From the OABA

OABA Circus Efforts From Paul Ingrassia I think that sometime circus people forget that we are the GOOD GUYS. At least it seems that way as I start each year another effort under the mantle of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association to raise money to support the use of performing animals in shows and exhibitions. The enourmous amount of funds on the other side, combined with the often outrageous behavior and allegations they offer, appears to justify our own supporters acceptance of the concept that soon the only performing animals the opposition will permit may be horses and dogs and further, that this group of misguided and often misinformed individuals have the right to dictate such a radical and really un-democratic premise. So the same folks that throw ink on expensive fur coats, release hundreds of innocent fur bearing animals to a horrible death, endanger the lives of circus patrons with demonstrations and violence, oppose the sale of chicken, veal or game, accuse an entire industry of improper and illicit behavior, simply to pursue their very limited beliefs, have now become the arbiters of American’s entertainment and life styles. This is, of course, wrong. The reality however is that unless someone opposes these premises, they will indeed prevail. Clearly the circus industry as a single body is neither able nor willing to take up the task. In most instances, where the issue is raised, the producer modifies his presentation to escape the bother and expense of combating the often well-financed demonstrations. Ringling has been often alone in their battles. There is no circus producer that I know of that has not had some interaction with the problem. OABA is essentially a trade association serving the carnival business. They have permitted their good name and resources to support the interests of the circus and animal exhibition business. Within the organization, directors Wayne McCary and Bob Commerford, both strongly identified with the circus and animal business, have lead a special committee of organizations and individuals within the industry in an effort to oppose, legislate and support, the positive use of animals for entertainment and exhibition. We have raised some money. Last year’s effort provided over forty thousand dollars. The sum however was noticeably constructed by the large donations of a few and the generous and frequent small donations of fans. The Feld Company provided eleven thousand dollars from dress rehearsal admissions. Carson Barnes came in with an excess of three thousand. A few other show owners and producers also jumped in with lesser sums. Circus Fans throughout America gave often and generously. All donations over fifteen dollars were provided a lapel pin with changing themes in each fiscal year. This effort managed by stellar circus fan David Orr of Pennsylvania sold in excess of six hundred lapel pins to the benefit of the cause. It should be noted that all costs engendered by Commerford, McCary, Orr or myself are borne by us. No OABA dollars are used to raise the money! Many publications provide free copy to advertise our campaign. Now my point is: Where were you? Why would someone who now has financial interests in the business or perhaps has in the past, not provide some minimum support for this effort to perpetuate the magnificent traditions of performing circus animals? How could you be a circus fan or historian and not at least give this cause some help? In great American circus cities like Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles and New York, legislation is in some form present for vote, which could lead to prohibition of the use of exotic animals in traveling shows, circuses and fairs! Zoos now bending to the unsubstantiated allegations of some animal rights people are actually questioning the presentation of elephants and by the way, in barring them are saving themselves a handsome bit of overhead. I cannot imagine taking my grandchildren to a circus or a zoo and being deprived of the sight of these magnificent animals. It is time to help! I suppose everyone could come up with some sort of objection of a self serving nature but, in the real world, we are well past the time when such minor quibbling will do anything but assist the opposition. Please be as generous as you can with a donation to OABA CIRCUS FUND, 1035 S. Semoran Blvd, #1045A, Winter Park, FL 32792