Performers from clowns to lions put on show at fairgrounds

Published 11:01 am Thursday, April 24, 2014

One of Circus Pages’ acrobatic mermaids performs Wednesday during the circus at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. Four mermaids performed tricks using hoops and ropes that lifted them up in the air. – Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

One of Circus Pages’ acrobatic mermaids performs Wednesday during the circus at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. Four mermaids performed tricks using hoops and ropes that lifted them up in the air. – Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

Cooler weather and higher winds didn’t stop families from coming out for the circus Wednesday night, and it certainly didn’t stop them from enjoying it.

“Oohs” and “ahhs” could be heard throughout the arena as performers from Circus Pages put on a show filled with acrobats, lions, tigers, camels, motorbike stunts and other big top acts.

Danny the Clown pulled volunteers from the audience for a magic trick, James Earhart juggled fire, and audience members got to ride elephants during intermission.

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Circus Pages has been in business since the 1960s and is largely made up of generations from the Pages family. The show is produced by Jose Pages and boasts an international variety of performers.

The circus held two showings at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. Between 150 to 200 people attended the later show, with almost all being families.

The crowd favorite seemed to be the Globe of Death, a caged-in globe in which up to five motorbike riders perform stunts.

“What do you guys think? More motorcycles? Get louder!” said the Lovely Miss Pauline, one of Circus Pages’ performers, to the crowd.

She only had to ask once.

About Colleen Harrison

Colleen Harrison is the photo editor at the Albert Lea Tribune. She does photography and writes general-assignment stories.

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