The circus is back in town

The Cole Brother’s Circus of the Stars returned to Fireman’s Memorial Field in Oceanside for its annual stay from July 30 to Aug. 1. Now in its 128th year, Cole Bros. has become an Oceanside summertime tradition, bringing out families for a milieu of remarkable acts while raising funds for the Oceanside Fire Department.

According to Ringmaster Chris Connors, the signature Cole Bros.’ Crimson and Gold Big Top, measuring 136 feet wide by 231 feet long, rolled into town around 3 a.m. Monday morning, immediately following a performance in Farmingville.

Connors, who has been involved with Cole Bros. for around 20 years, is passionate about what the show offers. “Rain or shine,” he said, “the big top is up entertaining children of all ages.”

New acts this year included Romania’s Cretu Troupe with springboard gymnastics, and “Hair-ial Artists” Wendy and Petya who rise to heights suspended by their locks. In Magic and Illusions, Lana changes costumes before spectators’ eyes, and baby elephant Vale will make her debut along side her human co-performer Hally.

Returning this year are Judit and Juergen Nerger’s Splendid Tigers, Abuhadba’s Las Vegas French Poodles, along with El Pendulo Loco, the Globe of Death motorcyclists and the Human Cannonball. The Bermudez Troupe will also keep everyone laughing with their clowning around.

Oceanside, Connors said, is one of the circus’s favorite stops during their March through November season because of the welcoming and friendly attitude of their hosts, the Oceanside Fire Department.

Ed Scharfberg, OFD public relations, said that Cole Bros. has been invited to the area for some 15 to 20 years. Scharfberg was one of a small crowd who came to watch the elephants receive a refreshing bath in the department’s hoses on the morning of July 30.

Being sprayed were 5-year-old Vale and three adult elephants, main attractions to the show. In addition to the elephants, Cole Bros. currently features 12 tigers, including Siberian, Bengal and White.

All of the animals are born and raised in the United States and are independent agents not owned by Cole Bros. The elephants come from a facility in Oklahoma and the tigers from one in Illinois. The animals are used to the human touch, Connors said, and are a joy for the children in the show’s audience.

Elvin Bale, vice president of operations, agreed. Seeing young people with their mouths hanging open in is a joy, he said.

“There’s nothing serious around the circus,” he added. “You get to come here to have fun.”