CFA News

Evanston resident reflects on her teenage years in the circus

HOPE, Maine (WABI) - An elephant that once called Maine home has died. Rosie and another elephant, Opal, came to Hope in 2012 through the work of Jim Laurita. The veterinarian had worked with the elephants when they were in a circus. Laurita created Hope Elephants, inviting schools and the public to visit the sanctuary in Midcoast, Maine. Sadly, two years later, Laurita was killed and both elephants returned to Oklahoma. The Endangered Ark Foundation says Rosie was the first official resident of the Endangered Ark Foundation, calling her a staff favorite for 31 years. They note during the past few weeks, Rosie was showing signs of decline and increased pain levels. A decision was made Monday to put her down.  Rosie was 55 years old. Her companion in Maine, Opal passed away in 2017.

We have learned of the passing of Matriarch Alice Walker of Sarasota whose services are now set for 11/26/24 at Robert Toale & Sons at Honore and Fruitville Rd. 11 to 12 noon Visitation 12 p.m. Service 1 p.m. Grave site service

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Niles F. Calhoun August 20, 1939 - October 26, 2024 Niles F. (“Buddy”) Calhoun passed away on October 26, 2024, at the age of 85 in Jackson, MS. He was born on August 20, 1939, to the late Mary Campbell Calhoun and W.A. (“Dub”) Calhoun. Niles was also preceded in death by his sister, Donna Kay Agnew. Buddy is survived by his beloved wife, Serena; son, Bret (Christy); grandchildren Caroline, Emily, and Harrison; nephews James Dickerson (Robin) and Bo Agnew(Robin); nieces Wendy Agnew Hutchins, Melanie Lilly Lloyd (Kevin), and Mary Margaret Temple (Steve); and many grand nieces and nephews. Niles was a dedicated educator throughout his career, serving as a teacher and administrator in Pascagoula and Hinds County Schools, consultant for Computer Curriculum Corporation, and in educational programming at Mississippi E-TV. He was a 1957 graduate of Forrest Hill High School and furthered his education at Hinds Junior College and Mississippi College. A man of strong faith, Buddy was a long-time member of Morrison Heights Baptist Church. His personal interests included a lifelong passion for the circus, and he was an avid collector of circus memorabilia. Buddy also enjoyed playing the piano, especially when his grandchildren would sing with him. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 29, from 5:00-7:00 PM and on Wednesday, October 30, from 10:00-11:00 AM, with a memorial service following at 11:00 AM. All services will take place at Wright and Ferguson in Clinton, with burial at Lakewood Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Morrison Heights Baptist Church in Clinton.

Circus art is Joan Stevens’ specialty. Her precision brush work helps to restore and preserve the past. Stevens is passionate about restoring old circus wagons. She uses old trade skills that she has learned over the years and is still hand-painting, antiquing and gold gilding. She says a good day is when she can throw on some grubby blue jeans and sling some paint. Read more.

The entire Circus Arts Conservatory team stands with our community as we recover from Hurricane Milton. Our hearts are with everyone who has been affected by the storm. Like much of Sarasota, CAC has faced significant challenges from flooding this summer, with almost all of our buildings damaged by a flash flood in June, followed by Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and now Milton. Whatever challenges come our way, we remain committed to bringing life-changing circus arts programs to the young people of Sarasota – especially the thousands of children currently participating in our programs: Sailor Circus Academy, High School and Middle School Magnet classes, Recreational Classes, and Educational Outreach. Together, we will recover. We are #CACStrong and we are #SarasotaStrong! If you would like to join us in our recovery journey, please donate today. Donate

DURAND, Wis. — Wisconsin bars are known for their pints and their patrons. About the last thing you'd expect to discover in such a place would be 55 feet of historic American artwork. "I was really surprised once we took all the electrical plate covers and seen it went the whole length of the wall," said Ron Berger. "Curiosity for sure, like, 'What is under here?'" It was 2015 and Berger was renovating the Corral Bar and Riverside Grill in Durand to add a banquet room. Nearly the second he went to work, something caught his eye. "When I cut this doorway through and I run into this buffalo charging at me," Berger said. "All the time, what the heck is under here? Because we had no idea." As he tore down more of the wall, he discovered the buffalo was part of a hidden circus billboard from Aug. 17, 1885. The circus had elephants, giraffes, lions and even sea creatures, allegedly. Read more Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/durand-wisconsin-bar-historic-circus-art/

Review: COME ALIVE! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular (Empress Musem) Ladies and gents, this is the moment you’ve waited for – The Greatest Showman on stage… sort of. You’ll have to wait a bit longer to see the official musical adaptation currently in the works by Disney, but in the meantime the much-loved movie makes its presence felt in London with the launch of Come Alive – The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular at the newly launched Empress Museum. Aiming to bring something different to London audiences and fill a gap in the theatre scene, the question we are all of course wondering is would this really be the greatest show? Read more. Source: https://www.allthatdazzles.co.uk/post/review-come-alive-the-greatest-showman-circus-spectacular-empress-musem

The Ringling’s Historic Circus Museum sustained damage to its roof and subsequent interior water damage, which will force it to close for at least a couple of weeks, but officials said the museum campus otherwise fared better than they feared during Hurricane Milton.  Source: https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/entertainment/arts/2024/10/13/hurricane-milton-damage-closes-sarasotas-ringling-circus-museum/75658981007/

An outstanding trapeze aerialist and beloved coach, he also worked in ‘Return of the Jedi,’ ‘Breakout,’ ‘Commando’ and ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit.’

Showmen's Rest Cemetery

Seth Bloom, clown who inspired wonder, even in war zones, dies at 49 

https://www.starkhomes.com/p/623-Broadway-Street-Baraboo-WI-53913/dmgid_171920809 This historical landmark and Baraboo centerpiece built by the Al Ringling family has been meticulously revived over the past decade. The property includes a mansion, gorgeous brewery, beer garden, turn-key restaurant, banquet hall, and bed & breakfast. Travel back in time with the white oak floors, ornate woodwork, gold leaf dining room ceiling, Tiffany stained glass windows, and antique gilded chandeliers. There have been several modern updates such as a new HVAC system, updated electrical system, and spray rubber roof for the Brewery. On the third floor is a remodeled 3,000+ sq ft 4 bedroom 2 bath apartment with a full kitchen and laundry. There are two active rental suites on the second floor with two other potential suites in the remodel process. Opportunity awaits!

Two Circus World icons are calling it a career at the Baraboo attraction, leaving legacies that span multiple decades. Executive director Scott O’Donnell is stepping down Sept. 27, and former ringmaster Dave SaLoutos is retiring Sept. 13. SaLoutos held 16 positions during his 40 with Circus World, and O’Donnell has done two stints, from 2003 to 2005, and since 2013. Both plan to remain in Baraboo and are open to being consultants with the Wisconsin Historical Society after their departures. ‘Part of the DNA of Baraboo’ “Circus World provided the opportunity to learn about circus as an art form, and I became fascinated by the logistical details that brought the circus to life,” said SaLoutos, 67, who spent his last two years as marketing and performance director. “All of this is part of the DNA of Baraboo,” he said. “I have no regrets. The work was all-consuming and demanded everything I had to give … and I loved every minute!” SaLoutos, 67, began at Circus World in 1973 as a concessions employee, where he said he helped increase department sales by 500%. He also helped coordinate repairs and restoration efforts for The Great Circus Train and led efforts to transport circus wagons to Milwaukee via rail for the Great Circus Parade, which ended after 2009. He worked three summer seasons at Circus World in 1973, 1978 and 1985. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in communications arts from UW-Madison, he worked in the hotel industry in Madison and Atlanta, Georgia, before returning to Circus World full time at the beginning of 1986. SaLoutos worked as a ringmaster in 1978. Read More: News Source: https://wiscnews.com/news/local/dave-saloutos-scott-odonnell-circus-world/article_1eeb34a2-6acd-11ef-9278-17a0ebb06f0e.html

Performances will take place beneath the Big Top in Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park.

Under The Big Top with Ed Limbach! Ever since Ed was a child, he has been fascinated with the circus. He started collecting circus memorabilia around the age of five. Over the years, Ed turned his home into a museum by accumulating an extensive collection that fills the entire first floor of his house. He has various circus items from the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, and Australia. On Thursday, July 18th, Independence Village in Aurora, Ohio transformed into The Big Top to showcase a portion of Ed’s collection. Everything from postcards, large posters, Christmas cards, pennants, stamps, toys, logbooks, chalkware, letterheads, and other circus artifacts were all on display for his neighbors and the employees to enjoy. There is something reminiscent about the circus as most people have been to a circus in their lifetime. Bringing Ed’s collection to Independence Village provided an opportunity to bring back memories for his fellow residents. One resident commented, “I was surprised at how much he had saved throughout the years. It was fantastic to see.” Another spectator said, “I loved seeing the display. It brought back memories from when I was a child at the circus with my family.”  Including Ed’s collection, Independence Village transformed the entire space into a circus through decorations, food, and music. The culinary team provided circus themed foods, such as animal crackers, popcorn, cotton candy, and deep-fried Oreos. The spread also included savory BBQ meatballs and pigs in a blanket. A fire spinning performance and live singer rounded out Ed’s Big Circus Event!

George Lyman Rice JANUARY 25, 1930 – JULY 13, 2024

Carol Zabotinsky