Shrine Circus Summary

What can I say, I finally am rested enough to talk about the Shrine Circus. I was off work for 5 days and I think 80% of the 5 days I was at the Circus. I had the time of my life. The location, the Shriners, the Ladies, The circus acts, the animals, the public, the venue organzizers, the city officials and public servants, and of course good ole' Mother Nature. Everything was perfect.

We kept waiting for the rain and snow, but all we had was sun and warm weather. We had 5 sold out shows the last two days.

We had so much food for the Nobility to enjoy, it was such a pleasure to see the pride that our volunteers showed to work the circus.

Best of all, it was SUCCESSFUL!!!!!!!!! 6 weeks, that is all we had to put this circus on, and WE ALL DID IT. We found a new home, and I think I would like to thank our Governor for everything she did not to allow us back in our old home, who would have thought the consequences of her actions would have been beneficial to us in the long run.

Did I mention that we had Camels, two to be precise, Sally and Louie. By the way, Camels love apples. I met some very nice people who work for the circus and hope to see them again next year.

It seemed that I had family and/or friends at each performance who recognized me and all had good things to say.

In all, I am so proud of our Shriners and their Ladies. They stepped up to the plate when we needed help and showed why it is so great to be a part of this organization. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this beloved fraternity for a brief time, and am looking forward to joining the rank and file in the future to ensure the success of our fraternity.


In the end, I really had nothing to do with this circus, it was the culmination of about 100 Shriners who put in over a 1000 combined hours in a short 6 week span. These are all volunteered hours, they get paid through their efforts, and expect no financial gain, but the gain of brotherly love, relief and truth. That is what is so amazing about the results of this Circus. And I believe that it will continue in the future.

I have to tell you something about my beloved, lovely and talented bride. Early Saturday morning, we were getting her face painted by one of the circus workers, who asked where the workers could go locally to celebrate the 25th b-day of one of their friends, who trains the elephants. Well, anyone who knows the L&T C-Dib knows what happened next. Carrie left the circus about an hour later, and returned about 4 hours later with a home made 1/2 sheet birthday cake with an elephant design. She also obviously had the time to bake a dozen carrot cake cup cakes for our Circus Chairman, because he mentioned in passing his desire for something sweet. I do not know how many times I can say that I am the luckiest SOB in the world, but before you ask yourself the question, I will, of course I don't know what I did or do to deserve this phenomenol person. Of course, how do I pay her back, this Friday is our 6th anniversary and I am going to Toledo to take our Clowns out after they perform at the circus. She is so accepting of the fact, and without any animosity. I owe her everything.


Well, the Circus is over, and this week is seems to be just as busy. Many meetings, getting the membership committee in full swing, trying to help our Shrine Clubs re-ignite the fire, and some special commercial events at the Shrine Center, hopefully will bring some more attention to our facilities. Of course, as previously mentioned, I am spending time with the Shrine Clowns in Toledo on Friday night, and am looking forward to showing them my appreciation for all they do.

Until next time