I have been attending the circus since childhood. Growing up we would to travel to Boston to see the circus. When we moved to Florida in 1980, we settled in Venice which was the winter home for the circus. Over my 11 years in Venice I babysat for the children of circus folk, went to school with circus performers, enjoyed the annual circus parade from the train station to the circus grounds, volunteered as an usher for the pre-tour shows that were held at the Venice Circus Arena. My high school graduation was held at the circus arena, affectionately known as the “elephant palace”. As an adult I have taken my children and my friend’s children to see the Greatest Show on Earth. For me, my favorite circus acts have always been the animals, especially the big cats and the elephants. In my opinion, Gunther Gebel-Williams was the best animal trainer ever, and his son Mark did a great job following in his father’s footsteps. Unfortunately, the elephants left the circus in 2016 under pressure from animal rights activists.

Circus Xtreme 2017

We enjoyed Circus Xtreme, though as has been the case the last few years, the theming was a bit lost in the production. Newcomer and first, and last ever Ringling female Ringmaster, Kristen Michelle Wilson did a good job. Unfortunately, from our seats behind the bandleader, I struggled to get a decent picture of her facing us. I spoke to friends who attended the circus while it was in Tampa and the favorite act was the female human cannonball! She was amazing. Of course, I loved Taba and his tigers, I just wish we could have seen their faces. The addition of slackline, parkour, trampoline, and BMX was a great way to add some more modern acts to the traditional circus.

We truly felt the lack of the elephants at the show. The opening Grand Parade wasn’t very grand without elephants Also, this production had no trapeze artists and we missed that too. The camel act was unique and different compared to the usual horse act. My husband enjoyed the dog act the most.

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Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson guides Paulo the Legend Seeker on a quest to discover real, living legends from around the world. Audiences will experience Alexander Lacey and his enduring bond with his lions, majestic leopard and tigers during one of the most captivating acts. The Solar Hawks, a dream team of acrobats, come together to amaze by attempting four consecutive triple somersaults on a one-of-a-kind double-wide trapeze specifically designed for The Greatest Show On Earth®. The Riders of the Wind, Cossack trick-riders will thrill as they thunder into the arena on the backs of thoroughbred horses stealing your breath with their daring stunts. Experience and learn about the special relationship between trainers and treasured Ringling Bros.® Asian Elephants as each trainer shows off individual elephant’s natural skills and abilities.

Free to all ticketholders, the All Access Pre-show starts an hour before the show. Come down to the arena floor and meet the performers of The Greatest Show On Earth, get autographs, take photos and enter to win a one-of-a-kind pachyderm painting.
Ticketholders can purchase an upgrade and go backstage with a VIP Behind the Scenes Tour of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. The backstage experience includes an insider look at props and wardrobe, an up close and personal encounter with the animals and a chance to meet stars from the show. Fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures and learn educational fun facts. To take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, just log on to ringlingbros.expapp.com from your iPhone or Android smartphone, and provide your name, e-mail and phone number to become a VIP circus insider.

Tampa Circus Show Information

Performance Schedule:

• Wednesday, January 6 at 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, January 7 at 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, January 8 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, January 9 at 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, January 10 at 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m.

Tickets

Tickets for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS start at $16. All seats are reserved and tickets are on sale now.You can ‘buy early and save’ with this offer for $4 off using promo code 4MOM. The promo code is not valid on day of show or premium seating. Valid on select performances as it can change on demand. Tickets are available at www.Ringling.com or www.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, by calling 800-745-3000, or at the Amalie Arena box office (phone for information only: 813-301-2500). For group ticket sales and information, call 866-248-8740.

Tampa Circus Ticket Giveaway

This giveaway is for 4 tickets to opening night, Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at Amalie Area in Tampa, FL. Tickets will be available at will call. This giveaway is open to US residents only. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and verified. The winner will be notified via email and they will have 48 hours to claim their prize. The Mom Maven is not responsible for prize fulfillment, that is the responsibility of the giveaway sponsor. The giveaway ends at 12:00am on 12/23/15.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

See you at the circus!

The post It’s Circus Time in Florida appeared first on The Mom Maven.