Ringling Bros. circus taking its final bows
UNIONDALE, N.Y. — Lions, tigers and clowns, no more. Oh my. It’s curtains for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
This weekend, the most famous American circus ends its 146-year reign as one of the world’s biggest big tops.
Ringling’s parent company, Feld Entertainment, announced in January it would take its final bow this year. On Saturday, fans streamed into the Nassau Coliseum in suburban New York to pay their last respects to the iconic show.
“I am sad that it’s going to be over,” said Melissa Angevine of Walton, N.Y. “It’s a pastime that no longer anybody gets to enjoy anymore, unfortunately. Everybody’s in their tablets and not really going out and seeing different kinds of entertainment anymore.”
Saturday evening’s circus was an extravaganza of big cats, motorcycle stunts, clowns performing deathdefying stunts, ice skaters, buckets of popcorn and Mongolian contortionists — and that was just the first half of the show.
Feld executives said declining attendance and high operating costs were among reasons for closing.
Ringling had two touring circuses this season, one ending earlier this month in Providence, R.I.
What was long promoted as “The Greatest Show on Earth” wraps up with three shows Saturday and three Sunday. The final circus Sunday night will be streamed on Facebook Live and on the circus’ website.