When I was growing up, the circus coming to my small Texas town was a cause for celebration. There was a big parade around the town square with music, colorfully painted circus wagons, wild animals, and exotically attired performers. Also, when the troupe traveled to an empty field north of town, many local people gathered to watch the elephants pull the long ropes that hoisted up the enormous Big Top. The next day, we all happily paid to sit transfixed on bleachers to watch the performances that ranged from clowns to acrobats to trapeze artists to lions, tigers, and bears. I remember the taste of cotton candy, the sound of lions’ roars, the smell of hot buttery popcorn, and the sight of slim men and women swinging on trapezes high above us as they performed daring tricks with no net below. I found the whole experience thrilling; suggesting a world far beyond my little prairie town that was both foreign and exciting.

Today, Ron, Liz, Ethan, Ray, and I went to the Ventura Fairgrounds to see the Zoppe “Venetian” Circus, which dates back to 1842. The Big Top was smaller than the one in my childhood memories and the acts contained no animals besides a pony, a horse, and a half dozen dogs, but the magic was still there. The clowns had excellent timing, the juggler adeptly kept at least eight balls aloft, the acrobats sailed, flipped, and contorted their bodies in the air, and two young women artfully performed gymnastic feats on wooden rings raised high in the air. All in all, a most satisfying circus-going event. Ethan, along with many other children, seemed quite entertained by the spectacle in the center ring, and we all left with big smiles on our faces.

I would definitely recommend Zoppe Circus to anyone who might find themselves in Ventura County over the next few weeks. However, if you go with the expectation of a Barnum and Bailey experience, then you’ll be disappointed. This is a much more modest circus with many fewer acts. However, the ticket price is quite reasonable so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth. Plus, who doesn’t love the circus? I think of it as one of the last vestiges of traveling family-owned entertainment in our country.

Here are a few photos:

Ron, Ray, and Ethan on their way to our circus experience

The Big Top of the Zoppe Circus

Liz and Ethan inside

Four dogs and a miniature pony show

Acrobat balancing on a cello

The “ring” acrobats