Published: May 02, 2007 11:06 am      

Clowns and elephants — big show under the big top tonight

By DOUG RUSSELL

News Editor

Acrobats, trapeze artists, elephants and clowns — and a whole lot more — will be on hand this evening as the Carson & Barnes Circus does a one-night stand in McAlester.

The circus will be set up near the Wal-Mart Supercenter, 432 S. George Nigh Expwy., due to the weather.

The circus is the largest traveling circus in the world that still uses a big top tent for its performances. But the big top, which houses the famed center ring, is hardly the only temporary structure on hand when the circus comes to town.

“It’s like a small city,” said Poppa the Clown. “Every time we set up we bring our own town with us.”

This year’s representation of Carson & Barnes is the 71st edition of the circus. The performers started their Oklahoma season in Tahlequah, followed by a series of one-night performances across the state. Tuesday night the performers were in Muskogee and Thursday they’ll be in Ada — “We’re just always on the go,” Poppa said. “You get used to it.”

When the circus moves, it moves in a convoy, with trucks, RVs and trailers traveling to a new site every day.

The circus features performers from all over the world, including the United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Italy. It also features a variety of animals, including some exotic animals, and it’s those animals that have some people upset.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, an animal rights group, has sent a letter to McAlester Mayor Don Lewis urging Lewis to draft legislation to ban the use of bull hooks, electric prods or other devices that might cause pain to animals. The reason for the request, the letter states, is that Carson & Barnes personnel have used bullhooks and other devices to inflict pain on elephants and other animals. “… The use of bullhooks results in pain, suffering, and trauma, including lacerations, puncture wounds, swelling, and abscesses,” the letter states. “… Bullhook abuse is routine at circuses that continue to use this barbaric instrument, but penalties are rare. Elephants will not be afforded more humane care until communities prohibit these cruel devices.”

The McAlester City Council hasn’t had a meeting since receiving the letter, so it hasn’t discussed the issue, Lewis said. However, he said, he thinks it would be more likely for animals to gain protection if groups such as PETA could get legislation passed than if cities pass ordinances.

Despite PETA’s objections, animal acts are a major attraction at any circus. Performing elephants, dogs, camels and horses are a highlight of the Carson & Barnes Circus, but so are the trapeze acts, acrobats and more.

“I think the circus is something that kids definitely enjoy,” Lewis said. “I know I did as a kid and I’m sure other children still do.”