Hanneford Circus #1 (From Paul Gutheil)

Dear Buckles, First off, a very happy birthday to you and many many more in goodhealth and happiness! Do not look upon it as being another year older, but rather as theanniversary of the day the world was first blessed with your presence.Also : age is only a matter of mind, if you don't mind it doesn't matter. I am attaching photo of arena setup and will send a couple orthree more as my knowledgable assistant/wife is able. I took all in WhitePlains over Presidents' weekend; we were up there friday through monday. Will send photos one at a time; we have a slow setup. I've got to say a few things in regard to previous White Plainscomments.... Tim Frisco was supposed to present the three adults and onepunk he workedfor Hanneford/Jaffa Shrine last April in Altoona, but had health problemson the way and ended up going back to Hugo and did, as we understand it, goin the hospitalfor a day or so. Joe Frisco, JR drove in in time with Duane (sp ?) Brakewho presented the act so that every performance had a bull act. We werepleasantly sur-prised to run in to Serena Schultz several times as she was down visitingDuane who had worked an act at The Game Farm over a couple of summers. There was nocat act, and PETA be damned, many people were asking where the tigerswere. Wallendas did their usual outstanding job, but there were only fourperforming,Tino, Aurelia, Alex and Sacha Pavlata. Struppi brought in a great show,including a three ring aerial display featuring hair hang, lyra, singletrap and cloud swing. The Rodriguez family had a pony sweep ($7.00) featuring carts sort oflike you see at the trotters and the bull ride used two bulls at $10.00 aride. There wasalways a line for both and, again, PETA be damned people WANT TO RIDE ANELEPHANT. As many people are aware, Sacha and Karin Houcke have gone back toEurope. There are many of us out there that can never and never will gettired of seeingBello. We have heard many positive comments on the NEW 12 tiger, Ramostrained cat act. The NY Daily News in the last few weeks has featured two BIG color spreads advertising the "all new" show and predominantlyfeaturing Bello, Tigers, and Elephants. As we always try to do, Diane andI will catch theshow in NJ, Long Island and MSG. Almost forgot, Diane and I were bowled over when we walked into thebuilding in White Plains during set up, a whole new color scheme for thefloor andring curbs and new and different lighting along the track. As we first saw at The Big E Super Circus, Struppi now has a brand new, beautifulHannford logo and curtain. Will send a photo or two; it's easier than trying todescribe. Lastly, is there any way you could get us Randy Peterson's currentemail address and one for Larry Allen Dean? Best birthday wishes to you andlove to Barbara the circus #1 Big Top Beauty, Paul & Diane