It's a Family Show

When the owl was born, we were given a voucher from Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, redeemable at any time, for free admission for our son to the circus. This is something they still do today when a baby is born, and I think it is a fantastic tradition. I remember thinking at the time, "What a lovely idea!"

Because it is really for children that circuses exist. The circus has its own special kind of magic; it's like an entirely different world where everyone has unique and amazing abilities. It's no wonder kids used to dream of, "Running away and joining the circus." They see people swinging from trapezes and balancing on high wires and playing with wild animals, and nobody's Mom yells at them. The circus is the perfect world to a child!

But what happens when those children grow up? Does anyone ever really outgrow the circus? Surely not. Who doesn't remember their first visit to the Big Top? The fantastic introductions filled with fanfare, building up the suspense? The crowd and the noise, the lights and the costumes and the incredible feats of daring? I'm not, I have to say, a big fan of circus clowns for very young children, because they can be scary. But still, even they're memorable. When adults think of the circus, they think of the wild animals--elephants!--and the clowns, no question (and, of course, the normally-forbidden tasty treats, popcorn and peanuts and cotton candy!).

The Owl went to his first circus with his grandfathers, both my Dad and the Engineer's father, and it meant a lot to them to take my son, along with his cousins, and spoil him a little, and enjoy the circus again through a child's eyes. It makes for a wonderful family tradition, generations enjoying the circus together, and, let's face it, there aren't many activities grandparents and grand-kids can do together these days. Interests have changed so much since our parents were young, and entertainment these days caters to the youth.

But the circus? The circus is something the whole family can enjoy.

And, with the coupon code below, you can visit the circus with your family, and enjoy the magic and the fun once again, while saving 20% off select ticket prices! Check out the city nearest you for the dates available, and spend the night out with your family at the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus!

Indianapolis, IN - Sept. 4-7, 2008 (Today's the last day! Hurry up, Indies!)
Kansas City, MO - Sept. 10-14, 2008
Grand Rapids, MI - Sept. 18-21, 2008
Denver, CO - Oct. 2-13, 2008
Boston, MA – Oct. 8-13, 2008
Cleveland, OH - Oct. 24 - Nov. 2
Chicago, IL - Nov. 6 - 30, 2008
St. Louis, MO - Nov. 6-9, 2008
Auburn Hills, MI - Nov. 12 - 16, 2008
Highland Heights, KY - Feb 27 - Mar. 1, 2009
Cincinnati, OH - Mar. 4 - 8, 2008