By Don Jovich
Record-Courier staff writer
The world's largest tent circus came to Portage County Friday with more than 130 performers and animals acts designed to excite and entertain spectators as they have for the past 73 years.
Residents turned out in droves to see the amazing acts of the family owned Carson & Barnes Three Ring Circus at SunBeau Valley Farm in Ravenna Township
Thousands of spectators filled the big top eager to see circus professionals from around the world perform aerial trapeze acts, high wire stunts, along with clowns, jugglers, performing elephants, camels, dogs and horses.
"Poppa the Clown," also know as Doug Munsell, the circus media representative, said the turn-out was simply amazing.
"Everything went smoothly with the set up today and we had no rips in the Big Top," he said. "The crowds here have been absolutely fantastic."
Prior to the performance, Munsell said 45 vehicles rolled into town Friday morning with a set up time of 4 1/2 hours.
"Our crew is fantastic," he said. "Our afternoon and evening shows in Ravenna have nearly sold out."
Youngsters watched in amazement while acrobats performed their miraculous feats.
"It's non-stop entertainment," Munsell said.
The Incredible Flying Fernandez Family performed a triple somersault while death-defying high wire performers from South America wowed the audience with their astounding feats.
A red, white and blue salute to America was another highlight of the circus performance.
The largest performers were the elephants, weighing in at 35,000 pounds. They quickly became crowd favorites.
Rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting and circus treats and refreshments also were part of the experience.
"It will take us about three hours to tear everything down before we're off to the next town," Munsell said.
The stop in Ravenna was sponsored by Habitat for Humanity of Portage County which generated approximately $33,000 for their organization.
The circus's next few stops are in Wooster, Tallmadge and Coshocton.