Cirque Dreams Holidaze, December 13, Bangor, Maine

Zerbini Family Circus Photos from Clinton on July 24th

Zerbini Family Circus 2018 Schedule for Maine

(Custom poster for event, not official)

The Zerbini Family Circus 2018 Schedule for Maine is as follows:


Topsham, Maine
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
6:00PM


Topsham, Maine
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
6:00PM


Farmington, Maine
Thursday, July 19, 2018
5:00PM & 7:00PM


New Portland, Maine
Friday, July 20, 2018
6:00PM


Harmony, Maine
Saturday, July 21, 2018
6:00PM


Dover-Foxcroft, Maine 
Sunday, July 22, 2018
5:00PM


Springfield, Maine
Monday, July 23, 2018
6:00PM

Corinna, Maine
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
6:00PM

Clinton, Maine
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
6:00PM

Dixfield, Maine
Thursday, July 26, 2018
5:00PM & 7:00PM

Cumberland Center, Maine
Friday, July 27, 2018
5:00PM & 7:00PM

Minot, Maine
Saturday, July 28, 2018
2:00PM & 4:00PM

Fryeburg, Maine
Sunday, July 29, 2018
3:00PM & 5:00PM

Acton, Maine
Monday, July 30, 2018
6:00PM

For more information, visit zerbinifamilycircus.com

P.T. Barnum's Greatest Show on Earth, Howes' Great London Circus & Sanger's Royal British Menagerie: 1882 Maine Route

P.T. Barnum's Greatest Show on Earth, Howes' Great London Circus & Sanger's Royal British Menagerie: 1881 Maine Route

P.T. Barnum's New and Greatest Show on Earth: 1879 Maine Route

P.T. Barnum's New and Greatest Show on Earth: 1878 Maine Route

P.T. Barnum's New and Greatest Show on Earth: 1876 Maine Route

P.T. Barnum's Great Traveling Exposition & World's Fair: 1873 Maine Route

Photo of P.T. Barnum Taken by Maine Photographer, Charles B. Conant

Photo of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Draft Stock Department in Portland, Maine on June 24, 1937

P.T. Barnum's Great Roman Hippodrome: 1875 Maine Route

1947 World of Mirth Courtesy Ticket

A complimentary ticket provided to Mayor Louis-Philippe Gagne of Lewiston by Frank Bergen of World of Mirth.  

Source: Bergen, Frank, "1947 World of Mirth Courtesy Ticket" (1947). Louis-Philippe Gagne as Mayor.

Frank A. Robbins' New Railroad Shows: 1884 Maine Route

New York Zoological Institute: 1835 Maine Route

Menagerie & Equestrian Troupe of June, Titus, Angevine, & Co: 1841 Maine Route

1940s Fort Kent Carnival Photo

A carnival show from the 1940s set up in Fort Kent, Maine.

*This photo was given to the Fort Kent Historical Society by Philip Thibodeau is is being used with their permission. 

Den Stone's Circus, Hippodrome, Indian Show, The Celebrated Central Park Menagerie and Zoological Combination: 1873 Maine Route

Tuesday, August 12, 1873 - Augusta, Maine

Source: Maine Farmer (Newspaper), Saturday, August 2, 1873

Miller Bros. & Arlington's 101 Ranch Real Wild West: 1913 Maine Route

World Circus Day 2018 Photos Part 6

Part 6 of photos from World Circus Day, April 21, 2018 at the Kora Shrine Circus featuring the Hamid Circus at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta, Maine. These photos feature Johnny Rockett.

Menagerie In Belfast

June 26, 1816

"An Elephant & a Lion were in Belfast for several days. The elephant was in the stable of the "Huse" Tavern. The lion was in a barn which stood on the site of "The Johnson Block".

Source: History of the City of Belfast in the State of Maine, Joseph Williamson 

Bailey Bros. Circus: 1947 Maine Route

John H. Sparks World-Famous Shows: 1917 Maine Route

Elephant on the Loose

"The quaint old New England village of Bucksport, Me., had a most memorable day on Sunday, July 10. Leon W. Washburn's Circus arrived that morning, and one of the animal men, in the absence of the regular keeper, undertook to remove the elephant Charley (a recent purchase from the Adam Forepaugh Shows) from his car. The elephant stampeded, and for several hours kept the citizens in mortal terror of their lives. Tiring of this sport, Charley started for the country, and would up in a pine woods, with thick and swampy undergrowth. After numerous volunteers had failed, the steward, Tom W. Lawrence, for many years with Barnum & Bailey, and who accompanied that show to London, went after him, and after six hours battle, brought him safe and sound, but somewhat tired."


Source: New York Clipper, July 23, 1892

Leon W. Washburn's Circus: 1892 Maine Route

World Circus Day 2018 Photos Part 5

Part 5 of photos from World Circus Day, April 21, 2018 at the Kora Shrine Circus featuring the Hamid Circus at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta, Maine. These photos feature Peter Sturgis and Johnny Rockett.

2018 Schedule of Maine Agricultural Fairs

Garden Bros Circus Presents The Cirque, May 9 & 10

The Cirque will be in Portland, Maine on May 9 and Auburn, Maine on May 10. On both days, the shows will be at 4:30PM and 7:30PM.

"STELLAR ENTERTAINMENT GROUP INC presents an all new performance to thrill and amaze you with motorcycles in the Sphere of Fear, Bungee Divers of Crazy Canyon Australia, Triple Wheel of Death, Human Slingshot, contortionist, world famous juggler Pierre, beautiful showgirls in the air, daring Aerialist from Mongolia, Chinese Acrobats, motorcycle in the air balancing on just 1 man, incredible strength hand balancing troupe and a team of the world's funniest clowns.

Expect the unexpected...ALL NEW...

Most outrageous lighting, sound and special effects that will keep the whole family on the edge of their seats."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

World Circus Day 2018 Photos Part 4

Part 4 of photos from World Circus Day, April 21, 2018 at the Kora Shrine Circus featuring the Hamid Circus at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta, Maine.

World Circus Day 2018 Photos Part 3

Part 3 of photos from World Circus Day, April 21, 2018 at the Kora Shrine Circus featuring the Hamid Circus at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta, Maine.

World Circus Day 2018 Photos Part 2

 Part 2 of photos from World Circus Day, April 21, 2018 at the Kora Shrine Circus featuring the Hamid Circus at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta, Maine.

World Circus Day 2018 Photos Part 1

Part 1 of photos from World Circus Day, April 21, 2018 at the Kora Shrine Circus featuring the Hamid Circus at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta, Maine.

Circus on the Point Cabaret, March 16, 17 & 18

Circus Maine’s cabaret, Circus on the Point, celebrates the awakening of Spring with a show that is sure to uplift audiences. You’re in luck — three chances to attend the event, March 16th, 17th & 18th! Aerial artistry by local and visiting performers that will transport you to other worlds and push the limits of what was once thought impossible. Circus Maine is located on Thompson’s Point in a historic rail car repair facility turned performing arts venue. Suitable for all ages and all that are curious about the art of contemporary circus. Bar available Friday and Saturday evening. Food truck available all three nights.

Friday, March 16: 7:00 PM, Doors Open at 6:15 PM
Saturday, March 17: 7:00 PM, Doors Open at 6:15 PM
Sunday, March 18: 4:00 PM, Doors Open at 3:15 PM

Click Here For More Info

Kora Shrine Circus 2018 Schedule

Androscoggin Bank Colisée, Lewiston, Maine
Friday, April 13

7:00 PM

Androscoggin Bank Colisée, Lewiston, Maine
Saturday, April 14

9:30 AM
2:00 PM
7:00 PM

Androscoggin Bank Colisée, Lewiston, Maine
Sunday, April 15

2:00 PM

Androscoggin Bank Colisée, Lewiston, Maine
Monday, April 16

10:00 AM

Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, Maine
Friday, April 20

2:00 PM
7:00 PM

Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, Maine
Saturday, April 21

9:30 AM
2:00 PM
7:00 PM

Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, Maine
Sunday, April 22

2:00 PM

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Anah Shrine Circus 2018 Schedule

Cross Insurance Center, Bangor, Maine
Friday, April 27

3:00 PM
7:00 PM

 Cross Insurance Center, Bangor, Maine 
 Saturday, April 28

10:00 AM
2:00 PM
7:00 PM

 Cross Insurance Center, Bangor, Maine 
 Sunday, April 29

11:00 AM
3:00 PM

The Forum, Presque Isle, Maine
Thursday, May 3

7:00 PM

The Forum, Presque Isle, Maine
Friday, May 4

3:00 PM
7:00 PM

The Forum, Presque Isle, Maine
Saturday, May 5

10:00 AM
2:00 PM
7:00 PM

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Photos of the 1927 Sparks Circus Parade in Augusta, Maine

Featured here are photos of the Sparks Circus Parade traveling up Water Street in Augusta, Maine on August 4th, 1927.

G.F. Whitman Present's His Collection of Curiosities at the 1847 Fair in Waterville

This is a clipping about the 1847 Cattle Show and Fair of the North Kennebec Agricultural Society that discusses an exhibition of "curiosities" that was presented by G.F. Whitman.

Photos From the 1906 Waterford Fair

Showcased here are 3 photos from the 1906 Waterford Fair in Waterford, Maine.  

Forepaugh Here: Interesting Process of Unloading a Great Show

In this piece that was printed in the the August 14h, 1894 edition of the "Lewiston Daily Sun", the writer discuses the Adam Forepaugh Show that just came to town (Lewiston) on August 14th, 1894. The writer discusses the amazing work ethic and the systematic manner in which the show is unloaded. This is a great peak into how

The Forepaugh Show Returns to the Roots of the Circus Show

In this piece that was printed in the the August 8th, 1894 edition of the "Lewiston Daily Sun", the writer discuses the recent Adam Forepaugh Show that would be coming to town (Lewiston) on August 14th, 1894. The writer discusses the dying

Bailey Brings the Adam Forepaugh Show to Lewiston on August 14, 1894

In 1894, James A. Bailey once again brought the Adam Forepaugh Show to Maine as we have discussed in previous installments on this blog. Be sure to click here for for information on the 1894 Forepaugh show and to see how the advertisement featured here compares with others. There are two striking differences I see with this ad compared to the ad for

Photo of the Sparks Circus "Dancing Girls Bandwagon" Crossing the Bridge in Caribou

This is a great photo taken on July 13th, 1927 of the "Dancing Girls Bandwagon" crossing the bridge in Caribou, Maine.

The Size of the Forepaugh Show in 1894 Was Not as Large as Usual But The Crowd Left Happy

In this short piece that was printed in the the August 17th, 1894 edition of the "Waterville Mail", the writer discuses the recent Adam Forepaugh Show that came to town (Waterville) on August 11th, 1894. It appears that while the show itself was smaller

"At the Circus"

Presented here is a short piece that was printed in the the August 17th, 1894 edition of the "Waterville Mail". It was likely a syndicated in multiple papers as well as it states it states the source as the "Detroit Free Press".

Source:

 Prince & Wyman, "The Waterville Mail (Vol. 48, No. 12): August 17, 1894" (1894). The Waterville Mail (Waterville, Maine). 

At The Circus

       The elephant had eaten a quart of peanuts and laid the paper bag carefully up on his back before reaching around and banging the royal Bengal tiger's cage a whack or two with his trunk. The tiger happened to be on watch at the moment, and he gave the elephant a claw that

The 1894 State Fair in Lewiston Offers Local Farmers a Great Opportunity

This was a piece published in the August 10th, 1894 edition of the "Waterville Mail" in regards to the State Fair in Lewiston. 

"The Coming Show"

This is another piece published in the August 10th, 1894 edition of the "Waterville Mail" the day before the Adam Forepaugh Shows came to the city of Waterville for their August 11th show. This article focuses on the great circus parade that would take place and the high standards Adam Forepaugh set in place.

"The Modern Circus"

This was a piece published in the August 10th, 1894 edition of the "Waterville Mail" the day before the Adam Forepaugh Shows came to the city of Waterville for their August 11th show.

Bailey Brings the Adam Forepaugh Show to Waterville on August 11, 1894

       In 1894, James A. Bailey once again brought the Adam Forepaugh Show to Maine! This tour would be proudly advertised as the 31st annual tour however it would also be it's last. The next time we would see the Forepaugh name would be in 1896 as a combined show

No Circus in Waterville!?

       This newspaper ad from July 6, 1894 talks of "No Circus this year." J.F. Larrabee warns that there will not be a circus but that's okay because you can get all your flavoring extracts at Larry's! Fortunately for

1894 Dolloff & Dunham Store in Waterville Ad Featuring an Elephant

This advertisement for Dolloff & Dunham store in Waterville, Maine showcases another great use of such an iconic animal for promotion of their goods. Dolloff & Dunham was a clothing store established in 1887 by George S. Dolloff and Horatio R. Dunham. Horatio Dunham graduated from Colby in 1886. Mr. Dolloff is a native of Mt.

North Kennebec Agricultural Society Vote and Lay the Ground for the Societies' First Fair in Waterville

The North Kennebec Agricultural Society was formed on July 31st, 1847, and met on again on September 29th of that same year to discuss and vote on some matters. Most notably of these matters was if they will actually be holding a fair for the public. What follows is the report on that meeting.

The North Kennebec Agricultural Society Show and Fair of 1863: Part V

This is part V of the full detailed account of the 1863 North Kennebec Agricultural Society Show and Fair:

The North Kennebec Agricultural Society Show and Fair of 1863: Part IV

 This is part IV of the full detailed account of the 1863 North Kennebec Agricultural Society Show and Fair:

The North Kennebec Agricultural Society Show and Fair of 1863: Part III

This is part III of the full detailed account of the 1863 North Kennebec Agricultural Society Show and Fair:

MISCELLANEOUS.

       To a worsted tidy and an Afghan, or sofa blanket, both presented by Miss Louisa E. Ingals, of Waterville, we award 25 cts. each, for the pleasant idea of domestic comfort suggested by their elegance.
       A pair of slippers, neatly wrought by Miss C.A. Gowor, of Winslow,-giving

The North Kennebec Agricultural Society Show and Fair of 1863: Part II

 This is part II of the full detailed account of the 1863 North Kennebec Agricultural Society Show and Fair:

The North Kennebec Agricultural Society Show and Fair of 1863: Part I

Agricultural fairs have a long history in Maine. The North Kennebec Agricultural Society, incorporated on July 31st, 1847 and it's first exhibition was held in Waterville in October of that same year. This write up presented here is a full detailed account of the North Kennebec Agricultural Society Show and Fair of 1863 and will be presented in multiple parts due to it's length. Part I reads as follows:

Jonathan Harrington's 1863 Farewell Tour Stops in Waterville

Billed as "The Greatest Ventriloquist in America", Jonathan Harrington was one of the earliest American magicians. Born in Boston, Harrington began his performing career as a ventriloquist in 1826 at the young age of 17. His shows became increasingly focused on magic with a small section devoted to ventriloquism and mimicry. He quickly rose as a public figure making his performances a high demand ticket. His fiscal success

1863 Marrifield Store in Waterville Ad Featuring an Elephant

This advertisement for Geo. A. L. Merrifield's shoe store in Waterville, Maine showcases great use of such an iconic animal for promotion of their goods. The ad reads as follows:

I'm an expansive animal!
But guess Marrifield knows enough to keep me going
A NEW and large supply of Boots and Shoes at the Parlor Shoe Store-all kinds, styles and fashions; - selling at reasonable prices. Call at the Parlor Shoe Store, opposite Elden & Arnold's, Main st.

Photos of the Legendary Sword Swallower Red Stuart Performing at The Skowhegan State Fair in 2015 #1

The huge crowd that had gathered under the World of Wonders'

sideshow tent watches in amazement as Red Stewart

demonstrates the art of sword swallowing on August 13,

2015 at the Skowhegan State Fair.

Is That Uncle Fester at the 2015 Skowhegan State Fair?

Miss Spooky illuminates a light bulb

by placing it in her mouth while

an electric current runs through her

body on August 13, 2015.

When the World of Wonders visited the Skowhegan State Fair, one of the acts would feature a chair with an electrified seat that would send a current of electricity though the body of the performer who dares sit on it. How does one make the electric current running through their

World of Wonders Presents Escape Explosion in 2015 at the Skowhegan State Fair

Sir Kade dangles in the air while escaping a straitjacket on
August 13, 2015 at the Skowhegan State Fair.

The Box of Blades Presented at the Skowhegan State Fair in 2015

Insectavora narrates as Trixie Turvey
prepares the enter the "Box of Blades". 

The traditional blade box act showcases a performer standing in a box while steel blades are pushed through it. The performer then contorts themselves like they're made of rubber. Like a lot of 10-in-1 sideshows, the World of Wonders used this act as the blowoff for their show on August 13, 2015 at the Skowhegan State Fair.