| Kali, the tiger is one of the hundreds of exotic animals to be seen at the Carson & Barnes Circus |
In America today, there remains only one big-tented circus, which manages to maintain the traditional demanding schedule of one-day stands. It’s the 2004 edition of Carson & Barnes 5-Ring Circus, bringing its hundreds of performers and animals to the Castle Dale Rodeo Grounds in Castle Dale on Aug. 12 with shows at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. hosted by Castle Dale City.
Carson & Barnes Circus boasts five rings, more than 100 exotic and domestic animals and a host of performers from around the world. The big top that accompanies this circus covers a city block and is noted as the “Biggest Big Top on Earth” and it covers an area longer than a football field.
Eighty transport and support vehicles, including trucks, trailers and RVs, follow the circus from town to town. During the 250 day period that the circus performs it will stop in more than 200 towns across the country. Elephants still help erect the big top and the general public is welcome to watch the setup at the Castle Dale Rodeo Grounds circus morning. Four hundred stakes, 134 poles and several miles of cable and ropes are laid out and prepared as the crew and trained elephants push, pull and lift the 300 foot Big Top of the shining polyvinyl auditorium 40 feet into the air.
The four generation Miller family has successfully owned and operated Carson & Barnes for 68 years. The late DR Miller, founder, and know as Mr. Circus, was recently inducted into the Circus Ring of Fame, in Sarasota, Fla., and the Circus Hall of Fame in Peru, Ind.
His legacy of American Family entertainment is being carried on by his daughter, Barbara Miller Byrd and her husband, Geary Byrd, and his granddaughter’s families, who are involved in the day to day hands on operation and movement of this complex and multi faceted community.
Live and in front of you, the Carson & Barnes Circus is the best bang for the buck anywhere. Rated G, with no sensationalism, foul language, or violence of any kind, this circus can be billed as fast paced action filled family entertainment. Advance general admission tickets are now available at Castle Dale City Hall and participating businesses at special prices or you may choose to go online and get tickets at full price at www.carsonbarnescircus.com. On circus day advance general admission tickets can be upgraded to preferred seating for an additional charge.