Our region is so fortunate to have Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Greatest Show on Earth perform in Jacksonville every year.
In recent years, they have come to town every January to perform in Veterans Memorial Arena with their beautiful animals and incredible acrobats, clowns and stunt men and women.
I don’t know if I could ever pick a favorite act. I love the sweet elephants, who walk through in a line while holding on to each other’s tails with their trunks. My kids always get a kick out of the acrobats, and the bikers in their tiny metal ball always capture my husband’s attention. I think it’s the combination of all these features – the kind of things you only see at the circus – that make it so very special. And, best of all, the look on the children’s faces throughout the crowd.
But don’t just take my word for it. In a recent ticket giveaway, I asked readers to share what they love best about the Greatest Show on Earth. The response was wonderful… there were so many unique, thoughtful answers that make me downright excited for the next show! I won’t share every answer here because there were so many, but below are some favorites:
Going to the circus has become a family tradition for our family ever since my daughter was born six years ago. We have only missed one because she was really sick. I think our family’s favorite part would be the tigers. We are so amazed by what one man can do with all those tigers!! Thank you for your consideration!! – The McQuarry Family, Yulee
I like the opening and closing when all of the animals and performers are walking in a parade around the arena. It’s just exciting and my daughter loves it. – Deb Hutsell, Jacksonville
The guys that ride the motorcycles in the giant metal ball. It always takes my breath away! – Angie MacDonald, Yulee
My favorite feature of The Greatest Show on Earth is the way it brings back my childhood memories and creates new ones for my children. My girls have never been! – Wendy Michalak, Yulee
* Wendy is one of the three winners we randomly drew for this giveaway of four tickets each.
Hmmm….I love the animals. I just think its cool how they can train them to do different things. The danger factor adds to the coolness. My kids love the motorcycles in the round ball cage. I can’t bear to watch that! – Laura Terrebonne, Jacksonville
I love taking my grandson to see the animals, the look on his face is just priceless! – Teresa Cannady, Jacksonville
I absolutely love the clowns. The main reason is seeing how in awe my daughter is and how much she laughs when they perform. We have gone every single year to the circus since before she was born. It has become a family tradition. – Christina Perry, Green Cove Springs
I havent been since I was a young child. I would love to be able to share this with my son. – Brittnee Brice, Yulee
* Brittnee is one of the three winners we randomly drew for this giveaway of four tickets each.
My favorite feature of the circus is the acrobats. They are graceful and athletic. However, the most wonderful aspect of going to see Ringling Brothers show is watching the excitement on my children’s faces. – Tiffany Hoover, Fernandina Beach
The clowns of course! They always do a wonderful job of keeping everyone entertained—my kids think the clowns are the absolute best and we love it when they hand out the red noses for the kids to wear! – Shannon Cetinkaya, Kingsland
It’s the imagination, which is a feature and a theme that runs throughout the show. I come away knowing I have gained something, while intangible, still present. Plus, I get to view the show through my daughter’s eyes and with her enthusiasm. – Megan Wadsworth, Fernandina Beach
The elephants….its amazing to watch this HUGE animals be so graceful. – Kristen Panke, Fernandina Beach
I love the animals! I’ve been attending the circus since I was a small child and I’m now 53. – Barbara Hanna, Fernandina Beach
The bike riders in the metal ball, it never fails to amaze us how they don’t hit each other while going round in that small space. – Evan Sevieux, Green Cove Springs
My favorite feature would be the nostalgic feel of the whole circus. Gone are the days of a small tent or big lavish shows like Wild Bill’s West show, for those of us old enough to remember. But every time the circus comes to come, a magic comes across a town, one of complete nostalgia. – Jason Newkirk, Ormond By the Sea
Loved how much the show with the dog tricks made my little one laugh last year. – Christina Macedo, Yulee
The elephants. My daughter, who will be 2 in March, is obsessed with the movie Dumbo right now. I cannot wait to see her face when she realizes how BIG the elephants are. – Liz Stoutenour, Fernandina Beach
The greatest Show on Earth’s best feature is the magic. The magic of the lights, colors, sounds and talent that captivates the attention of children and adults alike. – Kimberly Dixon, Jacksonville
We love the clowns–they always make my kids laugh–especially when they have to clean up after the elephants! – Shannon Cetinkaya, Kingsland
I like the clowns, don’t know how they all fit into that little car of theirs. – Jackson Sevieux, Green Cove Springs
The before show interaction with the circus members and the kids. I love to see my grandbabies faces and the other childrens faces when they are amazed at the performances they do with them. – Dena Berbaum, Sanderson
* Dena is one of the three winners we randomly drew for this giveaway of four tickets each.
My children and I love the motorcycle act. It’s fast, fun and daring. It’s exciting to see how talented they are. They keep you on the edge of your seat. – Danielle Kirkwood, Fernandina Beach
