APNewsBreak: Ringling Bros. circus to close after 146 years

AP ^ | 14 Jan 2017 | AP

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Posting limits due to source.

[stylecouncilor]

Very sad.

[foreverfree]

I like that "fire apparatus" tag.

ff

[Puppage]

I see what you did there

[Old Yeller]

Where does a bearded lady go to find work?

At the state fairs. Just tell her to ask for Lobster Boy.

[onedoug]

Indeed.

[dforest]

The have big PC problems. They don’t even call themselves a circus in their ads anymore.

PETA picks on them all the time. Clowns are seen as all evil anymore...it goes on and on.

[odawg]

I once caught their act at the Super Dome in New Orleans. I was thinking that we would be able to walk around the acts, etc. However, we had to sit in the bleachers, and I did not bring my binoculars. I left fairly quickly.

[riri]

It's too expensive for families to do these kinds of things anymore.

I brought my kids to RB when they were small a few times. B.O.

Even then the tickets, for good seats, were $100 a piece or close to it.

I can't imagine what they are now. A.O.

Factor in a funky hat or two, a cool drink in a funny cup you get to keep, dinner at the Red Robin after and you are looking at real money.

Hell, the burgers at Red Robin for a family of four with tax and tip will set you back $65.

Very glad I am not "just starting out". It'd be downright depressing.

[HonkyTonkMan]

I took one child to see the elephants for the last time. Tickets were about that price - absolutely ridiculous.

It was a great show and we did walk around the rings prior to the show - lot of fun, but not sure it's worth $600 for an entire family evening.

On a side note, concert prices are through the roof, too. Don't know how anyone affords it.

[Yardstick]

It was a bold move.

---

You painted a great picture. Good post!

[JonPreston]

Then the New Mexico State Fair in 1956 with their “freaks” I still remember the man who was cut off at the waist, Midgets, The “Octopus Man”, Sword swallowers. AWESOME!

Wasn't it great! As a kid I recall thinking as I watched this human menagerie, "where and how do they live after the show."? I felt both fear and sorrow for these folks, but for sure I couldn't stop looking :)

[Semper911]

You painted a great picture. Good post!

Thanks. Such a vivid memory. I was a hero to my sisters for months, and it gave a morale boost to my whole family.

The greatest show on earth, in so many ways.

[foreverfree]

I saw the RB&BB train parked in the train yard while going through Providence, RI on Amtrak. Obviously the circus was playing Providence at the time. ☺

ff

[Boardwalk]

Ask yourself why did they take the elephants out? Do you dare?

[Semper911]

why did they take the elephants out?

You tell me. Peta? Transport expense?

[Intolerant in NJ]

...“woman with a great personality.”...excellent...

[foreverfree]

And she doesn't even look like a dyke. :)

ff

[Justa]

SeaWorld won’t close anytime soon. They’re owned by Bush Gardens. Orlando SeaWorld just opened a new roller coaster, the Mako. Best roller coaster ever. The only ride I’ve ever been on where I felt better after the ride then before I got on. Lots of 0 and neg. G time.

[AmericanMermaid]

What a beautiful childhood memory! Thank you for sharing it with us.

[evaporation-plus]

It’s hard working for peanuts.

Oh, your such a clown !