Are you a circus fan?
Circus fanning has many components and fans use them in many ways.
- Meeting with other folks who enjoy circus.
- Learn the over 240 years of American circus history.
- Know where the shows are, who is coming next and where .
- Learn about the international circus shows, how they differ.
- See a big top go up and understand what a quarter pole is.
- Read the best circus magazine in the world.
- Experience the CFA website, Facebook, YouTube & Instragram social media channels.
- Attend yearly conventions and bid on world class circus memorabilia, attend the seminars, see a show and make new friends.
- Learn about circus groups like the circus model builders, historians and windjammers.
- Know what it means when the circus music plays “Stars and Stripes Forever”
Members of the Circus Fans Association of America (CFA) come from many walks of life—we are active and retired circus performers, educators, clergy, men and women of business and industry, first responders, medical personnel, entertainers, animal caregivers, public servants, and representatives of many other areas of society. We are united in our love and advocacy for the circus in all its forms, including those companies who feature domestic and exotic animals. As we are unified in our love of the circus, we are also united in our respect and love for the animals in the circus, and those who care for them.
Based on our membership’s extensive experience with circus, the CFA recognizes that the circus industry is on the front lines of endangered species conservation.
Circuses promote education about endangered species, advance knowledge and expertise of husbandry techniques, and serve as a genetic insurance policy against extinction through some of the most successful breeding programs in the world.
As an American tradition older that baseball, the circus is a valuable art form accessible to all walks of life.
Experience fun & laughter
Looking for a fun family event? Bring your family and friends to the circus! Enjoy unity and laughter! Create memories that will last a lifetime!
When asked what do you love about the circus, our fans had this to say.....
"The excitement of being a kid again and the special feeling that it gave me. I saw my first circus, Polack Bros in 1952 when I was seven years old. I was hooked then and I still get excited. Have already seen four shows this year and will be going to CFA convention."
"I love playing circus music… the old time traditional band music preserved by the Windjammers Unlimited, Inc."
"The sights, live music, smells and more. “You can shake the sawdust off your shoes, but never out of your heart!”
"Being a part of it, all over the world, as a performer and as a fan, since I was 18 years old."
"There are so many things but if I had to choose one I would say you feel like you're on an adventure around the world when you visit the circus."
"The sights, music, smells and m ore. You can shake the sawdust off your shoes, but never out of your heart!"
"Everything!"
"I like the fact that the circus is the mother of all arts, always changing for the better. Love the big top the most as it has the taste of the classic circus."
"The happy atmosphere."
"The color, the sounds, the smells, pop corn and elephants, if you have been so lucky. Big cat acts, Liberty horses, trapeze act, elephants and a real good ringmaster who knows how to blow his whistle and says “Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages…” and ends with “May all your days be circus days!” Live circus music, Spec, finale’…all the other animals acts and performers. I guess I should say clowns, seeing as I was lucky enough to be one. The “traditional”American circus. As the last line in the movie “Water for Elephants” says, I’m not running away to join the circus…I’m going home."
"Traveling with them. Seeing the real deal."
"Of course the clowns and elephants, but it's the history as well as the magic of showtime, commaderie was only a part of it for a season, but many memories."