Carson & Barnes 2008

IMG_5912, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. The hospitality extended by Barbara and Gary Byrd was outstanding. Jim and I were placed in box seats surrounded by such luminaries as Ron Morris, Donna McMahon, Roy Houston, Jim Cole, Dick Johnson and the ever dapper Ward Hall. This was the first time I had seen the show using this format and it was non-stop entertainment. Flying act, high wire, motorcycle on the incline and revolving wheel. I counted about eight 3-ring displays, one of which included ten web girls on the track. Performance was concluded by Billy Morris working the show's three elephants in excellent fast paced routine. I missed seeing an elephant act in each end ring and a long mount on the track but when Barbara told me that they had just paid $14,000 to fuel up the fleet that morning I can see where effeciency is the only way to survive. Elliott asked Mr. Byrd how much equipment they used and he said 24 semis and 30 vehicles of lesser size. The attendance at the matinee was near capacity and a full house was anticipated for the night show. Jimmy Cole sent the above picture but it was taken the previous day in Ocala. He was snapping away during yesterday's performance so we'll see what he comes up with.