I went to the circus last night with my parents and nephews. It’s the Shriner’s circus, a smaller circus than the Ringling Bros., but still fun. They had some good acts, and the boys enjoyed themselves. I went to that auditorium (I think it’s the Will Rogers Coliseum) since I was a little kid. I remember it being so much bigger when I was little! It’s actually only a few rows of ground floor seating and one upper level. It was a little sad to see that the Shriner’s circus has gone downhill a little over the years. I don’t think they have the money they used to, and it’s hard to compete for eyes these days with video games, the internet, TV, etc.

Plus I watch the event through the jaded eyes of an adult. I look at the tigers and elephants that I used to love being impressed by, and now I just wonder how badly they were treated while being trained. Still, for better or worse the circus is an American tradition. I have fantastic memories of going when I was a kid as I’m sure the children of today do as well.