PRODUCTION SUPPORT FOR THE
"WEEKLY SPECIAL" IS PROVIDED BY

"WEEKLY SPECIAL" IS PROVIDED BY
SMITHVILLE... A LOCALLY OWNED

SMITHVILLE... A LOCALLY OWNED
BUSINESS SERVING CENTRAL AND

BUSINESS SERVING CENTRAL AND
SOUTHERN INDIANA SINCE 1922.

SOUTHERN INDIANA SINCE 1922.
WITH RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS

WITH RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS
INTERNET, VOICE AND SECURITY

INTERNET, VOICE AND SECURITY
SERVICES.

SERVICES.
SMITHVILLE... LOCAL PRIDE,

SMITHVILLE... LOCAL PRIDE,
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY.

GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY.
INFORMATION AT SMITHVILLE.NET.

INFORMATION AT SMITHVILLE.NET.
AND BY WTIU MEMBERS.

AND BY WTIU MEMBERS.
THANK YOU.

>> WE'RE AT THE CIRCUS HERE ON
THE "WEEKLY SPECIAL."

THE "WEEKLY SPECIAL."
WE'LL LEARN ABOUT INDIANA'S

WE'LL LEARN ABOUT INDIANA'S
SURPRISING CIRCUS HISTORY, WATCH

SURPRISING CIRCUS HISTORY, WATCH
THE AMAZING FEATS OF THE AMATEUR

THE AMAZING FEATS OF THE AMATEUR
CIRCUS AND BECOME IN TRANCED

CIRCUS AND BECOME IN TRANCED
WITH THE WONDERS OF FIRE DANCE.

WITH THE WONDERS OF FIRE DANCE.
ALL THIS AND MORE RIGHT NOW ON

ALL THIS AND MORE RIGHT NOW ON
THE "WEEKLY SPECIAL."

>> HERE WE ARE AT THE CIRCUS
CAPITAL OF THE WORLD.

CAPITAL OF THE WORLD.
WHAT A SHOW WE'RE GOING TO HAVE

WHAT A SHOW WE'RE GOING TO HAVE
FOR YOU TODAY.

FOR YOU TODAY.
I JUST GOT HERE.

I JUST GOT HERE.
ALREADY HAVE MET THE RINGMASTER

ALREADY HAVE MET THE RINGMASTER
AND WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A CHANCE

AND WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A CHANCE
TO TALK TO YOU IN JUST A LITTLE

TO TALK TO YOU IN JUST A LITTLE
BIT.

BIT.
BUT FIRST, WHY THE CIRCUS IN

BUT FIRST, WHY THE CIRCUS IN
PERU, INDIANA?

PERU, INDIANA?
LET'S FIND OUT.

LET'S FIND OUT.
>> IT ALL STARTED WITH BEN

>> IT ALL STARTED WITH BEN
WALLACE.

>> HE'D TRADE HORSES COMING IN.
HE WANTED SOMETHING MORE THAN

HE WANTED SOMETHING MORE THAN
THE STABLES.

THE STABLES.
HE SEEN THE CIRCUS AND IT

HE SEEN THE CIRCUS AND IT
ENTHUSED HIM.

ENTHUSED HIM.
EVENTUALLY HE ENDED UP BUYING

EVENTUALLY HE ENDED UP BUYING
AND WENT IN BUSINESS WITH A GUY

AND WENT IN BUSINESS WITH A GUY
NAMED ANDERSON.

NAMED ANDERSON.
THEY HAD THIS CIRCUS THEY RUN

THEY HAD THIS CIRCUS THEY RUN
OUT OF PERU IN 1844.

OUT OF PERU IN 1844.
THEY RUN IT IN WAGONS AND THEY

THEY RUN IT IN WAGONS AND THEY
ONLY STAYED WITHIN A COUPLE

ONLY STAYED WITHIN A COUPLE
STATES.

STATES.
BUT TWO YEARS LATER IT WAS ON

BUT TWO YEARS LATER IT WAS ON
RAIL, AND, MAN, YOU TALK ABOUT

RAIL, AND, MAN, YOU TALK ABOUT
RAIL, YOU COULD REALLY MOVE FROM

RAIL, YOU COULD REALLY MOVE FROM
ONE END OF THE COUNTRY TO THE

ONE END OF THE COUNTRY TO THE
OTHER.

OTHER.
HE EXPANDED YEAR AFTER YEAR.

HE EXPANDED YEAR AFTER YEAR.
WHEN WE GET INTO ABOUT 1907, HE

WHEN WE GET INTO ABOUT 1907, HE
BUYS UP CARL HAGENBACH'S WILD

BUYS UP CARL HAGENBACH'S WILD
ANIMALS.

ANIMALS.
WHEN HE MAKES THE CONNECTION AND

WHEN HE MAKES THE CONNECTION AND
GETS THE TITLE, IT CHANGES IT TO

GETS THE TITLE, IT CHANGES IT TO
HAGENBACH-WALLACE.

HAGENBACH-WALLACE.
PRETTY SOON THERE'S A UP COUPLE

PRETTY SOON THERE'S A UP COUPLE
BANKERS THAT BUY UP THE CIRCUS.

BANKERS THAT BUY UP THE CIRCUS.
THE GREAT DEPRESSION CAME NOT

THE GREAT DEPRESSION CAME NOT
TOO LONG.

TOO LONG.
SO IT REALLY PUT HIM DOWN.

SO IT REALLY PUT HIM DOWN.
HE ENDED UP SHOOTING DOWN LIKE

HE ENDED UP SHOOTING DOWN LIKE
THE SPARKS CIRCUS, SO HE ONLY

THE SPARKS CIRCUS, SO HE ONLY
RUN ABOUT TWO OR THREE OUT OF

RUN ABOUT TWO OR THREE OUT OF
HERE BUT THE HAGENBACH WALLACE

HERE BUT THE HAGENBACH WALLACE
SURVIVED.

SURVIVED.
HE SOLD THE PLACE IN '44.

HE SOLD THE PLACE IN '44.
THEN THERE WAS NO CIRCUS

THEN THERE WAS NO CIRCUS
WHATSOEVER HERE.

WHATSOEVER HERE.
IT JUST WENT STALEMATE FOR A

IT JUST WENT STALEMATE FOR A
LONG TIME.

LONG TIME.
THERE WAS NOTHING HERE.

THERE WAS NOTHING HERE.
THEN ABOUT '57 THERE WAS SOME

THEN ABOUT '57 THERE WAS SOME
CIRCUS FANS DECIDED, BOY, WE GOT

CIRCUS FANS DECIDED, BOY, WE GOT
TO DO SOMETHING.

TO DO SOMETHING.
THERE'S TOO MUCH CIRCUS STUFF

THERE'S TOO MUCH CIRCUS STUFF
HERE.

HERE.
IT WAS THEIR HOBBY.

IT WAS THEIR HOBBY.
SOME OF THEM RETIRED.

SOME OF THEM RETIRED.
THEY WANTED TO COME BACK HERE.

THEY WANTED TO COME BACK HERE.
THAT WAS THE WHOLE BOTTOM LINE

THAT WAS THE WHOLE BOTTOM LINE
HERE.

HERE.
LET'S HAVE A MUSEUM.

LET'S HAVE A MUSEUM.
WE COULD SAVE ALL THESE

WE COULD SAVE ALL THESE
ARTIFACTS.

ARTIFACTS.
SO THEY GOT TOGETHER A PARADE

SO THEY GOT TOGETHER A PARADE
AND, BOY, SUCH AN

AND, BOY, SUCH AN
OVERWHELMINGNESS ABOUT THE

OVERWHELMINGNESS ABOUT THE
PEOPLE THAT THEY PUT ON A COUPLE

PEOPLE THAT THEY PUT ON A COUPLE
ACTS ON THE COURTHOUSE LAWN THE

ACTS ON THE COURTHOUSE LAWN THE
NEXT YEAR.

NEXT YEAR.
WHEN THEY CAME DOWN ABOUT, I

WHEN THEY CAME DOWN ABOUT, I
THINK IT WAS -- I SAY IT WAS

THINK IT WAS -- I SAY IT WAS
ABOUT '70 IS WHEN THEY CHANGED

ABOUT '70 IS WHEN THEY CHANGED
OVER AND SAID WE'RE GOING TO

OVER AND SAID WE'RE GOING TO
MAKE IT A YOUTH CIRCUS.

MAKE IT A YOUTH CIRCUS.
THESE KIDS ARE PERFORMING JUST

THESE KIDS ARE PERFORMING JUST
LIKE PROFESSIONALS.

LIKE PROFESSIONALS.
SOMETIMES SOME PEOPLE SAY IT'S

SOMETIMES SOME PEOPLE SAY IT'S
JUST AS GOOD AS PROFESSIONALS.

JUST AS GOOD AS PROFESSIONALS.
IT'S AMAZING.

IT'S AMAZING.
IT REALLY IS.

IT REALLY IS.
YOU HAVE TO SEE IT TO UNDERSTAND

YOU HAVE TO SEE IT TO UNDERSTAND
IT.

IT.
ONCE YOU SEE IT, YOU'LL KNOW

ONCE YOU SEE IT, YOU'LL KNOW
WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.

WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.
>> WOW, WHAT AN AMAZING HISTORY

>> WOW, WHAT AN AMAZING HISTORY
ALL RIGHT HERE IN PERU, INDIANA.

ALL RIGHT HERE IN PERU, INDIANA.
>> SMALL TOWN, BIG SUR CUSS.

>> SMALL TOWN, BIG SUR CUSS.
>> AND THE -- YOU'RE THE

>> AND THE -- YOU'RE THE
RINGMASTER.

RINGMASTER.
>> I AM.

>> I AM.
>> WHAT COOL TITLE.

>> WHAT COOL TITLE.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A
RINGMASTER.

RINGMASTER.
>> JUST HAVING AN EXCITEMENT

>> JUST HAVING AN EXCITEMENT
ABOUT THE CIRCUS, THE TIMING OF

ABOUT THE CIRCUS, THE TIMING OF
THE SHOW, THE TRICKS THE KIDS DO

THE SHOW, THE TRICKS THE KIDS DO
AND WHEN TO TALK AND WHEN NOT TO

AND WHEN TO TALK AND WHEN NOT TO
TALK.

TALK.
>> YOU HAVE QUITE A HISTORY WITH

>> YOU HAVE QUITE A HISTORY WITH
THE CIRCUS YOURSELF.

THE CIRCUS YOURSELF.
TELL US ABOUT THAT.

TELL US ABOUT THAT.
>> I BEGAN WHEN I WAS FOUR YEARS

>> I BEGAN WHEN I WAS FOUR YEARS
OLD.

OLD.
THEY DIDN'T HAVE AN AGE LIMIT

THEY DIDN'T HAVE AN AGE LIMIT
BACK THEN.

BACK THEN.
I STARTED OUT WITH JUST SMALL

I STARTED OUT WITH JUST SMALL
ACTS LIKE TUMBLING AND LADDERS

ACTS LIKE TUMBLING AND LADDERS
AND THEN MOVED UP OVER THE YEARS

AND THEN MOVED UP OVER THE YEARS
AND DID FLYING TRAPEZE AND

AND DID FLYING TRAPEZE AND
TEETER BOARD AND DOUBLE TRAPEZE.

TEETER BOARD AND DOUBLE TRAPEZE.
YOU GROW WITH THE CIRCUS.

YOU GROW WITH THE CIRCUS.
>> ALL THE WAY UP TO THE

>> ALL THE WAY UP TO THE
PRESIDENT.

PRESIDENT.
AMAZING.

AMAZING.
TELL US ABOUT THE HISTORY ABOUT

TELL US ABOUT THE HISTORY ABOUT
THIS CIRCUS CITY.

THIS CIRCUS CITY.
>> CIRCUS CITY FESTIVAL BEGAN

>> CIRCUS CITY FESTIVAL BEGAN
BECAUSE SOME BUSINESSMEN GOT

BECAUSE SOME BUSINESSMEN GOT
TOGETHER AND SAID, HEY, WE HAVE

TOGETHER AND SAID, HEY, WE HAVE
A WONDERFUL CIRCUS HISTORY.

A WONDERFUL CIRCUS HISTORY.
WHY DON'T WE DO SOMETHING TO

WHY DON'T WE DO SOMETHING TO
CELEBRATE THAT?

CELEBRATE THAT?
SO THEY GOT SOME LOCAL CIRCUS

SO THEY GOT SOME LOCAL CIRCUS
PEOPLE AND SAID, CAN YOU TRAIN

PEOPLE AND SAID, CAN YOU TRAIN
SOME KIDS IN HIGH SCHOOL?

SOME KIDS IN HIGH SCHOOL?
THAT'S BASICALLY WHERE IT

THAT'S BASICALLY WHERE IT
STARTED AND IT JUST KEPT GOING

STARTED AND IT JUST KEPT GOING
FROM THERE.

FROM THERE.
>> TELL US ABOUT THE KINDS OF

>> TELL US ABOUT THE KINDS OF
PEOPLE THAT YOU GET TO COME

PEOPLE THAT YOU GET TO COME
DURING THIS WEEK TO SEE THE

DURING THIS WEEK TO SEE THE
FESTIVAL.

FESTIVAL.
ARE THEY COMING FROM ALL OVER?

ARE THEY COMING FROM ALL OVER?
>> ALL OVER THE WORLD.

>> ALL OVER THE WORLD.
WE HAVE PEOPLE THAT ARE IN

WE HAVE PEOPLE THAT ARE IN
PROFESSIONAL CIRCUSES THAT LIKE

PROFESSIONAL CIRCUSES THAT LIKE
TO COME HERE.

TO COME HERE.
THEY CALL US KIND OF LIKE A

THEY CALL US KIND OF LIKE A
CIRCUS SCHOOL, AND ALTHOUGH WE

CIRCUS SCHOOL, AND ALTHOUGH WE
WE NEVER REFER TO OURSELVES AS

WE NEVER REFER TO OURSELVES AS
THAT BUT I GUESS IT'S THAT WAY

THAT BUT I GUESS IT'S THAT WAY
BECAUSE WE'RE TEACHING CIRCUS

BECAUSE WE'RE TEACHING CIRCUS
SKILLS.

SKILLS.
BUT WE HAVE PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER

BUT WE HAVE PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER
THE WORLD THAT COME TO SEE OUR

THE WORLD THAT COME TO SEE OUR
SHOW EVERY YEAR.

SHOW EVERY YEAR.
>> IN TERMS OF THIS SIZE OF

>> IN TERMS OF THIS SIZE OF
CIRCUS, WHERE ELSE CAN PEOPLE GO

CIRCUS, WHERE ELSE CAN PEOPLE GO
TO SEE SOMETHING LIKE THIS?

TO SEE SOMETHING LIKE THIS?
>> THERE ARE OTHER AMATEUR

>> THERE ARE OTHER AMATEUR
CIRCUSES IN THE UNITED STATES,

CIRCUSES IN THE UNITED STATES,
BUT WE ARE JUST VERY UNIQUE.

BUT WE ARE JUST VERY UNIQUE.
WE ONLY PRACTICE FROM MARCH

WE ONLY PRACTICE FROM MARCH
UNTIL JULY, AND THEN WE PUT ON

UNTIL JULY, AND THEN WE PUT ON
OUR SHOWS.

OUR SHOWS.
A LOT OF OTHER CIRCUSES THAT ARE

A LOT OF OTHER CIRCUSES THAT ARE
LIKE US, THEY GO YEAR-ROUND.

LIKE US, THEY GO YEAR-ROUND.
SO YOU'RE JUST TALKING KIDS

SO YOU'RE JUST TALKING KIDS
WHO -- NORMAL KIDS WHO DON'T

WHO -- NORMAL KIDS WHO DON'T
COME FROM PROFESSIONAL

COME FROM PROFESSIONAL
BACKGROUNDS WHO ARE PUTTING ON A

BACKGROUNDS WHO ARE PUTTING ON A
PROFESSIONAL-LOOKING SHOW.

PROFESSIONAL-LOOKING SHOW.
>> THERE IS A SHOW COMING UP

>> THERE IS A SHOW COMING UP
SOON, TODAY, RIGHT?

SOON, TODAY, RIGHT?
>> YES.

>> YES.
>> THERE'S A LOT GOING ON TO GET

>> THERE'S A LOT GOING ON TO GET
READY FOR IT?

READY FOR IT?
>> YES, A LOT OF EXCITEMENT,

>> YES, A LOT OF EXCITEMENT,
TENSION.

TENSION.
THE KIDS HAVE SO MUCH FUN.

THE KIDS HAVE SO MUCH FUN.
>> DO YOU MIND IF WE TAKE A

>> DO YOU MIND IF WE TAKE A
LOOK?

LOOK?
>> ABSOLUTELY.

>> ABSOLUTELY.
WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU.

WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU.
>> LET'S DO THAT RIGHT NOW.

>> FOR MOST HOOSIER KIDS THE
IDEA OF RUNNING AWAY TO THE

IDEA OF RUNNING AWAY TO THE
CIRCUS IS A FAR-FETCHED DREAM

CIRCUS IS A FAR-FETCHED DREAM
BUT FOR THE KIDS OF PERU,

BUT FOR THE KIDS OF PERU,
RUNNING AWAY TO THE CIRCUS ISN'T

RUNNING AWAY TO THE CIRCUS ISN'T
JUST A REALITY... IT'S A

JUST A REALITY... IT'S A
53-YEAR-OLD LEGACY.

53-YEAR-OLD LEGACY.
>> THE PERU AMATEUR CIRCUS IS

>> THE PERU AMATEUR CIRCUS IS
AMATEUR IN NAME ONLY.

AMATEUR IN NAME ONLY.
I DON'T THINK YOU CAN GO

I DON'T THINK YOU CAN GO
ANYWHERE AND SEE A MORE SKILLED

ANYWHERE AND SEE A MORE SKILLED
CIRCUS PERFORMANCE THAN YOU SEE

CIRCUS PERFORMANCE THAN YOU SEE
IN PERU, INDIANA.

IN PERU, INDIANA.
BACK WHEN WE GOT STARTED THERE

BACK WHEN WE GOT STARTED THERE
WAS JUST A FEW KIDS INVOLVED.

WAS JUST A FEW KIDS INVOLVED.
IT HAS GROWN AND GROWN AND GROWN

IT HAS GROWN AND GROWN AND GROWN
OVER TIME.

OVER TIME.
WE'RE NOW UP TO OVER 200 KIDS A

WE'RE NOW UP TO OVER 200 KIDS A
YEAR THAT PERFORM IN THE CIRCUS.

YEAR THAT PERFORM IN THE CIRCUS.
ALL AGE 7 TO 21.

ALL AGE 7 TO 21.
THEY ALL LIVE AND GO TO SCHOOL

THEY ALL LIVE AND GO TO SCHOOL
IN MIAMI COUNTY.

IN MIAMI COUNTY.
ALL OF OUR CIRCUS TRAINERS ARE

ALL OF OUR CIRCUS TRAINERS ARE
ACTUALLY FORMER PERFORMERS THAT

ACTUALLY FORMER PERFORMERS THAT
HAVE GONE THROUGH OUR PROGRAM,

HAVE GONE THROUGH OUR PROGRAM,
GONE ON TO DO OTHER THINGS, SOME

GONE ON TO DO OTHER THINGS, SOME
OF THEM HAVE PERFORMED

OF THEM HAVE PERFORMED
PROFESSIONALLY, COME BACK HERE

PROFESSIONALLY, COME BACK HERE
TO TRAIN THE KIDS, AND THAT'S

TO TRAIN THE KIDS, AND THAT'S
WHERE THEY LEARN THEIR SKILLS

WHERE THEY LEARN THEIR SKILLS
AND IT'S JUST A CYCLE THAT KEEPS

AND IT'S JUST A CYCLE THAT KEEPS
REVOLVING.

>> FOR FIVE MONTHS THE KIDS
TRAIN EVERY WEEK TO PERFECT SUCH

TRAIN EVERY WEEK TO PERFECT SUCH
ACTS AS THE TRAPEZE AND HIGH

ACTS AS THE TRAPEZE AND HIGH
WIRE FEATURING THE SEVEN-PERSON

WIRE FEATURING THE SEVEN-PERSON
PYRAMID THAT'S NOT SEEN ANYWHERE

PYRAMID THAT'S NOT SEEN ANYWHERE
ELSE IN THE WORLD.

ELSE IN THE WORLD.
ALL BUILDING TO THEIR 11

ALL BUILDING TO THEIR 11
PERFORMANCES DURING CIRCUS WEEK.

PERFORMANCES DURING CIRCUS WEEK.
TO BE ABLE TO DO THE THINGS THEY

TO BE ABLE TO DO THE THINGS THEY
DO OUT HERE ON THIS FLOOR TAKES

DO OUT HERE ON THIS FLOOR TAKES
INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF TEAMWORK,

INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF TEAMWORK,
TRUST BETWEEN YOUR FELLOW

TRUST BETWEEN YOUR FELLOW
PERFORMERS.

PERFORMERS.
WHAT WE DO HERE IS DANGEROUS.

WHAT WE DO HERE IS DANGEROUS.
THERE IS NO DOUBT ABOUT IT.

THERE IS NO DOUBT ABOUT IT.
BUT WE KEEP EVERYBODY AS SAFE AS

BUT WE KEEP EVERYBODY AS SAFE AS
POSSIBLE AND THAT'S BECAUSE OF

POSSIBLE AND THAT'S BECAUSE OF
THAT TEAMWORK BETWEEN ALL THE

THAT TEAMWORK BETWEEN ALL THE
DIFFERENT GROUPS THAT ARE

DIFFERENT GROUPS THAT ARE
INVOLVED.

INVOLVED.
>> WHEN YOU GO OUT IN THE REAL

>> WHEN YOU GO OUT IN THE REAL
WORLD AND YOU MEET NEW PEOPLE OR

WORLD AND YOU MEET NEW PEOPLE OR
GO TO A JOB AND WORK WITH PEOPLE

GO TO A JOB AND WORK WITH PEOPLE
YOU DON'T LIKE, BECAUSE THERE'S

YOU DON'T LIKE, BECAUSE THERE'S
ALWAYS PEOPLE YOU DON'T LIKE BUT

ALWAYS PEOPLE YOU DON'T LIKE BUT
YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO WORK WITH

YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO WORK WITH
THEM.

THEM.
SO IT HELPS A LOT.

SO IT HELPS A LOT.
MY BEST MOMENT WOULD DEFINITELY

MY BEST MOMENT WOULD DEFINITELY
BEING GETTING CLOSE WITH MY

BEING GETTING CLOSE WITH MY
TRAINERS.

TRAINERS.
THEY'RE DEFINITELY PEOPLE YOU'LL

THEY'RE DEFINITELY PEOPLE YOU'LL
REMEMBER FOR LIFE.

REMEMBER FOR LIFE.
THEY'RE FRIENDS THAT YOU HAVE

THEY'RE FRIENDS THAT YOU HAVE
THAT JUST COME AND GO BUT THESE

THAT JUST COME AND GO BUT THESE
PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR

PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR
YOU NO MATTER WHAT.

YOU NO MATTER WHAT.
>> AS A TRAINER WE ARE FAR MORE

>> AS A TRAINER WE ARE FAR MORE
THAN TRAINERS.

THAN TRAINERS.
WE ARE PARENTS.

WE ARE PARENTS.
WE ARE MENTORS.

WE ARE MENTORS.
WE TEACH THEM MORE THAN JUST TO

WE TEACH THEM MORE THAN JUST TO
DO COOL STUFF IN THE AIR.

DO COOL STUFF IN THE AIR.
WE TEACH THEM ABOUT THEMSELVES,

WE TEACH THEM ABOUT THEMSELVES,
TEAMWORK, IT IS A GROUP EFFORT

TEAMWORK, IT IS A GROUP EFFORT
TO POOL ANYTHING OFF.

TO POOL ANYTHING OFF.
AND YOU LEARN TRUST WITHIN EACH

AND YOU LEARN TRUST WITHIN EACH
OTHER.

OTHER.
WE TEACH THESE KIDS A WHOLE LOT

WE TEACH THESE KIDS A WHOLE LOT
OF THINGS BESIDES JUST DOING

OF THINGS BESIDES JUST DOING
TRICKS IN THE AIR.

TRICKS IN THE AIR.
>> I WATCH KIDS THAT ARE TOO

>> I WATCH KIDS THAT ARE TOO
YOUNG TO PERFORM, THEY'RE DOWN

YOUNG TO PERFORM, THEY'RE DOWN
HERE WITH THEIR BIG BROTHER AND

HERE WITH THEIR BIG BROTHER AND
BIG SISTER, AND AS THEY GROW UP

BIG SISTER, AND AS THEY GROW UP
THROUGH THE PROGRAM, WATCHING

THROUGH THE PROGRAM, WATCHING
THE PROGRESSION OF THESE KIDS,

THE PROGRESSION OF THESE KIDS,
KIDS THAT COULDN'T EVEN WALK UP

KIDS THAT COULDN'T EVEN WALK UP
INTO THE BLEACHERS, THAT CAN GO

INTO THE BLEACHERS, THAT CAN GO
UP 30 FEET IN THE AIR AND WALK

UP 30 FEET IN THE AIR AND WALK
ON AN 8th INCH WIRE, THAT

ON AN 8th INCH WIRE, THAT
BOGGLES MY MIND.

BOGGLES MY MIND.
I GET A GREAT DEAL OF ENJOYMENT

I GET A GREAT DEAL OF ENJOYMENT
AND PLEASURE OUT OF WATCHING THE

AND PLEASURE OUT OF WATCHING THE
KIDS GROW UP DOWN HERE.

KIDS GROW UP DOWN HERE.
>> MANY OF THE KIDS ARE SECOND

>> MANY OF THE KIDS ARE SECOND
OR THIRD-GENERATION CIRCUS

OR THIRD-GENERATION CIRCUS
PERFORMERS.

PERFORMERS.
LIKE SO MANY IN THE PERU AMATEUR

LIKE SO MANY IN THE PERU AMATEUR
CIRCUS SEVEN-YEAR-OLD KATY WOOD

CIRCUS SEVEN-YEAR-OLD KATY WOOD
HAS LITERALLY GROWN UP

HAS LITERALLY GROWN UP
UNDERNEATH THE BIG TOP.

UNDERNEATH THE BIG TOP.
THIS IS BE KATY'S FIRST YEAR AS

THIS IS BE KATY'S FIRST YEAR AS
A PERFORMER.

A PERFORMER.
>> WHEN I WHOLE FAMILY IS

>> WHEN I WHOLE FAMILY IS
INVOLVED WITH THE CIRCUS AND I

INVOLVED WITH THE CIRCUS AND I
WANTED WANTED TO BE IN THE

WANTED WANTED TO BE IN THE
CIRCUS.

CIRCUS.
MY DAD IS A RIGGER.

MY DAD IS A RIGGER.
MY MOM IS A PAINTER.

MY MOM IS A PAINTER.
>> THE CIRCUS CONTINUES TO

>> THE CIRCUS CONTINUES TO
ENDURE BECAUSE IT'S SO UNIQUE.

ENDURE BECAUSE IT'S SO UNIQUE.
YOU CAN GO TO EVERY LITTLE TOWN

YOU CAN GO TO EVERY LITTLE TOWN
IN THE COUNTRY AND THERE'S A

IN THE COUNTRY AND THERE'S A
LITTLE LEAGUE OR A YOUTH

LITTLE LEAGUE OR A YOUTH
BASEBALL OR A FOOTBALL, BUT NOT

BASEBALL OR A FOOTBALL, BUT NOT
TOO MANY SMALL COMMUNITIES CAN

TOO MANY SMALL COMMUNITIES CAN
YOU GO TO HAVE THAT A YOUTH

YOU GO TO HAVE THAT A YOUTH
CIRCUS.

CIRCUS.
THE KIDS, THEY EAT AND SLEEP

THE KIDS, THEY EAT AND SLEEP
THIS FROM MARCH THROUGH JULY

THIS FROM MARCH THROUGH JULY
THIS IS WHAT THEY DO.

THIS IS WHAT THEY DO.
THEY'RE DOING THEIR HOMEWORK

THEY'RE DOING THEIR HOMEWORK
HERE.

HERE.
THEY EAT THEIR MEALS HERE.

THEY EAT THEIR MEALS HERE.
AND THAT JUST CREATES THIS HUGE

AND THAT JUST CREATES THIS HUGE
FAMILY ATMOSPHERE, WHICH KEEPS

FAMILY ATMOSPHERE, WHICH KEEPS
EVERYBODY CLOSE AND TOGETHER.

EVERYBODY CLOSE AND TOGETHER.
THIS IS WHAT THEY DO IN THE

THIS IS WHAT THEY DO IN THE
SUMMER IN PERU, INDIANA.

SUMMER IN PERU, INDIANA.
THEY GO TO THE CIRCUS.

THEY GO TO THE CIRCUS.
>> FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE

>> FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE
CIRCUS CITY FESTIVAL AND THE

CIRCUS CITY FESTIVAL AND THE
PERU AMATEUR CIRCUS, VISIT

PERU AMATEUR CIRCUS, VISIT
WWW.PERUCIRCUS.COM.

WWW.PERUCIRCUS.COM.
WOW, WHAT FUN WAS THAT?

WOW, WHAT FUN WAS THAT?
AND NOW WE MOVE A LITTLE BIT

AND NOW WE MOVE A LITTLE BIT
FURTHER DOWN THE STREET TO THE

FURTHER DOWN THE STREET TO THE
INTERNATIONAL CIRCUS ALL OF

INTERNATIONAL CIRCUS ALL OF
FAME.

FAME.
I'M HERE WITH JOHN.

I'M HERE WITH JOHN.
HE'S GOING TO TELL US ALL ABOUT

HE'S GOING TO TELL US ALL ABOUT
THAT IN A LITTLE BIT.

THAT IN A LITTLE BIT.
FIRST WE'RE GOING TO MEET

FIRST WE'RE GOING TO MEET
SOMEONE WHO HOPES TO SOME DAY

SOMEONE WHO HOPES TO SOME DAY
MAKE THE BIG TOP HERE.

[¶...]
>> WHEREVER I AM, NO MATTER WHAT

>> WHEREVER I AM, NO MATTER WHAT
I'M DOING, IF THERE'S AN OBJECT

I'M DOING, IF THERE'S AN OBJECT
THAT LOOKS LIKE I CAN HOLD IT OR

THAT LOOKS LIKE I CAN HOLD IT OR
MANIPULATE IN SOME MANNER, I

MANIPULATE IN SOME MANNER, I
PROBABLY WILL, BECAUSE I LIKE

PROBABLY WILL, BECAUSE I LIKE
DOING STUFF WITH THINGS.

DOING STUFF WITH THINGS.
PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING THAT CAN BE

PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING THAT CAN BE
HELD IN YOUR HAND CAN ALSO BE

HELD IN YOUR HAND CAN ALSO BE
JUGGLED.

CONTEST JUGGLING IS A FORM OF
JUGGLING WHERE THE OBJECT STAYS

JUGGLING WHERE THE OBJECT STAYS
ON THE BODY THE ENTIRE TIME.

ON THE BODY THE ENTIRE TIME.
YOU NEVER LOSE CONTACT WITH

YOU NEVER LOSE CONTACT WITH
WHATEVER IT IS THAT YOU'RE

WHATEVER IT IS THAT YOU'RE
JUGGLING.

JUGGLING.
I STARTED ABOUT A DECADE AGO.

I STARTED ABOUT A DECADE AGO.
I WAS INTERESTED IN MAGIC

I WAS INTERESTED IN MAGIC
PERFORMANCE.

PERFORMANCE.
ONE DAY I WAS AT A RENAISSANCE

ONE DAY I WAS AT A RENAISSANCE
FESTIVAL IN SOUTH FLORIDA.

FESTIVAL IN SOUTH FLORIDA.
I SAW SOMEBODY CONTACT JUGGLING

I SAW SOMEBODY CONTACT JUGGLING
AND IT LOOKED VERY MUCH LIKE

AND IT LOOKED VERY MUCH LIKE
MAGIC.

MAGIC.
AND IT INSPIRED ME TO GO OUT AND

AND IT INSPIRED ME TO GO OUT AND
LEARN IT AND ONLY LATER DID I IN

LEARN IT AND ONLY LATER DID I IN
FACT LATER IT WAS NOT MAGIC BUT

FACT LATER IT WAS NOT MAGIC BUT
JUGGLING.

JUGGLING.
EVER SINCE THEN I'VE BEEN A

EVER SINCE THEN I'VE BEEN A
JUGULAR AND NOT A MAGICIAN.

JUGULAR AND NOT A MAGICIAN.
IT REQUIRES A LOT OF BALANCE AND

IT REQUIRES A LOT OF BALANCE AND
A LOT OF AWARENESS OF YOUR BODY.

A LOT OF AWARENESS OF YOUR BODY.
PROPRIOCEPTION IT'S CALLED, SORT

PROPRIOCEPTION IT'S CALLED, SORT
OF KNOWING WHERE YOUR BODY PARTS

OF KNOWING WHERE YOUR BODY PARTS
ARE WITHOUT HAVING TO LOOK AT

ARE WITHOUT HAVING TO LOOK AT
THEM.

THEM.
I FIND THE ART FORM ABSOLUTELY

I FIND THE ART FORM ABSOLUTELY
BEAUTIFUL.

BEAUTIFUL.
I FIND THE EFFORTLESSNESS

I FIND THE EFFORTLESSNESS
BEAUTIFUL.

BEAUTIFUL.
I FIND THE FACT THAT IT LOOKS

I FIND THE FACT THAT IT LOOKS
LIKE IT'S FLOATING BEAUTIFUL.

LIKE IT'S FLOATING BEAUTIFUL.
AND WHAT KEEPS ME GOING, WHAT

AND WHAT KEEPS ME GOING, WHAT
KEEPS ME PASSIONATE, IS THE FACT

KEEPS ME PASSIONATE, IS THE FACT
THAT I LIKE CHALLENGES AND I

THAT I LIKE CHALLENGES AND I
LIKE DIFFICULT THINGS, SO THE

LIKE DIFFICULT THINGS, SO THE
FACT THAT IT CONTINUES TO BE

FACT THAT IT CONTINUES TO BE
DIFFICULT IS SOMETHING THAT I

DIFFICULT IS SOMETHING THAT I
REALLY ENJOY.

REALLY ENJOY.
AND WHEN I FIRST STARTED, ONE OF

AND WHEN I FIRST STARTED, ONE OF
THE DRIVING FACTORS WAS THE FACT

THE DRIVING FACTORS WAS THE FACT
THAT SO FEW PEOPLE DID IT.

THAT SO FEW PEOPLE DID IT.
SO WHEN YOU GO OUT ON THE STREET

SO WHEN YOU GO OUT ON THE STREET
AND YOU PERFORM, EVERYBODY'S

AND YOU PERFORM, EVERYBODY'S
AMAZED BECAUSE NOBODY'S EVER

AMAZED BECAUSE NOBODY'S EVER
REALLY SEEN IT BEFORE.

REALLY SEEN IT BEFORE.
I TEND TO PREFER STREET SHOWS

I TEND TO PREFER STREET SHOWS
BECAUSE YOU'RE A LOT CLOSER TO

BECAUSE YOU'RE A LOT CLOSER TO
THE AUDIENCE AND IT'S THE

THE AUDIENCE AND IT'S THE
INTERACTION WITH THE AUDIENCE

INTERACTION WITH THE AUDIENCE
THAT I REALLY ENJOY.

THAT I REALLY ENJOY.
INITIALLY YOU HAVE THIS HIGH

INITIALLY YOU HAVE THIS HIGH
FROM BEING ABLE TO SEE EVERYBODY

FROM BEING ABLE TO SEE EVERYBODY
ENJOYING YOUR ART FORM, AND

ENJOYING YOUR ART FORM, AND
ITSELF IS WONDERFUL.

ITSELF IS WONDERFUL.
IF YOU'RE OUT THERE PERFORMING,

IF YOU'RE OUT THERE PERFORMING,
YOU GET INTO THAT FLOW.

YOU GET INTO THAT FLOW.
IT'S LIKE THE ZONE, BASICALLY.

IT'S LIKE THE ZONE, BASICALLY.
IT'S A MEDITATIVE STATE, IT

IT'S A MEDITATIVE STATE, IT
REALLY IS.

REALLY IS.
AND EVERYTHING ELSE GOES AWAY.

AND EVERYTHING ELSE GOES AWAY.
AND IT'S WONDERFUL.

>> WOW, THAT'S SOME WONDERFUL
TALE TRENT BUT THERE'S SOME

TALE TRENT BUT THERE'S SOME
WONDERFUL TALENT HERE AS WELL,

WONDERFUL TALENT HERE AS WELL,
JOHN, AND WE'RE HERE AT THE

JOHN, AND WE'RE HERE AT THE
INTERNATIONAL CIRCUS HALL OF

INTERNATIONAL CIRCUS HALL OF
FAME WHERE YOU'RE THE RINGMASTER

FAME WHERE YOU'RE THE RINGMASTER
OF THIS BIG TOP BEHIND US.

OF THIS BIG TOP BEHIND US.
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HOW

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HOW
THIS COME TO BE.

THIS COME TO BE.
>> WELL, IT WAS IN SARASOTA,

>> WELL, IT WAS IN SARASOTA,
FLORIDA FROM THE '50s THROUGH

FLORIDA FROM THE '50s THROUGH
THE EARLY '80s.

THE EARLY '80s.
SO I WENT THROUGH THE CHAMBER OF

SO I WENT THROUGH THE CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND

COMMERCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND
ASKED HIM -- WANTED TO EXPLORE

ASKED HIM -- WANTED TO EXPLORE
BRINGING IT TO PERU.

BRINGING IT TO PERU.
THE STATE OF INDIANA GOT BEHIND

THE STATE OF INDIANA GOT BEHIND
US AND HERE WE ARE LATER, A

US AND HERE WE ARE LATER, A
20-YEAR OVERNIGHT SUCCESS.

20-YEAR OVERNIGHT SUCCESS.
>> TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT

>> TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT
YOUR STORY ABOUT WHAT YOU DO

YOUR STORY ABOUT WHAT YOU DO
HERE.

HERE.
>> WELL, I PRODUCE THE SHOW.

>> WELL, I PRODUCE THE SHOW.
IN OTHER WORDS, I'VE BEEN

IN OTHER WORDS, I'VE BEEN
ANNOUNCING CIRCUSES FOR 35

ANNOUNCING CIRCUSES FOR 35
YEARS.

YEARS.
>> WOW!

>> WOW!
>> ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES

>> ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES
AND CANADA PROFESSIONALLY.

AND CANADA PROFESSIONALLY.
AND I ANNOUNCE THE KIDS SHOWED

AND I ANNOUNCE THE KIDS SHOWED
FOR 14 YEARS.

FOR 14 YEARS.
THIS YEAR WE'RE THRILLED TO HAVE

THIS YEAR WE'RE THRILLED TO HAVE
THE GREAT WALENDAS, THE GREATEST

THE GREAT WALENDAS, THE GREATEST
NAME IN THRILLS IN CHILLS UNDER

NAME IN THRILLS IN CHILLS UNDER
THE BIG TOP THROUGH TRIUMPH AND

THE BIG TOP THROUGH TRIUMPH AND
TRAGEDY THEY HAVE PERSEVERED.

TRAGEDY THEY HAVE PERSEVERED.
>> CAN OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT

>> CAN OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT
PART OF IT -- ARE THERE

PART OF IT -- ARE THERE
ADDITIONS OR HOW DO YOU --

ADDITIONS OR HOW DO YOU --
>> WE DO ADDITIONS, AND WE ALSO

>> WE DO ADDITIONS, AND WE ALSO
HAVE A WAITING LIST BECAUSE

HAVE A WAITING LIST BECAUSE
PEOPLE WANT TO PERFORM OR SAY

PEOPLE WANT TO PERFORM OR SAY
THEY HAVE PERFORMED AT THE

THEY HAVE PERFORMED AT THE
INTERNATIONAL CIRCUS HALL OF

INTERNATIONAL CIRCUS HALL OF
FAME.

FAME.
THIS IS KIND OF LIKE PERFORMING

THIS IS KIND OF LIKE PERFORMING
AT THE OSCARS.

AT THE OSCARS.
>> ABSOLUTELY.

>> ABSOLUTELY.
AND IS THAT OPEN YEAR-ROUND OR

AND IS THAT OPEN YEAR-ROUND OR
JUST A CERTAIN PART OF THE YEAR?

JUST A CERTAIN PART OF THE YEAR?
>> THE MUSEUM IS OPEN FROM THE

>> THE MUSEUM IS OPEN FROM THE
1st OF MAY THROUGH LABOR DAY.

1st OF MAY THROUGH LABOR DAY.
THE PERFORMANCE SEASON IS THE

THE PERFORMANCE SEASON IS THE
14th THROUGH THE 22nd THIS

14th THROUGH THE 22nd THIS
YEAR.

YEAR.
WE CLOSE THE NIGHT OF THE

WE CLOSE THE NIGHT OF THE
22nd.

22nd.
OF JULY.

OF JULY.
>> EXPECTING BIG CROWDS I

>> EXPECTING BIG CROWDS I
ASSUME.

ASSUME.
>> WE HOPE SO.

>> WE HOPE SO.
>> TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT

>> TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT
SOME OF THE ANIMALS.

SOME OF THE ANIMALS.
>> AS I SAID, WE HAVE THE

>> AS I SAID, WE HAVE THE
ELEPHANTS THIS YEAR AND A PIG

ELEPHANTS THIS YEAR AND A PIG
ACT, COUSIN GRUMPY.

ACT, COUSIN GRUMPY.
THEY ALSO BE PERFORMING WITH US

THEY ALSO BE PERFORMING WITH US
AT THE INDIANA STATE FAIR.

AT THE INDIANA STATE FAIR.
>> THAT'S WONDERFUL.

>> THAT'S WONDERFUL.
WE'RE GOING TO GET A CHANCE TO

WE'RE GOING TO GET A CHANCE TO
SEE SOME OF THOSE ANIMALS RIGHT

SEE SOME OF THOSE ANIMALS RIGHT
NOW.

NOW.
LET'S TAKE A LOOK.

LET'S TAKE A LOOK.
THE LAWRENCE COUNTY 4H FAIR IS

THE LAWRENCE COUNTY 4H FAIR IS
LIKE MANY OTHERS.

LIKE MANY OTHERS.
BUSY WITH EAGER SPECTATORS

BUSY WITH EAGER SPECTATORS
TAKING IN ALL THE SIGHTS AND

TAKING IN ALL THE SIGHTS AND
SOUNDS OF THEIR ANNUAL SUMMER

SOUNDS OF THEIR ANNUAL SUMMER
TRADITION.

RIDES AND FOOD ARE FUN BUT IT'S
THE SHOWMANSHIP OF ANIMALS

THE SHOWMANSHIP OF ANIMALS
THAT'S THE MAIN ATTRACTION.

THAT'S THE MAIN ATTRACTION.
4HERS EXUDE A PASSION AND LOVE

4HERS EXUDE A PASSION AND LOVE
FOR ANIMALS THEY CARE AND

FOR ANIMALS THEY CARE AND
PROUDLY SHOW EACH YEAR, BUT

PROUDLY SHOW EACH YEAR, BUT
ELEPHANTS AND CAMELS?

ELEPHANTS AND CAMELS?
NO, THESE AREN'T NEW CATEGORIES

NO, THESE AREN'T NEW CATEGORIES
IN THE LAWRENCE COUNTY FAIR.

IN THE LAWRENCE COUNTY FAIR.
IT'S A WAY FOR FAIR GOERS TO GET

IT'S A WAY FOR FAIR GOERS TO GET
MORE OF WHAT THEY CAME FOR.

MORE OF WHAT THEY CAME FOR.
BELT CARDON IS OWNER AND ANIMAL

BELT CARDON IS OWNER AND ANIMAL
TRAINER OF B&C RANCH ANIMAL

TRAINER OF B&C RANCH ANIMAL
ACTS, A TOURING EDUCATIONAL SHOW

ACTS, A TOURING EDUCATIONAL SHOW
FEATURING ANIMALS YOU DON'T SEE

FEATURING ANIMALS YOU DON'T SEE
EVERY DAY.

EVERY DAY.
>> IT'S I'VE BEEN AROUND THEM

>> IT'S I'VE BEEN AROUND THEM
ALL MY LIFE.

ALL MY LIFE.
THEY'RE KIND OF LIKE MY PETS.

THEY'RE KIND OF LIKE MY PETS.
IT'S NORMAL FOR ME BECAUSE I

IT'S NORMAL FOR ME BECAUSE I
HAVE BEEN AROUND THEM ALL MY

HAVE BEEN AROUND THEM ALL MY
LIFE.

LIFE.
>> BRET INHERITED HIS LOVE FOR

>> BRET INHERITED HIS LOVE FOR
HIS ANIMALS FROM THE DAD WHO

HIS ANIMALS FROM THE DAD WHO
OWNED THE SCHREINERS CIRCUS.

OWNED THE SCHREINERS CIRCUS.
30 WEEKS OF THE YEAR NOW HE

30 WEEKS OF THE YEAR NOW HE
SHOWCASES HIS PETS ACROSS THE

SHOWCASES HIS PETS ACROSS THE
MIDWEST.

MIDWEST.
>> I MEAN, IT TAKES TIME.

>> I MEAN, IT TAKES TIME.
YOU CAN'T OBVIOUSLY JUST TAKE BE

YOU CAN'T OBVIOUSLY JUST TAKE BE
A ANIMAL AND START WORKING

A ANIMAL AND START WORKING
AROUND PEOPLE LIKE THE CAMELS.

AROUND PEOPLE LIKE THE CAMELS.
THEY WERE BOTTLE RAISED.

THEY WERE BOTTLE RAISED.
SO WE'RE KIND OF LIKE THERE

SO WE'RE KIND OF LIKE THERE
IRMAMAS.

IRMAMAS.
THE ELEPHANTS, WE'VE BEEN AROUND

THE ELEPHANTS, WE'VE BEEN AROUND
THEM PRETTY MUCH THEIR WHOLE

THEM PRETTY MUCH THEIR WHOLE
LIVES.

LIVES.
WE'VE FED THEM, TAKE CARE OF

WE'VE FED THEM, TAKE CARE OF
THEM.

THEM.
>> HE SAYS TAKING CARE OF

>> HE SAYS TAKING CARE OF
ELEPHANTS AND CAMELS ISN'T TOO

ELEPHANTS AND CAMELS ISN'T TOO
MUCH DIFFERENT INSTANT EXCEPT

MUCH DIFFERENT INSTANT EXCEPT
FOOD QUANTITIES.

FOOD QUANTITIES.
>> AN ELEPHANT WILL EAT 40 TO

>> AN ELEPHANT WILL EAT 40 TO
50-POUND BAIL OF HAY.

50-POUND BAIL OF HAY.
THEY DRINK ABOUT 100 GALLONS OF

THEY DRINK ABOUT 100 GALLONS OF
WATER EACH DAY.

WATER EACH DAY.
THIS IS DUCHESS.

THIS IS DUCHESS.
SHE'S A 33-YEAR-OLD ASIAN HE

SHE'S A 33-YEAR-OLD ASIAN HE
ELEPHANT.

ELEPHANT.
SHE IS A PRETTY LIKE LEOPARD

SHE IS A PRETTY LIKE LEOPARD
LOOK TO HER.

LOOK TO HER.
THIS IS SHEIK.

THIS IS SHEIK.
WE HAVE SOME DOGS THAT DO SOME

WE HAVE SOME DOGS THAT DO SOME
BACK FLIPS.

BACK FLIPS.
HANDSTANDS.

HANDSTANDS.
ALL KINDS OF STUFF.

THE CROWD STILL GATHERS AND
ANTICIPATION RISES WAITING FOR

ANTICIPATION RISES WAITING FOR
THAT FIRST GLIMPSE OF AN

THAT FIRST GLIMPSE OF AN
ELEPHANT.

ELEPHANT.
>> WHEN THEY COME OUT, THE KIDS

>> WHEN THEY COME OUT, THE KIDS
ARE LIKE WOW.

ARE LIKE WOW.
SOME KIDS HAVEN'T SEEN ELEPHANTS

SOME KIDS HAVEN'T SEEN ELEPHANTS
UP CLOSE.

UP CLOSE.
IT'S A SHOCK SOMETIMES.

IT'S A SHOCK SOMETIMES.
>> I'VE SEEN AN ELEPHANT ONLY

>> I'VE SEEN AN ELEPHANT ONLY
ONCE.

ONCE.
I CAME HERE BECAUSE THIS IS THE

I CAME HERE BECAUSE THIS IS THE
FIRST TIME I'VE BEEN ABLE TO SEE

FIRST TIME I'VE BEEN ABLE TO SEE
ELEPHANTS AT THE FAIR.

ELEPHANTS AT THE FAIR.
>> MY WIFE DOES THE CAMELS AND

>> MY WIFE DOES THE CAMELS AND
HORSES AND DOGS AND THINGS LIKE

HORSES AND DOGS AND THINGS LIKE
THAT, BUT MY LOVE IS WITH THE

THAT, BUT MY LOVE IS WITH THE
ELEPHANTS.

>> THE CAMELS BRING A WOW FROM
THE CROWD, TOO.

THE CROWD, TOO.
THEY LOOK MUCH BIGGER IN PERSON.

THEY LOOK MUCH BIGGER IN PERSON.
HORSES AND PONIES KEEP THE SHOW

HORSES AND PONIES KEEP THE SHOW
MOVING BEFORE IT'S ALL OVER.

MOVING BEFORE IT'S ALL OVER.
A COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND

A COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND
SHOW.

SHOW.
SOMETHING THE 4HERS CAN

SOMETHING THE 4HERS CAN
APPRECIATE.

APPRECIATE.
>> ANOTHER FAVORITE OF THE

>> ANOTHER FAVORITE OF THE
CIRCUS ARE THE TIGHTROPE WALKERS

CIRCUS ARE THE TIGHTROPE WALKERS
AND I'M HERE WITH TINO OF THE

AND I'M HERE WITH TINO OF THE
FLYING WALENDAS.

FLYING WALENDAS.
YOU HAVE AN AMAZING FAMILY

YOU HAVE AN AMAZING FAMILY
HISTORY.

HISTORY.
CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT

CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT
IT THAT?

IT THAT?
OF COURSE, IT GOES BACK NEARLY

OF COURSE, IT GOES BACK NEARLY
200 YEARS IN THE CIRCUS WORLD.

200 YEARS IN THE CIRCUS WORLD.
I'M A SIXTH GENERATION

I'M A SIXTH GENERATION
PERFORMER.

PERFORMER.
MY CHILDREN ARE SEVEN.

MY CHILDREN ARE SEVEN.
MY GRANDDAUGHTER WHO IS THE

MY GRANDDAUGHTER WHO IS THE
FEATURE ON THE BIG APPLE CIRCUS

FEATURE ON THE BIG APPLE CIRCUS
THIS YEAR IS EIGHTH GENERATION.

THIS YEAR IS EIGHTH GENERATION.
I'M THE FOURTH GENERATION

I'M THE FOURTH GENERATION
WORKING ON THE TIGHTROPE.

WORKING ON THE TIGHTROPE.
WE HAVE BEEN DOING THAT NEARLY

WE HAVE BEEN DOING THAT NEARLY
90 YEARS.

90 YEARS.
>> YOU'VE BROKEN SOME RECORDS

>> YOU'VE BROKEN SOME RECORDS
ALONG THE WAY.

ALONG THE WAY.
>> THERE'S A NUMBER OF RECORDS

>> THERE'S A NUMBER OF RECORDS
WE'VE BROKEN.

WE'VE BROKEN.
WE'RE VERY FAMOUS 4 OUR

WE'RE VERY FAMOUS 4 OUR
FOUR-PERSON THREE-LEVEL PYRAMID.

FOUR-PERSON THREE-LEVEL PYRAMID.
OUR SEVEN-PERSON PYRAMID BUT

OUR SEVEN-PERSON PYRAMID BUT
WE'VE GONE ON TO DO A COUPLE OF

WE'VE GONE ON TO DO A COUPLE OF
RECORDS WITH DOING AN

RECORDS WITH DOING AN
EIGHT-PERSON PYRAMID AND A

EIGHT-PERSON PYRAMID AND A
10-PERSON PYRAMID ON THE WIRE

10-PERSON PYRAMID ON THE WIRE
AND JUST RECENTLY IN SOUTH

AND JUST RECENTLY IN SOUTH
AFRICA, MYSELF, MY -- TWO OF MY

AFRICA, MYSELF, MY -- TWO OF MY
DAUGHTERS AND MY SON DID A WALK

DAUGHTERS AND MY SON DID A WALK
BETWEEN TWO BUILDINGS 150 FEET

BETWEEN TWO BUILDINGS 150 FEET
IN THE AIR, SOME 150 FEET

IN THE AIR, SOME 150 FEET
ACROSS, ALL FOUR ON THE WIRE

ACROSS, ALL FOUR ON THE WIRE
SIMULTANEOUSLY, WHICH HAS NEVER

SIMULTANEOUSLY, WHICH HAS NEVER
BEEN DONE BEFORE.

BEEN DONE BEFORE.
NOW, THOSE ARE NOT IN ANY RECORD

NOW, THOSE ARE NOT IN ANY RECORD
BOOKS BUT THEY'RE ALL CERTAINLY

BOOKS BUT THEY'RE ALL CERTAINLY
RECORDS THAT THE WALLENDAS HAVE

RECORDS THAT THE WALLENDAS HAVE
SET.

SET.
>> WE DO HAVE TO SAY THERE'S

>> WE DO HAVE TO SAY THERE'S
BEEN SOME TRAGEDY AS WELL.

BEEN SOME TRAGEDY AS WELL.
>> YES, THERE HAS BEEN.

>> YES, THERE HAS BEEN.
THERE'S BEEN A COUPLE OF TRAGIC

THERE'S BEEN A COUPLE OF TRAGIC
INCIDENTS IN 1962 AS OUR FAMILY

INCIDENTS IN 1962 AS OUR FAMILY
WAS DOING OUR SEVEN-PERSON

WAS DOING OUR SEVEN-PERSON
PYRAMID IN DETROIT MICHIGAN.

PYRAMID IN DETROIT MICHIGAN.
ONE MAN FALTERED, THE PYRAMID

ONE MAN FALTERED, THE PYRAMID
COLLAPSED, THREE MEN FELL TO THE

COLLAPSED, THREE MEN FELL TO THE
GROUND 35 FEET BELOW, TWO LOST

GROUND 35 FEET BELOW, TWO LOST
THEIR LIVES THAT NIGHT.

THEIR LIVES THAT NIGHT.
THE THIRD ONE WAS MY UNCLE

THE THIRD ONE WAS MY UNCLE
MARIO.

MARIO.
THANK GOD HE SURVIVED BUT HE IS

THANK GOD HE SURVIVED BUT HE IS
PARALYZED FROM THE WASTE DOWN.

PARALYZED FROM THE WASTE DOWN.
BUT THE WALLENDAS NEVER STOP.

BUT THE WALLENDAS NEVER STOP.
EVEN MY GRANDFATHER HAD A

EVEN MY GRANDFATHER HAD A
CRACKED PELVIS AND DOUBLE

CRACKED PELVIS AND DOUBLE
HERNIA, HE AND REMAINING MEMBERS

HERNIA, HE AND REMAINING MEMBERS
OF THE TROUPE WERE BACK ON THE

OF THE TROUPE WERE BACK ON THE
WIRE PERFORMING AGAIN.

WIRE PERFORMING AGAIN.
THEN IN 1978 AS MY GRANDFATHER

THEN IN 1978 AS MY GRANDFATHER
WAS WALKING BETWEEN TWO

WAS WALKING BETWEEN TWO
BUILDINGS IN SAN JUAN, PUERTO

BUILDINGS IN SAN JUAN, PUERTO
RICO, HE WASN'T ABLE TO MAINTAIN

RICO, HE WASN'T ABLE TO MAINTAIN
HIS BALANCE BECAUSE OF THE WAY

HIS BALANCE BECAUSE OF THE WAY
THE WIRE WAS SET UP AND HE FELL

THE WIRE WAS SET UP AND HE FELL
120 FEET TO HIS DEATH.

120 FEET TO HIS DEATH.
>> NOW, THERE ARE NO NETS WHEN

>> NOW, THERE ARE NO NETS WHEN
YOU PERFORM?

YOU PERFORM?
>> WALLENDAS HAVE SET PRETTY

>> WALLENDAS HAVE SET PRETTY
MUCH THE STANDARD OF WORKING

MUCH THE STANDARD OF WORKING
WITHOUT A NET.

WITHOUT A NET.
WHEN WE CAME TO RING RING

WHEN WE CAME TO RING RING
BROTHERS IN MADISON SQUARE

BROTHERS IN MADISON SQUARE
GARDEN IN 1928, SOMEHOW OR

GARDEN IN 1928, SOMEHOW OR
ANOTHER THE NET DIDN'T ARRIVE.

ANOTHER THE NET DIDN'T ARRIVE.
MY GRANT FATHER DECIDED ON GOING

MY GRANT FATHER DECIDED ON GOING
UP AND PERFORMING THEIR DARING

UP AND PERFORMING THEIR DARING
FEATS ANYWAY, WHICH BROUGHT THEM

FEATS ANYWAY, WHICH BROUGHT THEM
A GREAT DEAL OF ACCLAIM, AND

A GREAT DEAL OF ACCLAIM, AND
FROM THAT POINT ON, WE HAVE BEEN

FROM THAT POINT ON, WE HAVE BEEN
KNOWN FOR NOT USING NETS.

KNOWN FOR NOT USING NETS.
>> AND WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE

>> AND WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE
OF KEEPING THIS IN THE FAMILY?

OF KEEPING THIS IN THE FAMILY?
HOW IMPORTANT IS THIS TO YOU?

HOW IMPORTANT IS THIS TO YOU?
>> YOU KNOW, IT'S NOT -- I DON'T

>> YOU KNOW, IT'S NOT -- I DON'T
KNOW IF -- PARTICULARLY

KNOW IF -- PARTICULARLY
IMPORTANT.

IMPORTANT.
IT'S IMPORTANT TO ME FOR MY

IT'S IMPORTANT TO ME FOR MY
HERITAGE, BUT IT'S NOT LIKE I

HERITAGE, BUT IT'S NOT LIKE I
WOULD NECESSARILY WANT MY

WOULD NECESSARILY WANT MY
CHILDREN TO CONTINUE ON IF THEY

CHILDREN TO CONTINUE ON IF THEY
DIDN'T HAVE THE LOVE FOR IT.

DIDN'T HAVE THE LOVE FOR IT.
BUT THE WALLENDAS HAVE BEEN --

BUT THE WALLENDAS HAVE BEEN --
WE'VE DONE A LOT OF DARING

WE'VE DONE A LOT OF DARING
THINGS AND A LOT OF DAREDEVIL

THINGS AND A LOT OF DAREDEVIL
FEATS SO TO SPEAK BUT BY AND

FEATS SO TO SPEAK BUT BY AND
LARGE THAT'S NOT WHAT THE

LARGE THAT'S NOT WHAT THE
WALLENDAS ARE ALL ABOUT.

WALLENDAS ARE ALL ABOUT.
THE WALLENDAS ARE PERFORMERS

THE WALLENDAS ARE PERFORMERS
WHICH MEANS WE ENJOY GETTING ON

WHICH MEANS WE ENJOY GETTING ON
THAT TIGHTROPE 25, 30 FEET IN

THAT TIGHTROPE 25, 30 FEET IN
THE AIR DOING OUR REGULAR TRICKS

THE AIR DOING OUR REGULAR TRICKS
THAT HAVE BEEN REHEARSED OVER

THAT HAVE BEEN REHEARSED OVER
AND OVER AGAIN SO THAT WE CAN

AND OVER AGAIN SO THAT WE CAN
APPEAL TO THAT AUDIENCE AND GET

APPEAL TO THAT AUDIENCE AND GET
THE ENERGY FROM THEM AND THE

THE ENERGY FROM THEM AND THE
EXCITEMENT OF THE PERFORMING.

EXCITEMENT OF THE PERFORMING.
THAT'S WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT.

THAT'S WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT.
IT'S NOT ABOUT GETTING OCCUPY A

IT'S NOT ABOUT GETTING OCCUPY A
TIGHTROPE.

TIGHTROPE.
IT'S NOT ABOUT THE HEIGHT.

IT'S NOT ABOUT THE HEIGHT.
IT'S NOT ABOUT ANY KIND OF

IT'S NOT ABOUT ANY KIND OF
DANGER.

DANGER.
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE AUDIENCE.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE AUDIENCE.
>> OF ALL PLACES FOR THIS TO

>> OF ALL PLACES FOR THIS TO
HAPPEN, IT SEEMS LIKE, WOW,

HAPPEN, IT SEEMS LIKE, WOW,
PERU, INDIANA, WHY HERE?

PERU, INDIANA, WHY HERE?
>> WE'VE PERFORMED HERE IN THE

>> WE'VE PERFORMED HERE IN THE
PAST WHEN WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO.

PAST WHEN WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO.
BUT, OF COURSE, HERE IN PERU, IT

BUT, OF COURSE, HERE IN PERU, IT
WAS AN ORIGINAL WINTER OF TWO OF

WAS AN ORIGINAL WINTER OF TWO OF
THE LARGE CIRCUSES.

THE LARGE CIRCUSES.
WE'RE SITTING ON THE LOT RIGHT

WE'RE SITTING ON THE LOT RIGHT
NOW OF ONE OF THE WINTER

NOW OF ONE OF THE WINTER
QUARTERS AND, OF COURSE, THE

QUARTERS AND, OF COURSE, THE
HERITAGE THAT'S HERE, THE

HERITAGE THAT'S HERE, THE
HERITAGE IN THIS TENT AND THE

HERITAGE IN THIS TENT AND THE
HERITAGE WALKING ON THAT

HERITAGE WALKING ON THAT
TIGHTROPE.

TIGHTROPE.
AGAIN, NOT ONLY US, BUT THE

AGAIN, NOT ONLY US, BUT THE
OTHER ARTISTS HERE, TOO, HAVE A

OTHER ARTISTS HERE, TOO, HAVE A
GREAT HERITAGE IN THE BUSINESS

GREAT HERITAGE IN THE BUSINESS
AND A LOVE FOR PERFORMING.

AND A LOVE FOR PERFORMING.
>> WHEN PEOPLE COME TO THE

>> WHEN PEOPLE COME TO THE
CIRCUS HERE, WHAT WILL THEY

CIRCUS HERE, WHAT WILL THEY
EXPECT TO SEE FROM YOUR FAMILY?

EXPECT TO SEE FROM YOUR FAMILY?
>> WELL, HOPEFULLY THEY'LL

>> WELL, HOPEFULLY THEY'LL
EXPECT TO SEE SOME MEASURE OF

EXPECT TO SEE SOME MEASURE OF
EXCELLENCE, AND THAT IS WHAT WE

EXCELLENCE, AND THAT IS WHAT WE
DESIRE TO DELIVER TO THE

DESIRE TO DELIVER TO THE
AUDIENCE.

AUDIENCE.
>> THAT'S WONDERFUL.

>> THAT'S WONDERFUL.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.
WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING

WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING
YOUR SHOW.

YOUR SHOW.
OF COURSE, MANY, MANY THINGS

OF COURSE, MANY, MANY THINGS
WITH THE CIRCUS.

WITH THE CIRCUS.
ANOTHER ONE INCLUDES FIRE.

ANOTHER ONE INCLUDES FIRE.
LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT THAT RIGHT

LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT THAT RIGHT
NOW.

>> THE MOON RISES HIGH OVER THE
FOREST.

FOREST.
THE GRASS UNDER YOUR FEET

THE GRASS UNDER YOUR FEET
VIBRATES AND SHIFTS WITH THE

VIBRATES AND SHIFTS WITH THE
BEAT.

BEAT.
A SENSUOUS MELODY TICKLES YOUR

A SENSUOUS MELODY TICKLES YOUR
EARS PREPONDERANCE AND BEFORE

EARS PREPONDERANCE AND BEFORE
YOU KNOW IT A SHRINKY FORM MOVES

YOU KNOW IT A SHRINKY FORM MOVES
INTO THE FIRE LIGHT.

INTO THE FIRE LIGHT.
>> THE FIRST TIME I SAW IT I

>> THE FIRST TIME I SAW IT I
THOUGHT IT WAS BEAUTIFUL AND

THOUGHT IT WAS BEAUTIFUL AND
HYPNOTIZING AND I'M A VERY LARGE

HYPNOTIZING AND I'M A VERY LARGE
TALKER, BUT I ACTUALLY GOT VERY

TALKER, BUT I ACTUALLY GOT VERY
QUIET WHEN I SAW IT.

QUIET WHEN I SAW IT.
JUST KIND OF STARE AND WAS

JUST KIND OF STARE AND WAS
MESMERIZED BY IT.

MESMERIZED BY IT.
BUT IT WAS PROBABLY ABOUT THREE

BUT IT WAS PROBABLY ABOUT THREE
OR FOUR MONTHS LATER THAT

OR FOUR MONTHS LATER THAT
SOMEONE CAME THROUGH MY LIFE

SOMEONE CAME THROUGH MY LIFE
LITERALLY WAS AT MY HOUSE

LITERALLY WAS AT MY HOUSE
STAYING OVER FOR A NIGHT THAT

STAYING OVER FOR A NIGHT THAT
CHANGED IT AND SHE HAD THESE

CHANGED IT AND SHE HAD THESE
SOFT LITTLE BALLS ON THE ENDS OF

SOFT LITTLE BALLS ON THE ENDS OF
YARN THAT SHE WAS SPINNING

YARN THAT SHE WAS SPINNING
AROUND, AND I SAID, OH, MY GOSH,

AROUND, AND I SAID, OH, MY GOSH,
YOU CAN DO FIRE.

YOU CAN DO FIRE.
I SPENT ABOUT 40 HOURS A WEEK

I SPENT ABOUT 40 HOURS A WEEK
JUST RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET

JUST RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET
AND SEEING WHAT I COULD FIND AND

AND SEEING WHAT I COULD FIND AND
WHAT I COULD LEARN ABOUT THIS

WHAT I COULD LEARN ABOUT THIS
ART FORM, THE PARTICULAR TOOL I

ART FORM, THE PARTICULAR TOOL I
WAS LEARNING WAS CALLED POI.

WAS LEARNING WAS CALLED POI.
IT WENT FROM SOMETHING I COULD

IT WENT FROM SOMETHING I COULD
NEVER DO TO, OH, MY GOD, THIS IS

NEVER DO TO, OH, MY GOD, THIS IS
AMAZING.

AMAZING.
I HAVE COORDINATION LIKE

I HAVE COORDINATION LIKE
OVERNIGHT.

OVERNIGHT.
AND WITHIN TWO MONTHS I LIT ON

AND WITHIN TWO MONTHS I LIT ON
FIRE FOR THE FIRST TIME.

THE HARDEST TOOL WAS POI AND THE
REASON PEOPLE SAY IT'S THE

REASON PEOPLE SAY IT'S THE
HODDEST IS BECAUSE IF YOU MESS

HODDEST IS BECAUSE IF YOU MESS
IT, IT DOESN'T HIT THE GROUND.

IT, IT DOESN'T HIT THE GROUND.
IT SMACKS YOU IN THE FACE.

IT SMACKS YOU IN THE FACE.
IT HITS YOU IN THE STOMACH.

IT HITS YOU IN THE STOMACH.
IT CATCHES YOUR HAIR ON FIRE.

IT CATCHES YOUR HAIR ON FIRE.
IT IS ATTACHED TO YOUR FINGERS.

IT IS ATTACHED TO YOUR FINGERS.
ONCE I HAD THAT REALIZATION THAT

ONCE I HAD THAT REALIZATION THAT
I'VE ALREADY LEARNED THE HARDEST

I'VE ALREADY LEARNED THE HARDEST
TOOL, IT MADE EVERYTHING ELSE

TOOL, IT MADE EVERYTHING ELSE
FROM THAT POINT A MUCH EASIER

FROM THAT POINT A MUCH EASIER
BATTLE.

BATTLE.
I AM A FLUID ANDERSEN SHULL

I AM A FLUID ANDERSEN SHULL
DANCER MAKING IT MORE ABOUT THE

DANCER MAKING IT MORE ABOUT THE
FIRE AND THE DANCE.

FIRE AND THE DANCE.
THE ELEMENT IS BEAUTIFUL AND

THE ELEMENT IS BEAUTIFUL AND
IT'S DANGEROUS AND IT'S

IT'S DANGEROUS AND IT'S
GRACEFUL, BUT IT'S DESTRUCTIVE

GRACEFUL, BUT IT'S DESTRUCTIVE
IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE RESPECT

IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE RESPECT
FOR IT.

FOR IT.
YOU CAN'T CREATE THAT BEAUTY AND

YOU CAN'T CREATE THAT BEAUTY AND
THAT ART THAT CAN COME OUT OF

THAT ART THAT CAN COME OUT OF
IT.

IT.
AND I'VE NEVER SEEN ART WITH

AND I'VE NEVER SEEN ART WITH
FIRE BEFORE.

FIRE BEFORE.
SO IT WAS BEAUTIFUL TO SEE

SO IT WAS BEAUTIFUL TO SEE
SOMETHING THAT WAS SO

SOMETHING THAT WAS SO
HYPNOTIZING AND INTOXICATING AND

HYPNOTIZING AND INTOXICATING AND
POWERFUL ALL AT THE SAME TIME.

POWERFUL ALL AT THE SAME TIME.
JUST SUCKS ME IN.

>> WELL, THANKS SO MUCH FOR
JOINING US FROM THE CIRCUS

JOINING US FROM THE CIRCUS
CAPITAL OF THE WORLD.

CAPITAL OF THE WORLD.
WE HAD A GREAT TIME.

WE HAD A GREAT TIME.
AND NOW WE'RE GOING TO GO

AND NOW WE'RE GOING TO GO
ACTUALLY WATCH THE SHOW.

ACTUALLY WATCH THE SHOW.
SO UNTIL NEXT TIME FROM THE

SO UNTIL NEXT TIME FROM THE
"WEEKLY SPECIAL," HAPPY CIRCUS

"WEEKLY SPECIAL," HAPPY CIRCUS
DAYS!

DAYS!
[ THEME MUSIC FROM "CURB YOUR

[ THEME MUSIC FROM "CURB YOUR
ENTHUSIASM" ]

[¶...]