The Big Tent Party

As all of the animals walking around the CBD earlier this week probably lead you to believe, the Circus is in town! All the trapeze artists, jugglers, clowns and, yes, ponies, you could ask to see in one place will be performing all weekend at the New Orleans Arena.

NoDef got a peek of their opening night last night to see what draws people to “the greatest show on earth.” Ringling Bros. spokeswoman Melinda Hartline told us a little bit more about what makes every performance special.

Hartline says the team tries to incorporate something local into every city’s show.

“We’re going to have clowns, we’re going to have a ringmaster, but we wanted to add in something local. We have our radio station friends and a local band,” she said.

Of course, you can’t have a local event in New Orleans without a parade. Wednesday was the Ringling Bros. second annual animal parade in the CBD, complete with bead throwing, monster trucks, and elephants. “Because our animal walk is so unpredictable with the time and the distance it has to travel, we really wanted to give the people of New Orleans a bigger tease.”

Hartline said that the animals enjoyed their tour of the city.

“Oh the elephants loved it. They loved walking out getting to stretch their legs,” she said.

Onlookers seemed to enjoy it, too.

“Last year I know we had over 5,000 and the crowds seemed to be bigger in the areas I was at. We had a good crowd, we ran out of beads. “

Since the Ringling Bros. are taking over the Hornets’ nest, it was fitting to see Hugo feeding Asia, their “media elephant,” some bread. She really seemed relieved to have a snack after the hike. “That’s her favorite food is the bread,” Hartline said.

Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey: Fully Charged

Where: New Orleans Arena

When: June 22, 7:00 p.m.; June 23, 11 AM, 3&7 PM; June 24, 1&5 PM

Tickets: Available at the Circus website.

For up close and personal access of the animals, Hartline suggests kids and their parents come early to check out the preshow festivities.

“Ninety minutes before every show, through this weekend, included in the price of your ticket, you have the opportunity to go to the animal open house,” she said.

During last night's pre-show, NoDef caught a glimpse of the tigers play-fighting in their cages. It’s a self-guided tour, and trainers are willing to answer any questions people may have. There’s also an all-access free show on the arena floor before the formal performance.

During the pre show, kids (and adults) can try on costumes, get temporary tats, and see the jugglers at eye level. Dancers, baton twirlers, clown acts, and a trapeze artist are just a few of the attractions. People are welcome to get pictures with the performers, and we even saw some kids getting autographs.

Despite all of the fantastic feats, Hartline said audience members tend to be most fascinated by the call of nature. “Typically, no matter what is in the show, no matter how captivating and exciting it is, if an elephant poops during a performance, everybody remembers that, whether they’re four years old for fifty four years old.”

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