|
|
Rappel Veteran user Memphis Tn. 303 Posts |
I wanted to write this about a month ago, but I was sick with the flu and then when I recovered, I had computer issues. So now, here it is.
The closest I've come to working an actual sideshow is with my single-o showing my Zibit at carnivals and flea markets. But in late August I spent a week with the Big Circus Sideshow and here's how it went. First I met with Jim "Curater of the Unusual" Zajicek, the owner of BCS, and we had dinner together at a local restaurant close to the fair. Jim and I seemed to click immediately. We talked about everything from his circus background and my magic/escapes background to of course some of the soap opera at The Magic Café. I wanted to hear about his career and life on the road, but he seemed to be more interested in my "day job" as a flooring installer. Seemed to be a very humble guy. After dinner, we went back to the fair grounds and he introduced me to Racetrack, the man who takes care of everything from the animal freaks to well......everything. More on him later. Then a van pulls up, it's Mike Vitka and Jay Humann. Mike is a "talker" and Jay eats fire on the bally and pitches his worm.lol Super nice guys! After talking with them later, I find out we have a lot in common too. Mike's into old Todd Browning films and 1950's-60's drive in movies, like me. We had a lot to talk about. And Jay, a magician, sideshow performer, and pitchman, we too had magic in common. I had a great time just helping out inside the tent keeping people from taking pictures and petting the animals and answering questions, about the freaks. While doing this, I got to hear very cool stories from Racetrack, who's traveled the globe with animal shows and circuses. Wearing my fedora and khakis one night, he said I could pass for Indiana Jones, and I said, "Hell man, you ARE Indiana Jones"! Many of you people reading this know these men and may joke about them, but we all know that they are some "helluva nice guys" Like I said before, the moment I met them, they all immediately made me feel at home. After the fair I helped do the tear down which we finished about 3am, and Jim took some pictures of us. Here are some of the pics that Jim took and some are mine. Again, thanks Jim, Mike, Jay and Racetrack for giving me some memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Rappel |
Rappel Veteran user Memphis Tn. 303 Posts |
For some reason, none of my pics posted. Can someone please pm me to help out?
|
Rappel Veteran user Memphis Tn. 303 Posts |
I will have to reformat the pics. I'll get them up later.
Rappel |
The Curator of the Unusual Inner circle Tampa FL 1399 Posts |
We/All @ the BCS thoroughly enjoyed Tim's company and look forward to seeing him again in the Future...
You come to a point in your life when you really don't care what people think about you, you just care what you think about yourself.
Evel Knievel contact: curatoroftheunusual@hotmail.com |
corsufle Loyal user 202 Posts |
Thanks for posting your story!
Who is the Fool with the guitar?
Find out at HobbyhorseMusic.com |
thegreatnippulini Inner circle of Hell because I've made 2582 Posts |
Does this mean you are a carny now?
The Great Nippulini: body piercer, Guinness World Record holder, blacksmith and man with The World's Strongest Nipples! Does the WORLD care? We shall see...
http://www.greatnippulini.com |
abigkahuna/1 Loyal user 274 Posts |
Yup, he be a carny
|
Kondini Inner circle 3609 Posts |
Yep but did you get TFM in ?
|
Rappel Veteran user Memphis Tn. 303 Posts |
No, I'm not a carny. I'm not one of these guys who say that I'm "with it". Jim and I had a few laughs about them. So don't get me confused with one of them.
|
The Curator of the Unusual Inner circle Tampa FL 1399 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-10-13 09:39, thegreatnippulini wrote: Not till I get "Carny" tatted on my Forearms...Get a mention in GBWR's...and play the Red Palace!...YOU do mean the REAL Carny's?...Not those @ss-H@les on the Midway?...Right?....
You come to a point in your life when you really don't care what people think about you, you just care what you think about yourself.
Evel Knievel contact: curatoroftheunusual@hotmail.com |
abigkahuna/1 Loyal user 274 Posts |
Does writing "Carny" on the arm with a sharpie count?
|
The Curator of the Unusual Inner circle Tampa FL 1399 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-10-14 01:11, abigkahuna/1 wrote: I hope so...cause I'm scared of needles...
You come to a point in your life when you really don't care what people think about you, you just care what you think about yourself.
Evel Knievel contact: curatoroftheunusual@hotmail.com |
joe faro Regular user Salida Colorado 154 Posts |
Great story! After you helped them tear down I helped them set up in Amarillo. They are a great team and Jim allways makes me feel welcome. I think Jim can start The BCS tear down and set up school soon.
|
Doug Higley 1942 - 2022 7152 Posts |
Soon as I lose this weight, (by next fall hopefully) one of my goals is to catch up with the BCS. Everytime I see photos, I want to commend Jim on such an outstanding and clean presentation. GOT to get my Nikon on it!!! (and help slough of course.)
Higley's Giant Flea Pocket Zibit
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Believe it or not... » » My week with the Big Circus Sideshow (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.03 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |