C&B Laurens, SC 5/8/08 #1 (From Fred Heatly)

IMG_2120, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Hello Everyone, Well, I saw Carson & Barnes Circus in Laurens, SC last Friday, May 8. Actually I saw it three times - the first time between 8:15 and 8:45 a.m. to make a note of and photograph which trucks had arrived and set-up progress. I went back at 12:30 to take more photographs, and then at 6:30 to take more photos and attend the 7:30 performance. I stayed around for a while after the performance to watch part of tear-down and chat with show employees. I enjoyed the performance and atmosphere. The thing that impressed me the most was that there was no hollering, swearing, arguing, etc. It seemed to be very relaxed, but each person knew what he/she was supposed to do, and it was done well. A couple of people remember seeing me early in the morning - probably because I was taking photos. There weren't a lot of trucks there then. In the afternoon I did identify myself and asked permission to walk around and take photos. I met the elephant trainer briefly during intermission. I think his name was Bobby Morris (?). I may be completely wrong about that. Can anyone confirm his name? The tent was about 1/5th full for the evening performance. I don't know what happened to their sponsor. There were no posters or window cards. Free kids tickets had been placed in some stores, and there was an ad in the paper the day before. I'd be very surprised that, if the show ever comes back this way again, they will come to Laurens. All in all, it was good to feel like a kid again! Regards, Fred Heatley