The circus has never been one of my favorite things places to go, which is why for the past several years, when my dad has offered to take my kids to it, I have happily agreed.
This year, since I was amidst the festivities all day, I decided to join in and see what I was missing. I was pleasantly surprised.
The Zerbini Family Circus held three performances today at 1:00, 3:30 and 6 p.m. We attended the 3:30 show. Zerbini, part of eight generations of circus people, is an old-fashioned, small traditional family circus with acrobats, dancing, juggling, clowns, snakes and performing dogs.
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They had ballerinas hanging from ropes and even a kissing alligator. What fascinated me most was the fact that the same people doing set up and selling concessions were also the performers on the high wire, trapeze and jugglers. Their quick costume changes not only impressed me, but the children around me as well.
There were concessions — snow-cones, popcorn and funnel cakes. There were whistles and glow sticks, coloring books and plenty of souvenirs.
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It was a world of nostalgia that I hadn't realized was in my own backyard.
But I did know about the camels.
For as long as I can remember, Maplewood has had a camel or two hanging out in the park on July 4th. Once again, they were there, right outside of the circus tent, where children could ride them — or ponies — while they waited for the performances to begin.
