I actually never went to the circus as a child (I was raised by a single mom and there wasn't money for those kinds of outings). The first time I went to the circus was in 2008. We took our 2 sons. They were really amazed by the acrobats. I was amazed by the French bicycle guy Justin Case.

My earliest circus memory is when I was 8, and my aunt and uncle invited my family to watch the circus with them in their friends' box seats at the Capitol Center. It was a real three ring circus, and the adults kept pointing out everything they thought we needed to see. I vaguely remember seeing the ring of elephants and the world's shortest man, but I vividly remember my hyper 8 year old cousin who tried to see how much popcorn he could "accidentally" drop over the partition onto unsuspecting people below without anyone noticing.

I remember trying to figure out how they got that many clowns to fit in such a small car!

My earliest memory was when I was 6 and my parents took me. I remember not liking the trapeze artists. I also remember getting a circus program.

I haven't been to the circus in years, but I do remember the several times my parents took me as a small child and the one or two times I went with the school. The odd thing to me is that it seemed to always be the same show! I did enjoy it and I haven't seen a circus in such a long time now, I'd love to see it again, especially if I can share it with my children!!!
Here's something I remember. I wished there wasn't three rings, each with a different act happening at the same time. I wanted to take it all in individually.

My family had just moved to Raleigh. I was 6 and on this particular day, I had broken my arm riding my bike down a steep hill in our new neighborhood. (NOTE: Hill doesn't look so steep NOW.) To distract me from my pain, my parents took me to see the elephants getting off the circus train near Dorton Arena. Money was tight and we didn't actually get to see the circus but just being that close to the elephants was more than enough for me that day. The elephants were MAGICAL and SO HUGE and they walked ever so slowly by. To this day, I vividly remember one elephant turned toward me and looked way down at me. We looked each other in the eye and I felt a connection to him somehow. I felt a little sad as he passed on by because he had chains around his feet and was not free like I was when I was outside riding my bike. I forgot all about my broken arm and went to bed that night where I dreamed about riding the elephants! Thank you for re-awakening such a special memory!

My earliest memory of the cirucs was attending Barnum and Bailey at the Raleigh fairgrounds with my grandparents sometime in the early 80s. The circus never visited the town I grew up in, so coming to the 'big city' to stay with them and make such an adventure was huge! Such a special treat and one of my earliest memories.

I was 6 or 7 and my mom got me out of school to go watch the elephants march to the arena in Charlotte. I was so excited and couldn't wait to see the show. The elephants have always been my favorite part of the circus! We took our son to the circus last year for the first time and he helped me reawaken the magic! He loves the elephants too!

Well - I was about 4, seeing the circus at the infamous Dorton Arena (now you know how old I am!) and decided that the show wasn't enough - I had to get up and follow the vendor selling those beautiful, pink inflatable elephants on a stick....My dad asked me where I was going, and I said I had to go see that man {to get my elephant} - I loved them (and still do) as much as several of the readers above. I am looking forward to a long overdue trip to the circus in February with my girls, to relive the magic through their eyes!

I have no idea how old I was when I first went to the circus, but it was a family tradition. I loved everything about it! I remember things being so exciting, like the motorcycle in the cage and the trapeze artist. I will never forget the clowns! We had been to a show and after wards some of the clowns were hanging out talking to the children, my mom took me to see one and as he got closer, he also got bigger. With all the makeup, big feet, and big red noses, I was terrified. I have shied away from clowns ever since, even the toy ones.

I was in high school the first time I went to the circus. It was indoors at one of the other high schools and I remember being absolutely fascinated by the tigers and the tamer. I still remember it today.

I have never ever been to a circus!! I don't think my husband has either. We now have 2 girls. I'm sure my 5 year old would absolutely LOVE it!!

I used to go to the circus with my grandparents every year starting when I was about 7.(which was about 30 yrs ago) I remember they always sat us up pretty high and as a child I would always want to sit closer to the action.
My grandparents gave in and got us seats in front and boy let me tell you...30yrs ago the circus was NOT what it is today! I learned pretty quick that day why we sat up so high.....the elephants were always right down front and the smell was soooo terrible that we couldn't even sit there for 5 min! HaHaHa...I never asked to sit that close again.
My two boys love the circus and we do sit close...thank goodness the circus is not what it used to be!

My earliest circus memory was when I lived in Connecticut. I remember so vividly riding on a elephant. It was so much fun, but those hairs on a elephant felt so prickly on my legs!

When I was growing up, family entertainment was limited by the price of "free". This didn't mean we didn't enjoy great times at the local parks, nearby beach and time spent with friends and relatives. I have many good memories, but one that I don't have is going to the circus due to our financial limitations. I would love the opportunity to go "first-class" to the circus - I had no idea it was possible and had already made a New Year's resolution to attend the circus this year - at the age of 42! Better late than never!

I grew up in Colchester, Vermont and seem to remember it was a perfect summer afternoon for the circus when we went to see Barnum & Bailey. I remember the big tent, the trapeze artists, and was fascinated with the acrobats! Also remember the loud motorcycles driving in circles and upsidedown in the big cage, and of course eating popcorn!

The first time I went to the circus was in High School. We were living in Orofino, Idaho at the time. I was excited to go. The atmosphere at the circus is fabulous--food, lights, entertainment!
My favorite parts were the people twirling around the plates and the ones hanging from the trapese. I just couldn't help but think about what would happen if they fell. I was silently praying for their safety! :)
I was on the edge of my seat by the time the HUGE elephants came prancing around. I just couldn't get past the large yellow buckets my father pointed out to me were for the elephant "droppings". I was thankful that I did not have to empty those after the show!

The first time I went to the circus was with my 4 year old daughter. It was number three on the list of first time things we would experience together. #1 was my daughter's birth, and #2 was riding in an airplane.

My first memory of the circus is when I was about 8years old and setting so close All I could concertrate on is all the poop everywhere. Funny I don't remenber the show just the poop.

My first memory of the circus is when I was about 8years old and setting so close All I could concertrate on is all the poop everywhere. Funny I don't remenber the show just the poop.

I remember going to the circus in kindergarten on a field trip. I don't remember much about the show. It was at the NC State fairgrounds so I remember the dome shoped buildings. I also saw my aunt and cousin there in the audience and wondered why they didn't buy me any popcorn.

I remember going to the circus with my best friend and her family when I was about 8 years old. It was amazing!! I loved the trapeze. We ate lots of popcorn that night at the show. I can't remember the whole thing but that's what I remember the most.

My birthday was in February right when the circus would come to town. Since we could not play outside, tickets to the circus were a great treat. I loved the clowns.

Ever heard the phrase, "I'm just going to run off and join the circus?" Well, I said that a lot when I was a kid. It came out when I was frustrated with some kind of disciplinary action or restriction from my parents, for sure. The elephants, acrobats and clown cars were surely a hit with me, too. But more often, I wanted to join because of the excitement and anticipation of the circus coming to town. That was something I wanted to be a part of... and now, as an adult, I can see that same spark through the eyes of a child. There's nothing like it!
-leslie

My grandfather would always take me to the circus to celebrate my birthday. I remember how the performer’s colorful outfits glistened under the spot lights. I would sit amazed at the daring fest performed high above the circus floor. I always wondered how they made the big cats sit so patiently while I could hardly hold my kitten at home. After my grandfather passed away I continued to attend each year as a tribute to his memory and the good times we shared at the circus. I now take my own two children relive the feelings of amazement and wonder as the performers soar fearlessly through the air; while the lion trainer interacts with ferocious beats like they are routine house cats. That is why the circus will always be the greatest show on earth to me.

I would love to have something exciting to post here but I really don't recall going to the circus ever. There was 4 kids in my family and not a lot of money back then and so we typically made our own fun and played games of "circus" where we pretended we were animals. My husband has told me for years that when he was at the circus for the first time, the sales people were walking around selling different things and one man stuck in his head to this day singing over and over again "a light, a light, the kiddies need a light, a light a light a light.". I am not sure if his parents got him a light but I always laugh.

I never went to the circus as a child. My first memory of the circus is when my three kids where very happy and excited (me too!!) to see the clowns, animals, the amazing acrobats and the beautiful lights all under one roof. It was in 2008, my and my kids first time to the circus. It will not be my earliest t memory of the circus only; it will be my kids memory too.

My first trip to the circus was when my kids were young. It was a small circus, but they got to see every act up close and personal. We all loved it. I'm looking forward to taking my grandchildren now!

I remember my first trip to the circus very well. It was at the Dorton Arena (I'm a Durham local) and my fourth grade class went on a field trip. It was an evening show, and in the crowds and darkness, I got separate from the group was lost. I spent most of the time in the "lost child" area holding back tears!

I don't really remember going when I was really little but when I was around 12 or 13 I remember going in Charlotte and my younger brother spent the whole time waiting for the elephants to poop. He thought that was the best part of the whole show and talked about it for days after. We still tease him about it whenever we see that the circus is coming to town.

I recall a circus trip as a youngster but not my age. Recall enjoying the animals and all the activity. I agree with poster above...3 rings all going at one time is a lot to take in! Would think even more fun to go with my kids now, and watch their amazement of it!

Ladybugk

aka Kristen

You know, I really don't remember even going as a child. My ealriest memories are of taking my oldest daughter, now 17, to the circus when she was little. The smiles full of cotton candy....... :-)

I remember going to the circus with my sister's girl scout troop, so I guess I was about 12 or 13. All the activities going on at one time was amazing. There was never a dull moment. The sights and the smells, its something you never forget no matter your age. Can't wait to take my own daughter to the circus. :)

My first trip to circus was 26 years ago and that was my first year in the US in a small town in NC called Erwin. I went with my neice, nephew and my sister and we had a great time. We actually talked to one of the clown and we took pictures together and we had the best time ever. As far as I remeber, or maybe I had been working when I was in Hong Kong, we didn't have circus back then. That was one of my lifetime experience. However, once I got into a work life in US, specially when I was working in the restaurant, and pretty much there were not time for me to go at all. Since times get by, now working at a decent job and have weekend off, my husband and I were able to take my youngest neices to go last year and definitely, we have a blast. We are looking forward to do again this year with any efforts we can have:-)

My first experience with the circus involved taking my daughter when she was very small to observe the "animal walk" as they walked some of the animals to the venue where the show was to be held. It was a beautiful sunny day and I remember the elephants with much fondness. We did not see the circus that year--but we did get to attend another year. I now have grandchildren and would like to provide them with this same joy we experienced.

Since I've never been to the circus, my first memory will be taking our 2-year-old for the first time. In my mind's eye, I see elephants, lions, rings of fire, clowns, and trapeze artists. The colors are vibrant, and there are sounds of ooohs, aaahs, and laughter everywhere. The smells of popcorn and cotton candy fill the air. I look down and my son is staring in amazement, with a huge smile on his face.

I lived in a small town growing up. Needless to say, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey never came to our town, but when I was about 6, a small travelling circus did. What I remember most about it was how close we were to everything. There was just one tent and one ring and just one thing going on at a time - except for the clowns running all over the place, of course. Still, since I was small, everything seemed bigger than life. Later on, as a young adult, my family visited the Circus' Winter Quarters in Sarasota, Florida. I was enthralled and have wanted to go to The Circus ever since. Hopefully I'll make it this time...

I grew up in Orlando - home to Disney World, Sea World, and Circus World. Betcha never heard of Circus World. It's long gone now, but it was a whole circus amusement park. The kids even got to be in the show. I loved it. My favorite was getting up on the trapeze.

My earliest memory of being at a circus (not sure where it was) is walking on the grass going in the big tent. I remember the smell of the animals (which I was use to because I grew up on a small farm). I also remember being so excited to be there.

I never went to a circus as a child. My first time going to see a circus was when we took my daughter; She was 3 and I was pregnant with my second child, and it's hard to say which of us was more excited :).

My first memory of the circus was when I was nine. We went to see the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus in Texas. I was amazed at how huge the colliseum was. I don't remember that much about the circus--I think we were far away from the action. However, I do remember that my sister found a $20 bill under the seats after most everyone had left the building. That was exciting!

First circus was a tent circus that came to town- hot, crowded, noisy, all the action was so close --- not the same experience as the ones that I've attended as an adult. But each and every circus transports us(young or old) away with its magic!

My Circus memory was when I was about 7 or 8. My Mom was a single mom and she took my older brother and I. I remember the clowns talking to us, and the animals being so close. It was magical, something that I thought was onlt a tv experience. I never went back to the circus as a child, but that day I will never forget!

As a young girl, we were always excited when we had the opportunity to go to the circus. There were 6 children in my family, so we did not get to go often. The most exciting part of the Circus was the flying trapeze people -- all of the audience was so quiet when they started flying, and when they landed everyone was clapping and yelling with joy. We always got to share a large box of popcorn.

i remember going with my granddaddy when i was about 4 to dorton arena to see the circus for the first time. we got to go downstairs and see the clowns getting ready- iwas a bit scared! my granddaddy bought me a metal drum with the barnum and bailey logo on it, and my son still plays with it today!

I remember going to the circus when I was about 10 years old and the elephants were spraying water into the crowd, and hit my grandma with some water! :)

We lived in Michigan, and when I was 5 I remember my Mee Maw (who was orginally from Asheville and had never seen a circus, let alone an elephant) taking me to downtown Detroit to watch the elephants get off the train. We got to stay to watch the circus parade....I think she ooohhh'd and ahhh'd more than I did....and you know what, I don't recall ever quite seeing that same look of wonderment ever again on an adult's face. Everytime I see the notice that the circus is in town I think of her and that wonderful day we spent together, both of us seeing a real live elephant for the first time!

I think I went to the circus once as a child. I have no memory of the actual circus, but a vague memory of getting a stuffed animal while there. For some reason I think it was a Kermit the Frog, which is ironic because my daughter (almost 5) is now hooked on watching the Muppet Show on DVD.

My mama used to take us to the circus at Dorton Arena. I loved the circus and even knew which show it would be if it was the red or the blue troupe that was coming to town. My favorite was which ever troupe had Luther and the lions, and the coveted WHITE lion! I always wanted to see the white lion. We also would try and get a glimpse of the animals being loaded onto the train on the train tracks across from the fairgrounds.

My first memory of going to the circus was probably when I was four. I grew up in Raleigh and as long as I can remember the circus has always been the last week of February. It is easy for me to remember because my birthday is February 28th and my parents would take my brothers and I to the circus every year on my birthday. I always looked forward to going but there was one part I did not like, the canon! As a child I was terrified by loud, sudden noises. Once that canon went off, I was ready to go, until my Mom or Dad would get me some cotton candy and them I was set! Now that I have a child, I look forward to introducing her to the circus for the first time and hearing her memories as she grows up.

My first memory of the circus, the Barnum and Bailey Circus, was just waiting for it to arrive each year!! Talk about excitement and anticipation! This was one my most fond memories, growing up in FL, where the BB Circus has headquarters (in Sarasota, FL). I loved the tiny car with 10 or 12 clowns, and just wondered how they did that! My dad would never tell me. My favorite treat, the cotton candy of course, or maybe it was the snow cones?

My earliest memory of the circus is when I was about 5=4 years old growing up in New Jersey. My parents were taking me to see "the Greatest Show on Earth" and in order to get there we had to take a train. I remember being excited because it was my 1st time on the train as well.

As we boarded the train, the conductor came up to my Mom and started to chit chat, turns out they went to high school together and he let me call out some of the stops on the loundspeaker. I remember think it was so neat to go up to the front of the train to do that.

Once getting to the circus, my parents had gotten us really good seats, we were right there where all the action was. I vividly remember the clown looking for an particpant and he picked my mom, she ended up getting water on her from his flower and a few other trucks.

It was truely a wonderful memory that I will never forget, and I can't wait for my own daughter to have the same wonderful memories as well.

My first circus was trip was when I was in grade school. I remember walking down the steps of the Dorton Arena and trying to fight the feeling of "tipping over" as we descended. I was with my class ( not sure of the grade) but I remember thinking its too dark in here to see anything. But when the big lights came on and the Ringmaster came out I was caught up in sights. I think the acrobats gave me my first gray hair (can't you tell I'm the oldest). I also couldn't believe the obedience of the elephants and the tigers. It was a memorable event.

My earliest circus memory... straining to see the circus over the heads of the people in front of me! I was obviously young, and short, and spent a lot of time looking up at the lights and ceiling so it's a given that I LOVED the trapeze artists!!

My earliest Circus memory was when our family went to the Friendly Shopping Center in Greensboro to see the circus elephants and we won a free ride on the cart pulled by the elephants. We were first in line and sat in the front seat just behind the elephant.

All of a sudden the elephant's tail stood straight out and my mother yanked me and my brother out of the front seat by the shoulders just before the elephant pooped in the front seat. Then the elephant peed a tidal wave that ran across the parking lot that people were dodging as they ran.

This everlasting memory was in 1959 or 1960 when I was five years old. Needless to say the shopping center never had the circus elephants back !!!!

I remember seeing feature act strongman Tahar wrestle alligators at the Ringling Bros. Cirus in NYC 20 years ago. It was underwhelming: alligators are not active in the best of circumstances. It looked like Tahar was manipulating a big rubber alligator rather than wrestling a fearsome beast.

Growing up we lived in NY and the only circus we went to as kids was the one at the theme park in Lake George, New York -The Great Escape (owned by six flags now, but still kept the name). I loved watching the tigers as they seem to tolerate the trainer even though you know they don't want to - you can see it in the way they move, like they want to pounce on "their prey" - yet they do as they are told. The anticipation of their next move keeps you on the edge of your seat 'cause you never know what these majestical animals are thinking, when in the ring with not only other tigers but just one person in most cases. The small cage of motorcyclists also fascinates me and the choreography of all the drivers is amazing with that many cyclists in such a small area to ride in and move around. We took our son to the circus last year in Raleigh and he loved the pre-show where he got to see the dogs, elephants and some other animals up close. It was amazing to see that an elephant can paint as well. Our son also loved the motorcycles and the clowns, we can't wait to go again this year and I'm just as excited as he is.

The only time I ever went to the circus when I was growing up was with my grandparents when I was 4. They took me to Dorton Arena. I don't really remember the show, but I remember the program they bought. I kept it for a long time and I would just flip through and look at the pictures of the tightrope walker and the flame thrower. It's funny to me to think about how Dorton Arena was once the big venue for shows! That was one of the perks of visiting my grandparents in Cary. They got to take me to do things in the big city of Raleigh that I could never get to do growing up in the country.

I was about 4 or 5 and my family was sitting right near entrance where the performers came into the tent area. (This was actually under a tent, not inside a building). My most vivid memory of that day was when the elephants came in and those tiny ladies were riding them and keeping them in-line. I remember thinking - They are so small and the elephants are SO BIG!. I just loved it. I want to give my children the same type of fantastic memories.

I cant remember my earliest memory of the circus as a child. I DO remember my earliest memory of bring my youngest child to the Circus. For weeks up until we went to the Circus she was SO excited. When we got the "pre-show" she freaked out being up close and personal with the clowns. She would not let go of Grandpa nor move her head from his chest. We figured it would get better once we got into our seats. She was the same. When we left she insisted on purchasing the DVD of the program. So we purchased it. She ended up watching the video a thousand times. Now she LOVES the Circus. She still is a little iffy to be around Clowns.

I don't remember ever going to the circus as a child and we have not been able to take our three kids yet. It's one of those maybe one day things.

I didn't go to the circus when I was a child. I lived in Baltimore, and it just wasn't a big thing to my family. In 1990, I was teaching severely/profoundly disabled children who couldn't talk. I taught my students a lot of "circus" sign language and with pictures of elephants, tigers, clowns, acrobats, popcorn and peanuts they learned about "The Circus". I asked for donations from the community to take my seven little fellas and girls to the circus in Fayetteville. With volunteers, teacher assistants and a school bus that ran 35 miles an hour, we headed to the circus. When we got to our seats (a major task with wheelchairs and other equipment, and the circus began, tears came to my eyes when I saw their excitement. Their enthusiasm, their heart-felt joy, and their total amazement was beyond my expectations. Little did we know that two of those students would pass away in the years following our outing, but the memory of those students smiling remains in my heart.

I have been to the circus a few time since then, but the memories we made while preparing to go and the time we had together at the circus will always make that first time an unforgettable event.

Hi
I remember that the elephants were my favorite (and still are!) I was just amazed that someone could make an animal that large do what they wanted. I also remember the cage that the motorcycles were in and associated that with the movie Roustabout with Elvis Presley and I was amazed. It was one of my favorite experiences and I would love to share that with my 4 year old.

Thanks

As a single parent, I never could afford extras, but for months I had set aside money with to take my son for the first time when he was 3 (now 8). I made sure we had the best seats, 3rd row, center. We were one row above wheelchair access so no one was in front of him. We nestled down in our perfect seats with popcorn and sodas, giddy with wonder... the fun starts, the clowns come out and one jumped right up over the wall coming right over to greet my mortified, now screaming three year old!

I did the same for my daughter who never went until she was 13. We sat front row, ring three! We were thrilled until the elephants were brought to attention for an extended period of time a scant three feet from our faces! OH MY, it was soooo very bad! We laughed so hard we cried all the way home.

I would love to see the circus but a protected viewing area would be great. Unfortunately I think my kids might pass.

I remember going to the circus with my family at the Dorton
Arena. I remember the acts with the elephants, tigers, acrobats, trapeze artists, and all the clowns piling out of the car!

Knowing what I know know about how Ringling Elephants are abused to make them perform in their shows, I will never take my children to the circus, not even if the tickets are free. Mothers you need to know about this abuse too, don’t take your families to the Circus this year.
For decades Ringling Bros Circus has fooled many parents into believing that their shows are wholesome family entertainment, but it is just illusion. In order to train every elephant they have, they use a bullhook to torture and beat those elephants to make them perform at their shows. Sammy Haddock was so ashamed of the part he played in training baby elephants for Ringling Bros Circus that he could not remain silent, so he decided to confess. Looking at the pictures He says it shows ropes used to pull a baby elephant off balance, while a bullhook is applied to its head, in order to train it to lie down on command. "The baby elephant is slammed to the ground," Haddock says. "See its mouth is wide open. It's screaming bloody murder. It doesn't have its mouth open for a carrot."
http://www.ringlingbeatsanimals.com/bound-babies.asp
http://www.examiner.com/x-28944-Albany-Animal-Rights-Examiner~y2009m12d22-Sammy-Haddock-vs-Ringling-Bros?cid=edition-rss-Albany

The human equivalent to a circus elephant’s life is putting a human infant on death row.

My first memory of the circus was when I was about 8 years old. I really wanted to ride the elephants, but my mom wouldn't let me. I remember watching all the kids with the fun light up clapper toys with the Barnum & Bailey logo on it and begging my mom for one. Other than that there was a lot of cotton candy and peanuts.

Memories every child should get the chance to experience! :)

I remember a huge three-ring circus tent being assembled in my elementary school's parking lot. I couldn't wait to take a peek inside! The day finally arrived, and I couldn't contain my excitement as we climbed the bleachers inside the tent. The show was just amazing! I especially loved the acrobats and elephants.

I cannot remember my first time. I do know that we would go every year and that I loved the circus. My favorite thing to do was get cotton candy. That was a special treat.

I loved the circus as a kid. I think I only went once. I dreamed of being a clown as a kid. When my daughter turned 4 I told my wife I wanted to take them to the circus. Neither of them were excited. I pumped it up and tried to get them excited, took them to the circus, and as the elephants came running out in circles, one of them pooped and the next one in line slipped on it and fell down. We were close to them and it was scary.

I still love the circus, but my daughter is afraid of them now.

I have younger kids as well and would love some tickets to try again!

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