Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1894-08-02
THE CIRCUS CAME.
And Gave Two Performances to
Big Crowds.

Walter l.. Mains circus and menag-
erie arrived here early last Thursday
morning and pitched its tents ON the
lot just across the iron bridge in North
Walpole. The preliminary work of
surveying the grounds, unloading the
ears and putting up the tents was
watched by curious crowd who got
up early that they might not miss one
feature of the days fun. The men
went about the work as though they !
thoroughly understood their business,
and there was no loud talking and |
swearing used by either bosses or men
to accomplish the work.
About 10 O'Clock the circus parade !
was given on this side of the river,
though they only passed through. a few
streets. The square was crowded with
spectators, prospective visitors to the
show should the parade prove satisfac-
tory. Everything about the parade
was good. There was a fine lot of
horses with neat and attractive trap
pings; the riders had clean and hand
some costumes, and everything looked
fresh. Two bands, a Continental drum
corps and steam calliope furnished all
kinds of music; funny clowns on horse
back and in donkey wagons; open dens
of wild animals; jockeys, chariots and
other circus appendages whetted the
appetites of the spectators for a sight of
the big show.
After the parade a free exhibition
was given on the circus grounds. A
man walked tight wire to the top of
the tent pole, 9 lady gave an exhibition
of "mind-reading, and the people
were cordially invited to patronize the
side show and numerous lemonade,
candy and popcorn booths.
The afternoon entertainment began
at O'Clock, the main tent being well
filed. Of course the performance
+. opened with parade about the rings
of all performers in gorgeous attire.
| Then followed the acrobatic and circus
feats in the two rings and ON big ele-
waited stage. Among the best features
of the show were the group oftrained
ponies and dogs and the baby elephant;
Wallace, the riding lion which rode a
horse about the ring; pair of strong
men and two Arab athletes; the Judges,
father and son, in an act where the
| fn+l l.; al 0t hxr
Stirk and Zeno; classic statuary, which
woU1d look better on darkened stage
with black background, and some eX-
cellent bareback and hurdle riding.
The performance closed with series of
| of hippodrome races, which were run at
a disadvantage because of the uneven
ground.
| The usual concert followed the main
performance, and some very good tai
ent was introduced including serpent
inc and skirt dancer. Then the
! encs and the afternoon show was over.
The evenings entertainment was "the
same thing over again. and the atten-
dance was nearly as large as at the
| afternoon show
\ y 1t wassa very clean circus, not an
Objectionable feature being introduced
aud there being no skin games allowed
about the grounds. Only one game o.
any kind was seen, and at that a man
always got something for his money
though the chances We're greatly il
! favorofits being of nominal value. Not
| Withstanding the advertising to the
contrary, lemonade and popcorn men
strolled all over the seats; but what
would circus be without them! They
are necessity, and half the charm OF
the event would be lost without the
melodious voice of the candy butcher
They We're all gentlemanly in theil
dealings, as were all persons connected
with the show, and we have yet to
hear complaint of uncivil or dishonest
treatment.
A farmer clown made fun for people
about the street in the morning by his
eccentric actions, and incidentally as
sisted in filing the Golfers of the show
by doing advertising for number of
local merchants. 1t was amusing to
hear him solemny claim acquaintance
with some farmer and even get them
to acknowledge that he had seen them
in number of places. While he was
| cattinO his wotob hv tho xynndop tina
piece in front of Eaton's jewellery store,
one kind hearted citizen approached
him and volunteered the information
that the clock didn't go, much to the
amusement of the onlookers.
The circus is good one and it will be
sure of good patronage lift ever comes
back here. The animals were well
groomed and the menagerie, though
NOT CO Iarpa as sorne had many interest,"