Skeeter the Clown visited children and adults alike in Bourbon on Thursday to invite them to the one-day circus performances on June 5.
The circus performances are being sponsored by the Town of Bourbon and proceeds will be used for community downtown activities throughout the year in Bourbon.
The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus will have two performances at 5:00 and 7:30 P.M. at the Triton Schools field. However, Sweeter said they love to have visitors stop by starting at 9:30 to watch the big top go up. She said they pound in 117 metal stakes using 16 pound sledge hammers. Whenever possible, they like to use a Bobcat to help setup the main tent support.
Skeeter said those who stop by to watch the tent go up can also get a free tour where they can meet the lions and tigers.
She said, “Sometimes we hear that the circus is only for children, but our average age group of attendees is often 65-90. They grew up going to the circus as a rare treat.”
Skeeter herself has been with circus life for 17 years. Oddly enough, her first experience was with clowns at the Shrine Circus when she was nine; however, she said she was really scared. She said, “My father didn’t want me to grow up being afraid of clowns, so he arranged for me to work sometimes with professional clown, Al Roth.”
According to Skeeter, she tried to get into the Ringling Brothers training camp from the time she was 16 until she was nearly 28. Although she went on to get a Master’s Degree in Broadcasting and worked in both radio and TV, she was finally able to realize her dream to be accepted and graduate with a “MBA” from Ringling Brothers official camp. She kiddingly said the “MBA” is a degree in “baffooning”.
Skeeter said the circus troop has performed for audiences of 300,000, but they especially love to be in small towns. She sad, “They might not have an NBA arena or a Chucky Cheese on the corner, so the circus gives them great place to enjoy family fun.”
This is the 225 year anniversary of American Circus, according to Skeeter. Culpepper & Merriweather offers 90 minute circus performances for 32 weeks of every year. She said they have 42 troop members on the cookout list with 22 as performers.
Beginning at 4:00 P.M. there will be pony rides, moon-bounce, concessions and more.
Reserve tickets can be purchased at the Bourbon Street Pizza, Subway, The Standard, and the Bourbon Town Hall. Advance Tickets are $10 for adults and $7.00 for children. Tickets purchased on circus day will be $13 for adults and $8.00 for children. For more information or to reserve discounts tickets call 866-BIG Top 6.\
Carol Anders Correspondent
