Before the actual circus began, convertibles with waving children,
some with obvious physical disabilities, would line up and ride around the old
cinder track surrounding the area where the circus acts would soon begin. Perhaps I noted the blessings of healthy
bodies while observing these children who the Shriners raise money to build hospitals and provide health care for. These men in their characteristic maroon colored hats with long
black tassels drove their miniature cars, darting side to side as they made their way around the
track. Clowns joined in and interacted with the crowd in the seating that began almost within touching
distance of this interesting parade. It was such a close, simple and
even moving beginning to a series of evenings around the 4th of July
every year.
My father worked in the office of a steel company in
downtown St. Louis, and many summers he got tickets for our family through his
job, I believe, to attend this holiday tradition. The evening was usually hot, but cotton candy
and other treats outweighed a little discomfort. After all, I was just a young child, probably
in grade school. Once the ringmaster ceremoniously
began the show, I watched the various animal acts: dogs, horses, and tigers—oh,
my! Trapeze acts were some of my
favorites, less anxiety producing than the tight rope walkers. The flying Walendas with their pyramids of chairs,
poles and other formations high off the ground performed with no safety netting
below even 60 years ago and still do. I
can’t say I enjoyed watching them literally risk their lives unnecessarily in
my opinion. I can be impressed with
athletic skills without the drama of possible fatalities.
The circus would close with a bang, a fireworks display
that seems primitive compared to today’s more technical and expensive
productions. I remember wooden slats forming large squares being lit up at one end of the track along with some higher fireworks displays. Depending on the way the wind was blowing,
ashes from the burning parts would fall on our faces. In my child-like understanding, celebrating
America seemed more deserved than my sadly dismayed adult observations of who we
are becoming as a country today. It is pleasant
to think back on these evenings of merriment and celebration so many years ago.
