27), the 5th year the TNTCircus played there, brought out many visitors in-cluding Clarence Hastings, Neil Cockertine, TomHenricks, Don and Grace Sandman, Al Conover,plus Tom Snyder, Terry and Mary Henricks.The Tegges have said, "All this travel is worth it.when you have all these wonderful friends waitingfor you to arrive at a location close enough tocatch the show."

To those who haven't seen the show yet, pleasedo. It's worth it, and be sure to stop and intro-duce yourself.

33(33

The Circus Report Page 13

the bottom-lineA New Jersey man, James Wickliff, may soon lose hispet chimpanzee, because according to Ms. JoanneFrier, a zoologist with the State Division of Fish,Game and Shell fisheries, he "has illegally owned themale chimpanzee the past four and half yeTS."

"The state does not issue a permit for someone tohave a chimpanzee as a pet," she said. Such an ani-mal must be housed in a secure, heated cage separatefrom the house.

Wickliff obtained his pet "Bambi" when he operateda pet shop. He treats it more as a child than an ani-mal and says "I'm not afraid to say he sleeps on thefoot of my bed."

Wickliff doesn't plan to give his pet up without afight, and he plans to hire a lawyer to place a restrain-ing order on the state. Ms. Frier says Wickliff has beenin violation of the law, and this could just delay theprocess. He is entitled to a hearing, she added, buthe will be denied a permit.

Ms. Frier says she has been in contact with variouszoos to see which ones will have space for Bambi. "Ilike to be able to give the owners a choice of whereto send their pet,' she said.

There's no better time thanright now to order your owncopy of Circus Report - youcan keep up on what's newand gain some insights as tothings that are coming upfor the 1979 season.Order your subscription to-day, it's just $15.00 forayear.Write to: Don Marcks, 525Oak St., El Cerrito, Calif.94530

Russell Bros. Circus, of 1935, opened its season atHolla, Mo., on April 12th and played throughoutthe mid-west, closing at Hutchinson, Kansas onOct. 3rd.

Ms. Frier, who studied primates in captivity for hermaster's degree, said Bambi should be placed amonghis own kind as soon as possible so he will be able toadjust.

Wickliff, who obtained Bambi when he was eightweeks old, asks "Why are they trying to take himaway now?" "I knew I'd have to give him up some-day, but they aren't even giving me a chance."

ANNOUNCING

"BABY MIKE"WO'RLD'S SMALLEST PERFORMING ELEPHANT

JUST 42 INCHES TALL - FAST PACED - FIRST CLASS IN ALL RESPECTS

Trained by: MARK and PEGGY Mac DONALD

Presented by: POM POM and TOMMY DONOHO

- SEE HER ON THE TEXAS DATES -

For availability after December 1st contact.

M E L W A R K M E I S T E RPhone: 702 - 733•7185

c/o Entertainment DepartmentCircus Circus Casino

Las Vegas, Nevada • 89102

Page 14 September 18,1978

JUNGLE WONDERS CIRCUSPhone:

512 - 787 3110Box 988Alamo, Texas - 78516

THE CONKLIN'S SHOWSby L. A. SadlerFor those tasmg for yesteryear, Jimmie Conklin't1928 vintage midway at the Canadian NationalExposition goes a long way to satisfy that want.In celebration of the CNE's 100th year he hasgone to extremes for detail in stepping back tothe Conklin & Garrett Shows of that year.The midway sports a red marquee entrance at oneend and a banner line front with bally grinder atthe other. The lOc admission is paid at a ticketbox that contains the old cupcake tins holdingchange. On entering one end you find an air cal-liope playing from an old fire engine with theshow's name. Inside the entrance, at the other endis spotted the beautiful band organ from Germany'sBlack Forest. The wagon is some 20 ft. long withthe animated figures moving to the mellow tonesof the organ. This huge organ is additionally en-hanced by hundreds of small light bulbs mountedwithin the carved scrolls.Eight major and four kiddie rides each have theirhistory described on signs mounted for easy raid-ing. They ar<* the 1928 "Lindy Loop", a Mangels"Whip" and "Ferris Wheel", a Spillman "Ridee-0""Caterpillar", Dangler "Flying Swings", an 1896English "Merry-go-round" and a huge English im-port, the "Coronation Arc".These alone bring back the memories, let alonethe 10c cup of coffee in the midway cookhouse.The "High Striker" and mit camp are ako on themidway with the usual gypsy reading palms fromher wagon. And speaking of wagons, you'll findthe old hard rubber tire camey wagons, each la-beled such as "Girl Show", "Wrestling Show"and itc.Seven banner lines front the "Athletic Show","Arcade", "Garden of Allah" (girl show), "Mer-maid in Fish Bowl", "Guillotine" (headless girl),"Spidora" (girl with many legs) and an old timecarney "General Store". All the show front bai-leys contain talkers dressed as in the roaring '20swith megaphones. No P.A. systems. There was thebroad chested wrestler in long black tights callingfor all comers with no holds barred at a dollar a 'minute for staying in the ring, the girls on thebally swaying beneath colored veils as "Little Eg-

King Bros. Circus closed its 1978 season at Athens,Ga., on Sept. 8th and went back into quarters inFlorida. Its future plans are indefinite.

«: =L. :iflTNT & ROYAL OLYMPIC CIRCUS

by Don SandmanThe TNT & Royal Olympic Circus made its an-nual visit to Toledo, Ohio, playing at the South-wyk Mall Aug. 23-27. The show is owned andproduced by Earl W. Tegge, with Timothy N.Tegge, co-producer and musical director. LouiseT. Tegge is treasurer and show organist.The show as presented at Southwyk featured: TheCyclonians, wizards on wheels; The Patricks, rolabola; Clowns and Growing Hair; Myna Moon, onsingle trapeze; the Clowns and Sharpshooters.Clowning is handled by Tim "Twinkles" Teggeand Laura Hase. Tim, incidentally, did the newprogram.Visitors at the show included Al Conover, Graceand Don Sandman and Tom Henricks.

GENE McOONALD reports he visited Circus Vargasin the Pacific Northwest and got put to work on theshow's front gate. He also caught the Big JohnStrong Circus at Enumclaw, Wash, on Sept. 6th.

MAX A. HARRIS, Jr., a flyer with the FSU Circus,of Florida, recently achieved the triple somersaultduring a performance at Callaway Gardens, nearPine Mountain, Ga.

ypt" and even young boys with caps and knickersat the popcorn cart.Additional detail included the office tent as in theConklin & Garrett days, with windows cut in thecanvas sidewalls. No office wagon then. With some35 concessions, some sporting games of yesteryearthe midway was well balanced and if as a page outof Joe McKennon's Pictorial History of the Amer-ican Carnival.

The Circus Report Page 15

2Super Sensational Acts

JEFFRIES C A L I F O R N I A SEA LIONS

Funny antics from the true comedians of the

deep blue sea

JANICE I LLUSIONIST E X T R A O R D I N A I R E !

1 • Crystal Box 2 • Metamorphus

3 • Girl to Tiger

«^>

FLASHY - PROFESSIONAL DEPENDABLE

NOW APPEARING IN CANADA WITH CIRCUS GATINI

BOOKING NOW FOR:

OCT. THRU X M A S

ADDRESS THRU OCT. 1st PERMANENT ADDRESS:c/o Circus Gatim I A R R Y IFFFRIFS2724 DBS Ormeau LARRY JEI FRIES

Montreal, Quebec, Canada HI L 4X7 9°00 Beachy AvenuePhone:(514)351-2415 Arleta. Calif. - 91331

Page 16 September 18,1978

W A N T E DR. B. & B. B. CIRCUS PROGRAMS

For the Seasons of 1920 22 24-25Please state price and condition

A.M.HARRIS2136 W. Master St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19121

The CircusPICKLE FAMILY CIRCUSby Mike SporrerUnder a covered-restored shed at the Gas WorksPark, the Pickle Family Circus presented a mini-performance at Seattle, Wash., on Aug. 23rd. Up-coming dates that were announced are Aug. 26-27 Langley and Sept. 1-4 Bumbershoot at the Se-attle Camp Grounds.Using 5 sections of hng curb and a neat canvasback drop with the show's title and a circus de-sign, the one hour performance was presented toa nice crowd. The show included a fine jugglingact, showing skill not seen on many big shows.The main clown number, a suitcase routine, wasespecially good and a well thought out feature.Sandy Counts on the tightrope did a chair balanceand the entire program was backed by a 5 pieceband.

VALENTIO, high wire star, recently worked forafilm special and stopped the show with his act at theAnaheim Stadium with the Electric Light Orchestra,an event attended by some 55,000 people.

PAUL V. KAYE, circus producer, visited with ALANand PAULINE REIDER in Las Vegas last month.Pauline is the sister of famed circus animal man MAN-UEL KING and the mother of popular Las Vegasventriloquist SAMMY KING.

R e m e m b e r W h e n in the Mid-westF R A N K ' S P O P C O R N & S U P P L Y2311 Chestnut St. Louis, Mo.

Call: (314) 436 - 7700Ask for STU TOMBER

Over 55 years of fine service and fair pricesto the great circus concession business.

Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Snow, Grab, Vend,Peanuts, All Dry and Wet Items, CookhouseSupplies and Equipment Gold Medal, Star,Cretors.

AVAILABLETO WORK BANNERS Heel and Toe orConcessions or to Handle Any Job onthe Advance of vour show.Mail Route and $ Money to Join With.

CARL ALBRIGHTGeneral Delivery, Dayton, Ohio • 40401

Billy Barton (Commu«d)past winter and she looks wonderful. . .The DO-BRITCH CIRCUS, at Busch Gardens in Virginia,punctuates its season Oct. 1st. . .RBBB CircusWorld secured a $29,000,000 loan at 9.5% inter-est for a five year deal. The loan has been guar-anteed by the circus world's parent company Ma-ttel, backed up by capital stock and certain per-sonal property, of the park complex.

IRENE YOUNG advises me they've removed themirror from above their famed blue velvet roundbed . . which leaves me so many openings forsome campy cracks that I've decided to make it"no comment."

See you down the road, luvs.

NOW BOOKINfiFOR 1979 S E A S O N • All typesof acts. Also unique Side Showattract ions.Send litt of show experience withcurrent photo and lowest salaryrequirements.

P O. Box 1570W i n t e r Pa rk . F lo r ida - 32790

The Circus Report Page 17

MiscellaneousA bridge on the Ohio Turnpike (Between Exit 11and Exit 12) has been closed due to an accidentand fire which involved a fuel truck. Officials re-port the bridge will be closed thru December andpossibily longer.

The Los Angeles (Calif.) County Fair which is atPomona, Calif., will have the Canadian MountedPolice Show as its feature this year. This is thefirst time in 20 years the fair has not included acircus among its attractions.

The cast and crew of the Emmett Kelly, Jr. Cir-cus held a backstage party at Aurora, III. duringthe show's date there (Aug. 29 Sept. 4). Plentyof food and drink was available for everyone.

MAKE EXTRA MONEYWITH OUR

PITCH MAGICCOLORING BOOK

(10 x 14)

• 4 COLOR COVER• 16 PAGES TO COLOR• 5 MAGIC TRICKS ONTHE BACK COVER

Sells For 75'. YourPrice Is Only 22' Each F.O.B.

In Quantities Of 300Send 50 For A Sample Book

PHILIP MORRIS

JIM-BOW THE CLOWNAVAILABLE tor Parlies, Schools, Organizations and any kind of Circus.

"COME IN CLOWN"

JAMES R. DECKER605 N. Ervay St., Dallas, Texas 75221

GERARD and MARY JO ZERBINI are parentsof a baby "Gilliume Joseph Felix Zerbini" bomJuly 18th at Niagara Falls, N.Y. The new arrival'sgrand-parents are LOUIS and MARY ROSE ZER-BINI and FRED and ORA LOGAN.

BILL GALLOWAY reports he visited with KATHYand VASHEK recently. Thiir little boy is becom-ing a big boy now, he adds.

DON and CAROL PHILLIPS and family visitedthe Emmett Kelly, Jr. Circus while enroute to jointhe Garden Show. Other recent visitors were JOEFRISCO and Family and agent MARC SCHULTZ,of thr Howard Schultz Agency.

BRUCE ANDERSON, a former aerialist, is lookingfor an aerial rigging. Contact him at: 1420 North Seward St., Los Angeles, Calif. - 90028.

MIKE MARTIN, magician, is working dates in Texasfor producer RAY WINDER.

WAYNE McCARY produced the Royal Int'l Circusfor the Big E Expo in W$st Springfield, Mass., whichran Sept. 13-17.

CHARLES LIEDL recently made a trip to Alaskaand reports that he saw posters advertising a circuscoming into Ketchikan on June 26th.

HARRY R. WEILER LUVAS, former circus aerial-ist now lives in West Germany. He is the son ofTRUDY LUVAS and a brother to PETER LUVAS,of the Dixiana Circus.

FOR SALECAMELS - 2 Females - 1 Outstandingride camel, 10 years old, raised babylast year, bred back. Can ride 1,000 perday.Saddle and Loading Platform included.Contact: JONNY RIVERS

Route 1 Box 262Camdenton, Mo. • 65020

Phone: 314 346 5410

Page 18 September 18,1978

LIONS WANTED•MLFS preferred - to 2 years old - Up to'> >«eded to add to group. - Send lull info

• ee.vr. Yi.-! Oecember.MM MIGHELLS

i • Rnyal Hanneford Circus, Inc.?S21 Mall Drive. Sarasota, Fla. 33580

Miscellaneous1 ,'ere are "tore jugglers per square mile in the SouthSeas island kingdom of Tonga than anywhere else on>.drth. and the |ugglers are all girls. It's a tradition thatsues back many centuries, a combination of chantingdid ,uggl>ng, that only girls participate in.

Everywhere you go in Tonga you'll see girls juggling •along dusty back roads, at school, in the villages, onThe beaches - both day and night.

The girls juggle limes and Tui Tui nuts (a kind of ches-tnuti and frequently they engage in contests which goon for hours and hours, with no one missing a toss.Some of the girls will juggle as many as seven of thelimes or nuts.

BOBBY GIBBS is now handling the announcing onCarson & Barnes No. 2 Unit, replacing MANUELKING who has left for previous commitments.

Show ReportSome of the talent inked for the M&M Circus Int'ltour in 1979 includes George Barreda, lions; TheJames Zoppe Royale Resinback Riders; PrincessMafalda; Ethel Jennier's Greyhounds; Aeneletta,trapeze; Joselito, high wire; Jo Ann & Sum y, sealact; Mister Sensation, breakaway aerial act; JimmyDouglass with Spec, Clown Alley and Ringmaster.Dates set are: Rochester (NY) Fe. 14-18; Omaha(Nebr) Apr. 17-22; Lincoln (Nebr) Apr. 24-29; Mt.Clemens (Mich) June 1-3.

WANTEDMALE ACROBAT AND DANCER

24 year old Girl Looking for Partner

St-nd Photo and Resume by Oct. 25, 1978

To- DIANF WHITE. J143 • 44tn Si.. Sarasota, Fla. 33580

SPECIALThe Ohio State "Sells Bros. Top" will hold its an-nual convention and Fun Fest on Friday and Sat-urday (Sept. 29-30) at the Holiday Inn West, inSpringfield, Ohio. All CFA's are welcome to attend

Show ReportTHRILL CIRCUS • 1978 New York State Fairby Bill GallowayThe following acts were presented by Circus Co-ordinator Gunnar Amandis at the 1978 New YorkState Fair at Syracuse, Aug. 26 Sept. 4. Gunnarwas the show's announcer.The Swaying Bilros (Danny Rogers and Carl Sch-midt); Fire Dive by John Carney; Johnny Luxemand his Wheel of Destiny; Rocket Car (Rassini),The Great Oscar; Barry Sloane, stilt walker andthe Vashek Duo, aerial motorcycle.

MiscellaneousRex, the Wonder Lion, has found an eternal restingplace in the town of Waukon, Iowa.

For Sale- C O M P L E T E C I R C U S -

TRUCKS, TRAILERS, TENTS

AND SOME ANIMALS

One Unit Currently on the road

and

One Unit in winter-quarters

For complete details contact:

JAMES M. J O H N S O NP. 0. Box 387

D u n n , N. C. - 28334

Phone; (919) 892 - 2184

The Circus Report

J O H N D A V E N P O R T ' S

JUNGLE WONDERS CIRCUSHELP WANTED IN ALL DEPARTMENTS

NOW THRU DEC. 15, 1978 AND FOR ALL OF

THE 1979 SEASON

Contact: ANSWERING SERVICE

512 - 787 - 3110

WE WILL REPLY TO Y O U R CALL WITHIN 24 HOURS

WANTALL T Y P E S OF ACTS EXCEPT A N I M A L ACTS

- Especially Flying Acts and Wire Acts -

B ILLPOSTERS MUSIC.ANS

MECHANICS to work on PROP MEN

Diesel Trucks COOK

ELEPHANT and ANIMAL MEN DIESEL TRUCK DRIVERS

CANDY BUTCHERS V E T L R I N A R I A N S

ELECTRIC IANS A N I M A L T R A I N E R S

Extra help is needed due to expansion of 1978 fal l t our and the 1979 season