Before going any further I must say that I am generally opposed to circuses. Because of the animals. I personally think there is no way the animals (exotic or not) are treated as well as they should be. Even under the best conditions I struggle with believing that they are living an even decent quality life. For this event I pushed my feelings aside and attended anyway. My daughter was super excited and I told myself that at least partial proceeds go to the Shriners (who have done much for my family) and the children's hospital.
On with the show!
We purchased our tickets earlier in the afternoon at the arena. We went with the $10 deal. The problem with this strategy is that you must pay $8 for parking just for going into the Kentucky Exposition Center. Luckily, the kind lady at the ticket booth said she would remember us when we returned and would let us in - and she did! We got lucky, but this is a lesson that will stick with us next time.
Purchasing tickets my husband and I did not have high hopes for this circus. I am a Cirque Du Soleil snob, and my husband has been to some quality circuses. Expectations were low.
Walking in I feared that Chris and I had been correct. The circus was held at the Broadbent Arena. This arena is used during the state fair, and it was obvious as it smelled of livestock. That being said, I must say that that is my biggest complaint for this circus.
As we walked into the arena to find out seats a shriner asked if he could help. I said yes, and instead of directing us to our seats he gave us much better seats - something I completely didn't expect! We were in the second row in the middle of the arena.
While waiting for the show to begin vendors walked around with the typical circus fare: cotton candy, light-up toys, snowcones. We purchased a snowcone for $5. It was an okay deal as the size was pretty generous and came in a souvenir cup.
Then the show began.
There was a lion tamer, clowns, trapeze artists, tight-rope walkers - basically what you would find at any circus. Overall we were impressed. Of course, at the nicer circuses you will see better tricks. You will also pay a lot more than $10 per person! We all enjoyed the clown the most - he was actually pretty funny!
There was a 20 - 30 minute intermission halfway through. During this time you could ride a camel or elephant, slide down a huge inflatable slide, get your picture taken with a giant snake, or get your face painted. All for a price. We chose to let Claire get her face painted. Once intermission was over if you had not been able to complete the activity which you paid for it was announced that all activities would be open after the show and would stay open until everyone received their promised service.
In all the circus lasted 3 hours - about an hour longer than I had expected.
Now, for the big question: Will we go back next year? Hands-down, absolutely YES!
