Barnum & Bailey's Greatest Show on Earth 1893 Season

Years had gone by since the passing of the great P.T. Barnum and in that time, James A. Bailey was the sole proprietor of "The Greatest Show on Earth". 1893 was also the year that the World's Fair in Chicago themed it's presentation to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus' arrival in the new World, although technically it would have been the 401st (1492). "The Greatest Show on Earth" also adopted this them for the season bringing a massive show to local towns around the country and Maine was not left out of this great tour. The dates in Maine were July 15 in Biddeford, July 17 in Portland, July 18 in Bath, July 19 in Augusta, July 20 in Bangor, July 21 in Waterville and as the ad showcased here indicates, July 22 in Lewiston. The ad for this show reads:

Containing a World of Wonders and Delightful Attractions TOGETHER WITH IMRE KIRALFY'S FAMOUS SPECTACLE COLUMBUS AND THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA, IT'S GRANDEUR ALMOST SURPASSING BELIEF WITH 1,200 HISTORICAL CHARACTERS REPRESENTED.
3 RINGS, 2 ELEVATED STAGES, RACING TRACK!
SUBLIME BALLET, with 300 DANCERS
The most Wonderful and Grandest of Earthly Displays on a Stage 400 Feet Long.
In Addition to Circus, Hippodrome, Illusions, 2 Monster Menageries, Museums, Aviary, Aquarium and Horse Fair. 

Win a trip to the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago!

In 1893, some lucky folks from Maine had an opportunity to win a fully paid trip to the 1893 Chicago World's Columbian Exposition!











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