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Carson and Barnes Circus hosts two shows today

Posted September 16, 2014 11:00 pm

By Pete Spitler The Herald Tribune

CHESTER -- The first circus visit in recent memory will occur today, as the traveling Carson and Barnes Circus hosts two shows at the Cohen Complex in Chester.

Festivities begin with an elephant shower, which is free and open to the public, at the Complex at 3 p.m. The Chester Fire Department is assisting circus personnel with the bathing of the animals.

According to the Carson and Barnes website, all attendees at the elephant shower will receive a free upgraded seat at the show.

"When (the circus) asked me to do it, I thought it would be a great opportunity for the department and the kids," said Chester Fire Chief Marty Bert. "How often do you get to wash an elephant? I think it's pretty cool."

Bert said circus officials told him only three or four firefighters would be necessary for the washdown, which can take up to 500 gallons of water and a gallon of soap per day per animal.

"We're going to see who all wants to go out there," said Bert, who added some firefighters will have to remain behind for fire protection. "But, we may have to draw straws to see who gets to go."

Sponsored by the City of Chester, show times for the one-day event are set for 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Same-day tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for children and can be purchased at Buena Vista Bank (Both Chester Center and Swanwick Street locations), Chester City Hall and First Bank.

"We did one (circus) at the Cohen Complex in 2005 or 2006, that's the last one I remember," said Bert, who was Chester's mayor from 2005 to 2009. "There were two other ones before that."

Tickets can also be purchased online at www.BigTopShow.com. Those purchasing online can receive a free child's general admission ticket with a paid adult.

Seating capacity is 1,800 per show.

"It's a family event and a unique event," said Chester Recreation Director Patti Carter, who added eight residents from Red Bud Regional Care will be attending one of the shows. "Some people complained about Wednesday night, but that was out of my control and (the circus) will have something for everyone."

Established in 1937, Carson and Barnes boasts the "Biggest Big Top in the World" and is owned and managed by Barbara Miller-Boyd and Gary Boyd.

"We travel all around the U.S. for about 40 weeks," said Traci Cavallini, daughter of the owners, in previous comments to the Herald Tribune. "It's a family-owned business and we're excited about the opportunity to bring animals and circus artists to town."

According to its website, the Carson and Barnes Circus was founded by D.R. and Isla Miller. D.R.'s father, Obert Miller, began a dog and pony show in 1937 in Smith Center, Kan., and the business grew from there.

The circus has had four generations of family members tour the country as part of it.

"I was raised on the circus and it is kind of a nomadic lifestyle," Cavallini said. "It's a close community and it's part of who you are.

"You have to love it to do it."

For those who cannot attend today's visit, Carson and Barnes will have a pair of shows at Murphysboro's Riverside Park tomorrow, also scheduled for 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

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