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SOUTHERN OREGON JOURNAL Southern Oregon Journal: It's the only circus in town Family-run show moves from small town to small town Comment By Peggy Dover MailTribune.com By Peggy Dover Posted May. 31, 2015 at 12:01 AM By Peggy Dover Posted May. 31, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News For 30 years, the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus has traveled for 32 weeks of the year, bringing their 90-minute sensation to towns in 17 states, a different little burg each night where they delight young and old as only a small-town circus knows how. But last week, they folded the tent, loaded the cats, horses, unicycles and dogs, and rolled out of town without me. I’d planned to find my space among the admiring crowd in Eagle Point, but had the location wrong. Wouldn’t you think I could stand on Main Street and hear the only circus in town? Then someone told me it was heading to Rogue River the following night. I wanted to see the show. The (little) big top rolled north, and thunderclouds moved in. A storm broke over us in a torrent as we made our way, and I hoped it wasn’t a wash-out. Once in Rogue River, the striped tent gave them away, and the rain hadn’t followed us. I was early enough to meander around and get into the character of a family-owned circus. Aromas of popping corn and cotton candy mixed in mid-air to create a carnival scent, which is nearly irresistible to a large kid. I noticed that many small, sticky people agreed. I figured their parents used them as an excuse to succumb. I peeked inside to the tent’s dim interior, and made out the image of a tiger moving inside its metal enclosure. Offstage, a lion began to grunt and bellow as if he was anxious for his time to reign. I learned later what a hammy king of beasts he was, one who seemed to enjoy audience participation. I envied the students from Rogue River Elementary School who had come that morning for a tour and to watch the prop department set up the tent and seating. Without these hard-working guys, the circus would go nowhere. I met Simone Key selling tickets. I thought she wore an awful lot of make-up, unless she was in the show, but I learned Simone, the owner’s wife, was a Jill-of-all-trades within their nomadic lifestyle. She also rode a unicycle with her dad and other family members, was one of the ringmasters (with the perfect voice for it), performed on the trapeze — and cooked. Her husband, Trey Key, trained the big cats — two beautiful, golden tabby tigers named Delilah and Solomon, and the noisy lion Francis. I watched Trey groom Francis—brushing through his dark fur and fluffing up his mane. The circus has horses, miniature and giant, and talented dogs. I always wonder if the animals are happy and well cared for. They’re a treat to see, but not at their expense. Simone assured me they were loved and treated with respect. Then she shared a glimpse at a large and impressive tattoo of Delilah’s head on her side. The show began when the unicycling family entered the ring in spangly bright costumes, intersecting one another’s courses but never toppling. Many quality acts followed, but my favorite part may have been the crowd’s enthusiasm. There was no holding back when they called on us to count or cheer. Children giggled at Leo the Clown, their laughter reaching inside and tickling my inner 4-year-old. We weren’t too cool to laugh. I just wish my circus peanuts would have held a prize-winning coupon. There were times during the performance when I teared up, like I do at parades with marching bands, or flags passing. That’s when sunglasses would come in handy, but I’m a softy, and I might as well come out with it. I wished them and their traveling band well as they made for the next town and a tent full of eager folks looking for a break from the routine. Following the show, it seemed appropriate to stop for a burger and fries at Depot Street Burger and Malt Shop, so we did. Peggy Dover is a freelance writer in Eagle Point. Reach her at [email protected] and visit her Facebook page at Peggy Dover-writer. By Peggy Dover MailTribune.com By Peggy Dover Posted May. 31, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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