When you were a kid (or maybe as an adult), did you ever go to a circus?
I did. When I was litt
le - seventy's, early eighties (I KNOW, right?) - and the circus came to our little Midwestern Indiana town, everything else seemed to stop. I remember bike riding around the neighborhood and being excited at the sight of a circus promo poster nailed to a wooden telephone pole. I would ride up to it. Stare at it. Repeat the date over and over again as to not forget when telling my mom later in the day."We just HAVE to go mom! We just HAVE to! Can we? PLUH-EESSE??"
Now, money was rather tight in my growing up. There were good times and rough times, but my parents tried not to let me know it. I knew that if those blue and red paper tickets showed up under a magnet on the fridge door, this was an event to appreciate
.Finally, the day would come. If you got up REEALL early that morning, you could walk down to the circus site and see the elephants raise the big top tent. We never did, but we should have. Of course, our tickets were always scheduled for late in the day when my dad got home - which made the day last for-EVER - along with bothering my mom all day with, "Is it time yet? I'm bored. Is it time yet? What time is it? We should get there early."
Show time!
The smells. The sights. The clowns. The yelling of "Getcha peanuts" and "Program books here!" Oh how I longed for one of those program coloring books. I knew better than to ask because I just felt lucky being there in the first place (though, I did win one in a ticket contest - I believe I still have it, full of glitter glue.) Sometimes, we would share a bag of peanuts. Remember how fun it was to be able to throw the shells to the ground? Funny the things that are exciting to a child. Another year, I got to ride on top of an elephant, which was scary and fun all at the same time. I don't know how many kids were up there - seemed like hundreds because I kept feeling like I was going to fall off. Of course, I wasn't and I didn't. If I'm not mistaken, there is a Polaroid somewhere of that maiden voyage.
Must. Find. It.
Going to the circus provided many entries in MY childhood "museum of memories." Have I ever taken my son? Unfortunately...no. I suppose as you get older, the magic tends to die a bit. Anticipation dwindles. You see things in a different light. Wide-eyed child fascination can turn into mistrust and doubt. I'll be honest, animals being "made" to perform tends to give me an uncomfortable feeling - no matter what the situation. Even Shamu makes me cry - though I'm unsure if it's out of sadness, love or wonder. MY feelings of pity have kept HIM from having a magical, circus experience. (to learn more about the Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation and how you can help, click here)
Well, guess what? The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is showing near us soon. When I heard this, I was still unsure if I wanted to go. So, I decided to "secretly" ask my friends about their circus memories. "Did you ever go to the circus as a kid?", I posed to one of my closest girlfriends. Her stout answer was, "Oh my gosh, YES! And it was THE most amazing thing I have ever seen; I'll never forget it! Ever!"
Circuses are such a part of our American history. How do you truly understand the old stories if you have never experienced it for yourself? Granted, long gone are the days of the bearded ladies (except for you Adam), strong men and lizard boys. Though, some of the old elements of the silly clowns, high flyers and cannons are still made part of each act. I do want my son to understand the circus life of days gone by. I do want him to be amazed at the illusions and feats. I do want him to feel the childhood circus magic, before his childhood is gone.
Would you like to provide this fun experience for your family? Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Zing Zang Zoom is coming to Chicago! Kristina Dorne and Meghan Daly, from Mom Central, has paired with Feld Entertainment to bring you a special offer!
Purchase a 4-pack of tickets for only $44 (Valid Monday-Thursday and Friday Matinees, excluding holidays) and save $4 on all weekend shows by logging onto Ticketmaster and entering the coupon code: MOM *
*Use promotional code MOM when purchasing tickets at Arena Box Offices, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Enter code in the "MC Promotions Box" on Ticketmaster. Minimum purchase of 4 tickets required. Not valid on Circus Celebrity, Frong Row or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges and handling fees may apply.
The Chicago event has two venues:
Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL
November 5-15, 2009
Thurs. Nov. 5 - 7:00 pm
Fri. Nov. 6 - 10:30 am & 7:00 pm
Sat. Nov. 7 - 11:30 am, 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Sun. Nov. 8 - 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm
Wed. Nov. 11 - 7:00 pm
Thurs. Nov. 12 - 7:00 pm
Fri. Nov. 13 - 7:00 pm
Sat. Nov. 14 - 11:30 am, 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Sun. Nov. 15 - 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm
United Center in Chicago, IL
November 17 - 29, 2009
Tues. Nov. 17 - Community Night
Wed. Nov. 18 - 7:00 pm
Thurs. Nov. 19 - 10:30 am & 7:00 pm
Fri. Nov. 20 - 10:30 am & 7:00 pm
Sat. Nov. 21 - 11:30 am, 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Sun. Nov. 22 - 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm
Tues. Nov. 24 - 7:00 pm
Wed. Nov. 25 - 7:00 pm
Thurs. Nov. 26 - Thanksgiving
Fri. Nov. 27 - 11:30 am, 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Sat. Nov. 28 - 11:30 am, 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Sun. Nov. 29 - 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm
Would you like to go for FREE???
Here's your chance! I am giving away FOUR tickets to see "The Greatest Show on Earth!" - your choice of opening nights:
- November 5th at 7:00 pm - Rosemont All-State Arena
- November 18th at 7:00 pm - Chicago United Center
(Be sure to leave a comment for each entry or it will not count)
1.) Leave a comment. Do you have a circus memory? I do understand that not everyone is in favor of circuses - please, if you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all.
2.) Follow this blog (left sidebar)
3.) Twitter this: Popcorn! Peanuts! Give ME four Chicago Ringling Bros. tickets! (@ItsToni) http://bit.ly/1GahKW #giveaway
A winner will be chosen using random.org. Winners will pick up their tickets (with photo ID) at the Will Call window, the night of the show.
Good Luck!
*Honest Blogger Found Here: I am receiving circus tickets in exchange for helping to promote this special family ticket package.*
32 comments:
I'm not entering because I live in FL, but just wanted to share that we took my 18 month old to the Zing! Zang! Zoom! circus at the beginning of this year and she was enthralled! I don't think she has ever been so excited or sat so still for so long!
Good luck to everyone else. Too bad the giveaway doesn't include plane tickets. I love Chicago!
My son went to the circus last year with his grandparents as I was home with the newborn. Almost a year later, he is STILL talking about the animals, the ringmaster, the popcorn, the excitement. I would LOVE to be able to share the experience with him this year!
I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/tiaras_tantrums/statuses/4895384858
We have not been to the circus in so long. The last time was while we were living in Beijing China (2005). Oh, let me tell you, it was so hilarious to watch Chinese clowns!! hee I'm LOL right now over the memory - my children were PETRIFIED of those clowns though!
I follow your blog: Tiaras & Tantrums
I'm not really sure why, but I've never been to a circus! Would love to see what it's all about!
My 3 yr old son and 2 yr old daughter would LOVE the circus! I know I went when I was young but can't even remember it!
I follow your blog too! Hope it helps me win!
I think I've seen this blog before and didn't realize it was yours! lol
I remember elephants from when I was little and think we've never been to one since having kids sadly.
I'm sure they'd love it.
Don't know how you got such good giveaways! That's pretty impressive.
i love elephants mverno@roadrunner.com
I unfortunately don't have any childhood circus memories, but I would love to create some with my family!
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow your blog!
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
Nothing like the smell of large animals and popcorn in the afternoon! Funny men running around acting silly. #funtimes
I got to ride an elephant once at a circus- I was about 8 but remember like it was yesterday!
I am a follower!
I am following your blog
Tweet
http://twitter.com/purplepassion12/status/5076242223
I always remember going to the circus as a field trip in school and remember all the little trinkets and flashing toys that everyone wanted to have. I always loved the part when all the elephants would grab each other's tails with their trunks and walk in a circle and then raise them up.
I went to the circus every year with my parents. Each time my dad would buy me a program and the special toy of the year - usually a type of flashlight. I would always get so excited when the lights went down and everyone turned on their flashlights - I hope to give my boys this fun and excitement one day.
I would go about every 3 years with my grandpa and I just loved being there. tderningATgmailDOTcom
I remember going as a child and loving it especially the aerialists
My memory is of going to the circus in the old Shriner's Temple in Chicago and eating pizza at Uno's across the street. I think the Shriner's building is now a Bloomingale's!
Thanks for the opportunity to win tickets to create a circus memory for my daughter.
mayacarpenter at verizon dot net
I'm a new follower, looking forward to reading your posts. I found you through Prizey.
mayacarpenter at verizon dot net
http://twitter.com/janetmom2maya/status/5140409923
mayacarpenter at verizon dot net
The first time I went to the circus, I was able to see the elephants up close. I would love to go again.
theolotto@yahoo.com.au
I never went to the circus as a child. We did take our daughter once, when she was about 5 yrs old. I'd love to go again...love to win the tickets to the Rosemont show. Thanks!
angela67p(at)gmail(dot)com
Love your hat!! When I was 7, my parents arranged for me and 3 of my friends to go to see Ringling Bros. Unfortunately, our car broke down on the way and we missed the show. I haven't been since! Us girls had a good time anyway...we broke down next to a place called the Purple Cow and hd lots of ice cream!
http://twitter.com/ContestGrlz
Also following on Twitter.
My two year old screaming the elelphant pooped!
I loved to go to the circus, I loved the acrobats.
tukibird22@gmail.com
My memory is of going with my mom, dad and sisters every year from about the age of 5, in Chicago. I would like the Nov. 5th tickets please
jceko77@yahoo.com
I remember being scared to death by the clowns, but the elephants made me forget all about that!
I love the clowns, they always get the bad rap.
boxerbaby622ATgmailDOTcom
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