Last week, we were treated to a visit from my sister Eve, her husband Greg, their adorable Wren & my boys' playmate Shibby. While they were here, the kids took part in a neighborhood circus (coordinated by two much more ambitious moms than me!) The kids performed acts, sold snacks, sang & danced. The money they charged for admission & concessions was used to buy school supplies to put together school kits for children in other parts of the world. A writer from the local paper even showed up.
The week before the show, I took the kids to sign up for their acts. Autumn immediately decided to be a muscle man, but Jonah (the sexist) said that was all wrong and persuaded her to be a ballerina, instead. I have to admit, she makes a very graceful ballerina:
...and I'm sooo glad she didn't fall off that tight rope!! In the middle of this sea of pink, here she is doing the bunny hop. (Disclaimer: Autumn is not at fault for what you are about to see. That is the little girl's big sister.)
The boys did a magic act towards the end of the program. They practiced a lot, and most of the tricks went off without a hitch.
Though, Micah was definitely a better assistant than his big brother...the turkey!!
Thanks again for coming Eve & Greg!! (Sorry I didn't get a picture of you, Greg... and thanks for watching the babies while we enjoyed the circus!! And i hope you're feeling better, Eve.)
A & M being silly
Clint trying out for next year's performance
And, if you're still here, here's a copy (with our city edited out) of the newspaper write-up:
Clowning around
By Devin Felix
It was the second annual Neighborhood Kids’ Circus in ???.
The tradition was started last year by Laurie Hurst. Hurst grew up in Grantsville, where residents put on a first-grade circus every year. She and her daughter were disappointed that they couldn’t take part in that circus, so they decided to put on their own in their yard and involve their whole neighborhood.
They charged a 50-cent admission and sold cotton candy, root beer and other concessions. They then went shopping to buy school supplies, which they donated to needy schools through a program run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The event was such a success they decided to repeat it again this year.
This year’s circus featured about 20 different acts, including dances, animal acts, clowns, magic and more. About 100 family, friends and neighbors gathered to watch the event. Most simply walked over from their homes.
“I think it’s fun, and of course it’s mainly for the kids, but it’s also a great way for parents to show support for their kids,” said Bryan Hickman, whose sons were in the show.
Hickman said the community is great because the people all know each other and events like the circus aren’t uncommon.
Hickman’s son Kaden showed off tricks with his pet bird, which spent much of the evening perched on his shoulder. Other animal performers included three costumed dogs, one of which stood on its hind legs and jumped to and from platforms on command.
There were plenty of clowns in the show, who performed classic clown gags including cramming themselves into a tiny car and battling a burning building, complete with cardboard flames.
At one point in the show, a group of about 10 “muscle men” entered the stage, flexing to show of their bulging muscles. They did pushups and lifted impressive-looking dumbbells — which the two tumbling girls had carried on stage with one hand.
“I’m really good at acting,” said 11-year-old Alex Orth, the strong men’s leader, when asked why he wanted to be in the circus.
Several young magicians — clad in capes and top hats or wizard’s robes — wowed the crowd by making things appear and disappear. Tight rope walkers — including some probably not long out of diapers — waltzed confidently across planks suspended many inches above the ground.
All of the performers were from same neighborhood, said Katrina Smith, a parent who helped organize the event.
“They have to be able to bike here,” Smith said.
Hurst said that, in addition to raising money for needy schools, the purpose of the circus is to give the children confidence and a chance to learn leadership. It also builds their friendships with each other, she said.
Many mothers in the neighborhood helped put together the event, but the kids also played a large role, Hurst said. They choreographed dances and skits and helped decorate the arena, which was complete with three painted rings.
