In America today, there remains only one big-tented circus, which manages to maintain the traditional demanding schedule of one-day stands. It’s the 70th Anniversary edition of Carson & Barnes Circus, bringing its hundreds of performers and animals to the Evangola State Park on August 22, 2006 with shows at «Showtimes» hosted by the Friends of Evangola. Carson & Barnes brings its city-block long “Biggest Big Top on Earth” to some 200 other towns and cities each season, moving to a new site nearly every day, seven days a week. Emphasis is on bringing this type of family entertainment to communities of America where local civic organizations often share in the advance ticket sale proceeds. While other circuses have reduced their size, Carson & Barnes has expanded and is the only organization still capable of moving a huge show of some 50 vehicles, including trucks, trailers and RV’s every 24 hours. The four-generation Miller family has successfully owned and operated Carson & Barnes for 68 years. The late DR Miller, founder, and known as “Mr. Circus,” was recently inducted into the “Circus Ring of Fame” in Sarasota, FL and the “Circus Hall Of Fame” in Peru, IN. His legacy of American family entertainment is being carried on by his daughter, Barbara Miller Byrd and her husband, Geary Byrd, and his granddaughter’s’ families who are involved in the day-to-day hands- on operation and movement of this complex, multi-faceted community. Carson & Barnes is circus history and magic recreated before your eyes, making for a great media event. Elephants still help erect the big top and the general public is invited to the setup at Evangola State Park circus morning to watch. More than 100 exotic and domestic animals are unloaded, fed and watered as soon as the huge transports pull onto the grounds. Early birds can watch as the first units of the caravan begin arriving about an hour after dawn and continue to file in most of the morning. Hundreds of stakes, poles and several miles of cables and ropes are laid out and prepared as the crew and trained elephants push, pull and lift the an approximately 300-foot Big Top of the shining polyvinyl auditorium 40 feet into the air. Our performers are artists from around the world, including the United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Russia and Italy. Acts consist of aerial trapeze, highwire, motorcycle acrobatic teams, jugglers and clowns, along with performing elephants, camels, dogs and horses. Highlights of the show include our Grand Spectacular Parade, which this year features a “Salute to the United States of America” displaying our beautiful hand made costumes and animal blankets. Featured acts include: • The Incredible Flying Fernandez Family featuring a triple somersault. • Brothers from South America walk across the wire on a 7 man high! • The giant Wheel of Destiny features feats of balance and agility blindfolded! • The biggest and most stunning aerial ballet from high atop the circus tent. • A daring motorcycle ride up the wire while a woman performs on a bar suspended below. • Millers Majestic Prancing Ponies - always a hit with children of all ages. • The best elephant act performing under a big top! We generally do two performances a day, with seating of 2200 per show. The Carson & Barnes Circus and the Miller/Byrd families have established the Endangered Ark Foundation to provide for endangered species, and operate a breeding program for the extremely endangered Asian elephant. This facility had its grand opening and dedication in 2003. Our two a half year old baby elephant Obert, is very special to us, and is a byproduct of our breeding program. Advance general admission tickets will soon be available in Angola at Pepper’s Family Restaurant, Tubby’s Quick Stop and Evans National Bank, in Derby at Cala’s Kitchen and Evans National Bank, in Irving at Tom’s Family Restaurant and True Valu and in Hamburg at Evans National Bank at special discount prices before circus day (through August 21) or you may choose to go online and get tickets at full price at www.carsonbarnescircus.com or call (800) 594 – TIXX. On Circus Day advance general admission tickets can be upgraded to preferred seating for an additional charge.