Kids of all ages made their way out to Arvest Ballpark in Springdale for a day of fun-filled circus excitement.
Brent Gautier’s family was one of the many who packed the bleachers inside the enormous red tent for the 76th Annual Carson & Barnes Circus.
“We just wanted to come out and experience the circus and have a good time,” Gautier said. “We haven’t brought this guy to the circus before. He likes animals so we thought it would be a good time.”
Many of the parents here had their own circus experience as kids, and wanted to pass that on.
“It’s great for our children to get to the see the old traditions, because sometime things like that stop, and you try to explain to your children what the circus is, but if they’ve not been, they don’t know,” said Sheila Richardson.
It was Nicholas Richardson’s first time at a circus, something he’s excited to go back to school and brag about to his friends and teachers.
“That I’ve been to the circus and there were lots of animals like hippos, zebras, camels and all sorts of animals,” Nicholas said.
While animals and acrobatics are among some circus-goers' favorites, others enjoy the quality family time together.
“I didn’t even know we had events like this, and we seem to be getting more and more. It’s obviously great, the more things families can do out here, and at a reasonable cost. It’s a good time.”
Not only was family day for the Gautiers successful but judging by Owen’s face, it would appear his first circus experience was unforgettable.
“Oh, it’s good to see him smile all the time. We love it.”
If you missed out on the show today, don’t worry. The Carson & Barnes Circus will visit more than 250 communities across 15 different states and perform 700 shows.