The Carson & Barnes Circus is performing today in Houston.
The 79th edition of the circus will be presented in traditional “big top” style in two shows at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce Fairgrounds. Featured acts will include animals, acrobats, trapeze artists, clowns and daredevils. Highlights include Cirque du Soleil veteran Luis Miguel Terry (who will present his amazing mastery of bounce juggling) and the death-defying Dominguez Extreme Riders (who will wow the crowd by pushing physics to the limit while they ride full-speed inside the metal “Globe of Death” sphere).
The public is invited to watch the elephants of what is billed as America’s oldest family-owned circus enjoy a full “spa treatment” at 3 p.m., as the “pampered pachyderms” are lathered, scrubbed, exfoliated, moisturized and pedicure so they look and feel their best when they greet fans during the big top performances. Water for the treatment will be provided by City of Houston fire trucks.
Many exotic animals from around the world can be viewed for free before each performance. Elephant and pony rides will be available along the circus midway for a small fee, along with many other pre-show activities.
Advance tickets are $12, or $6 for children under 12, while tickets at the door cost $16 or $10 for kids under 12. Advance tickets will available beginning Friday at the Houston Visitors Center (at U.S. 63 and Walnut Street), Infinite Entertainment (on North U.S. 63), Romines Motor Co. Inc. (on South Sam Houston Blvd.) and the Houston Herald office (on Grand Avenue downtown).
The chamber will also sponsor a live music with Cat Daddy and the Wild Whiskers the same night in the community building at the fairgrounds. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with music running from 6 to 10.
Donations will be accepted at the door, and food will be available for purchase inside.
A cruise-in is also planned, and owners of motorcycles and hot-rods are encouraged to bring their vehicles.
For more information about the Carson & Barnes Circus, log onto www.bigtopshow.com or call 580-743-7292.
To reach the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce, call 417-967-2220.