The Garden Brothers Circus is a “family tradition†that has been entertaining audiences for over 100 years, and one of their most recent stops was to the Ryan Center at the University of Rhode Island this past Sunday.
The circus “pulled out all stops,†bringing along acts that many expected. With all the acts they had, the circus was able to pack a lot of fun into their hour and a half show. The different acts included “Motorcycle Madness†which has professional motorcyclists performing tricks inside of a giant circle referred to as the “globe of doom†and other acts such as acrobats, a human slingshot, racing camels, a comedy show that starred clowns, aerialists and cirque du soleil artists.
Famous elephants also made an appearance, however, this was one of the last times that the audience would see elephants in the Garden Brothers Circus because of changing laws. In an interview with the Daily News in Bowling Green, Ohio, circus-marketing coordinator John Lozada said that some groups don’t approve of animals being used to perform because they got the wrong idea.
“They think they’re being abused and that’s not what’s happening here,†Lozada said. “It’s unfortunate some companies do that.”
Many other circuses are also phasing out elephants, including the well-known Ringling Brothers Circus who plans to have all elephants out of their shows by 2018. This all comes after more than 100 U.S. cities passed laws restricting the use of elephants in circus shows.
While this was one of the last times elephants were to be seen in this circus, everybody in attendance was still having a good time according to Gabrielle Viens, a sophomore at URI.
“It was awesome to see the elephants perform,†Viens said. “I’m happy for the animals to finally get their freedom but I cannot deny that they will be missed in any circus.
I may not agree with them having been used in circuses but it will be kind of cool to tell future generations that I saw one of the last performances that used elephants before they were liberated.â€
Viens also added that it was different getting to see a circus at the school, considering many performances brought in are music related.
“It was a change of pace,†she said. “A highly welcomed change of pace.â€
The circus is currently in the middle of a tour that still has about a month left of shows to go. They offer a chance for ticketholders to come early and enjoy what they call a “fun zone,†that has rides and activities as well as a meet and greet with all the different characters that perform throughout the show. They also offer what can be considered typical circus food: cotton candy, popcorn, funnel cakes, snow cones, and more.
For tickets and more information, visit their site at http://www.gardenbroscircus.com/.