Circus fun for everyone Posted On: Thursday, Oct. 29 2009 07:43 AM By Alicia Lacy
The Cove Herald

The circus is coming to town, and it will be a big one.

For one day only, the Carson and Barnes Circus will take over Ogletree Gap Park for two, two-hour long performances.

The caravan carrying the hundreds of performers, equipment and animals are set to arrive in Copperas Cove early Wednesday morning.

And if three elephants do not exemplify the magnitude of the circus, the Big Top as long as a football field will.

Residents will be in for a special treat upon the circus' arrival - watching Isla, an Asian elephant, pulling center poles into place to set up the Big Top.

After setup and placement of the more than two dozen exotic and domestic animals, visitors will be able to view the animals and ride the ponies and elephants.

Familiar faces in the community will actively participate in the circus with Copperas Cove Independent School District superintendent, Rose Cameron, and Chamber president, Marty Smith, kicking off the show riding in on elephants and the city's Parks and Recreation department playing tug of war with an elephant, Chamber of Commerce Vice President Betty Price said.

George Mayleben, promotions and marketing coordinator for the circus said the circus will begin with the thunderous voice of the ringmaster, Bruce Lee, followed by a grand procession of the more than 100 performers.

Carson and Barnes, known for being a large circus and their use of animals, Mayleben said the traveling circus will feature an aerial trapeze act, high wire motorcycle act, acrobatic teams, jugglers and clowns, in addition to performing elephants, camels, dogs and horses.

The feature act, Freddy "Alex" Acero, known as the "King of Circus Comedy," will perform throughout the show including his "high bounding feats on the trampoline," a release from the circus stated.

The Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Bureau have been working closely with representatives from the circus for months to be able to host the event.

"We are thrilled to be able to offer this to our community," Price said.

"The circus prides itself on bringing family entertainment to towns across the U.S. like Copperas Cove," Mayleben said about choosing Copperas Cove as a host city for the circus.

To make the event affordable, there will be special pricing for families, buy one get one free tickets and the option to upgrade tickets at the door. Special prices for advance tickets are available. For more information or for tickets, visit or contact the Chamber of Commerce at (254) 547-7571.