Monday, April 04, 2011

2011 Cole Bros. #1 (From Hal Guyon)

Buckles,
Bob Cline, myself and about 400 others braved the upper 40 degrees cold and rain last night (3/30/11) to attend Cole Bros Circus in Florence, SC. The lot which is usually nice and grassy was a real mud bog after several inches of rain fell during the day. We spoke with Elvin Bale & Chris Conner before the show and they told us that after the long 250+ mile jump from Brunswick, GA they were able to get the new big top on the ground but not in the air before the heavy rains started, but the new top was still very clean and looked great. Both Elvin & Chris were very nice, welcomed us and apologized for the condition of the lot, which of course was nothing they could help. Elvin told us that they had to make a few changes in the program due to the lot condition, but they were not that evident. The cat cages were forklifted in instead of rolled because of the mud. All in all the show was very good and went on without any real problems, considering the weather. The Hawthorne Cat act with 11 tigers was very well presented by Judit & Juergen Nerger, as was Laura Herriott`s mixed animal act and the aerial ballet with 3 featured aerialist and 6 girls on webs. Other acts included Kellan & Maribel on the revolving ladder comedy act, Ponce Family Flyers, Clown Police breakaway car gag, Abuhadea Family Poodles, Lanna - One Finger Stand Equlibristic, Clown Piano Gag, John Walker & The Carson Barnes elephants (3), Gelson Motocross Cycles & Globe, Cannon, & Finale. Concession prices were reasonable with popcorn & floss at $5.00 and programs $3.00. The show heads for North Charleston, (Ladson) SC for a 3 day stand then on to Myrtle Beach for another 3 day stand. After Bob & I left the lot we both headed for the local Krispy Kream for a donut and cup of coffee before the rainy 70 mile drive for me back to Columbia. Attached are some pictures and you can see the condition of the lot.

Hal Guyon

Posted by Buckles at 4/04/2011 05:30:00 AM

2 comments:

john herriott said...

What a wonderful show. Saw it in DeLand on a perfect lot on a perfect day. The show again is doing great biz. from phone reports. Over the years John Pugh has built up a solid reputation in the East area and they keep coming back. Both this year and last I sat in the seats and after the canon I was overwhelmed at what a great show I had just seen and could tell by the public reaction they had certainly got their moneys worth. Beautiful, well painted on the lot and the tent is like an indoor coliseum. I am especially biased to see my daughter Laura with he unusual exotic animal act that she trained and put together herself. And grandson John with the elephants well presented. A little proud trivia note. This is the fourth generation to appear as principal animal trainer-presenters on Cole Bros. Circus, going back to father Milton in the forties and myself in early fifties. All daughters have been there at various times and three grandchildren. Must be some kind of record. I especially want to thank John Pugh for including the Herriotts in his programs thru the years. A public,"thank you John" and of course my old friend Elvin from our Ringling days. You guys are certainly doing something right. I can only offer sincere hopes for anotgher successful season for Americas biggest and best tyent circus. You can be sure that the Herriotts are proud to be part of it. I am always amazed that Johnny Pugh always finds time on the midway for a friendly chat with visiting show people. He earned his right to become owner of this great circus as I spent some seasons there and he was the first guy up and on top of the whole opporation thru thick and thin. What a guy. Sincerely John and Mary Ruth Herriott

04 April, 2011 08:52
Hal Guyon said...

John, You have all the right to be proud of both your daughter & grandson, they were excellent ! This show is very good, I have seen it almost every year for as long as I can remember and this year it is really strong. You are so right about everything being so well maintained & and colorful. Everything went well considering that the lot was so muddy, I`m sure Laura & John will tell you how cold & rainy it was. I`m already looking foward to catching it again next year, even if the weather is terrible again, I`ll be there !

04 April, 2011 19:42

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