Simpler times at the Shriners' 4th of July Circus

             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 4^th 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.