Remember When...?

Remember when driving the highway on Route 66 and seeing this sign? It was usually for Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus along with rides and the whole works!
And just like the sign said it was for all ages.......

Standing in the long lines just hoping to get a glimpse of all the scary animals and hoping to ride the tilt-A-whirl after the main event.


I remember riding these huge monstrous beasts and loving every minute of it....nowadays that is wishful thinking......hehe



Carnival or circus, there was always a ringmaster to start the extravaganza. I loved his ruby red jacket and tall standing black top hat. Don't forget the mustache that you could hang your tea cup off of!



The tents were always so elusive and I would just burst at the seems to know what was inside of them.......maybe lions, tigers and bears.....maybe a petting zoo of all sorts of exotic and wild farm animals....or best yet, the three legged man or the hairy woman who could lift 500 lbs from a far away place!




Now I know everyone has this thing for clowns but they really aren't the spooky beings that we all portray them to be........They were the epitome of the circus and carnival scene, they just happen to get a bad rap because of those B movies made in the late 70's!





NOW I don't know about you but the funnel cakes, piggly wiggly fries and pink cotton candy flowing like champagne was to die for. It made no difference if we had eaten dinner or not, we were eating the most greasiest, sweetest, and the highest caloric garbage we could get our hands on and loved every minute it!





There was always one item I had to have before leaving the grounds, it was a Carmel apple with nuts.......I still remember the smell of it and how it glistened underneath the fairground lights. That first bite was heaven and when it was all said and done I knew my night would be complete!




What was the one thing that no matter where you were or what you were doing brought back all the wonderful adolescent memories of the zipper, go carts, and the carnival glass penny toss? Popcorn! Till this very day when I smell popcorn my first thought is........aahhh, the carnival or circus is coming to town! Even if I am standing in my own kitchen....haha!





I can still envision all the beautiful women in costume, I secretly wanted to be just like them. Till I grew up and found out they were like the nomads and lived in tents.....I quickly changed my tune! But still they were so glamorous!




Five bucks for a fortune teller......huh? Well if Five bucks got you a million dollars and a home in the Poconos it was well worth it! You just couldn't leave the circus without having your fortune read, it just wouldn't be right, I think it goes against the cardinal rules of the circus or something!




I bet you are wondering....where did she get this set up or better yet why does she have this set up? Well for a very good reason and I have all of my five children to vouch........This elaborate set-up has taken me some time to collect and I bring it out five times a year for each one of my children's birthdays! Unfortunately we live in a day and age that the carnivals and circus are disappearing and since I cannot always take my children to the extravaganzas on their birthdays , I bring it to them!




Thank you for taking the time to read through my recollections and silly anecdotes but most of all thank you taking part in Lisa Kettell of Faerie Enchantment, Carnival Soiree!
Also I would like to wish my daughter Kendall , who is turning the illustrious age of 10, a very happy birthday and many more to grow on!
I love you Kendall!
And as a special treat , I will be doing a Giveaway for a wonderful Vintage Style Tinsel Tiara. It will be totally done up carnival style and will be the embodiment of this auspicious occasion, The Carnival Soiree and my daughter's birthday! Please be sure to leave a comment and If Kendall draws your name, I will contact you on where to send it! We will draw a name this Sunday at noon.
Good Luck!
Thank you again and have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the rest of the Carnival Soiree!













Comments

Cindy Is Crafty said…
How awesome that you make the circus for them on their b-days! I remember the Ringling Brothers circus when I was little. I remember Gunther Gebel Williams and how he made the lions behave. Thanks for the lovely memories!
bluemuf said…
WOW!!! What fun I have had visiting the carnival with you.

I love your Carnival treasures and I'm sure your children do as well.

thank you for all the magical memories.

Hugs Karen
Deborah said…
Oh how I love that you set the circus up for birthdays!!! I have Christmas Village and I know how much work that takes...so much love. One year, when I was six, growing up in New Jersey, my Mom took us to the Ringling Brothers circus in NYC - my brother and I bought live chameleons on little leashes that pinned to our shirts! My mom was The Coolest Mom ever! Love love your pictures and your blog. **blows kisses** Deborah
Lola Enchanted said…
What a most magical carnival party post!!! I love it, especially the fortune teller!!!!!!~
MaygreenFairies said…
Wow!! I've had a whirlwind of a time at your Carnival, stopping by all the other Carnivals on the way has been great! Thanks for putting on a real treat!! Mandy x
Geralyn Gray said…
What lucky children you have----happy birthday to them all especially Kendal!!!!!!!!!
Valarie said…
Your posting was wonderful!! You made me feel like I was at the carnival in Nebraska as a child. I miss those days. Your children are very lucky that you go to such lengths to celebrate their special day. You are creating memories they will carry with them forever. I am crossing my fingers that I will be the winner of that wonderful tiara. Have a wonderful day.
xxoo - Valarie
Lisa Kettell said…
I am having soooo much fun at your carnival during this soiree. I can smell the popcorn over here. Let's meet at the Tea Party with the Carnival Queen and the Fiji Mermaid! LOL!
I'm stuffed on cotton candy and kettle corn.

P.S. Don't forget to leave a comment on post. 7 for the giveaways! XO!
Lisa!
Story said…
Amazing! I love all the magic.
What a fabulous collection! I'd love to do a whole room in a carnival theme. Thanks for the inspiration!

-Michelle
I so enjoyed my visit to your Carnival Soiree...I love your PICTURES and your little circus village. How charming! I feel like I'm 5 again and I thank you for that! I especially loved the clowns on the bikes...wonderful and I love your music! Have a wonderful time at the Carnival! Cheers!
Ann-Denise - You are just amazing. You always outdo yourself. I wish I had a smidgen of your creativity! Happy Birthday to Kendall! Ten, what a fun age! I would love to win your tiara, I LOVE THEM! Happy Day to you! Tan
What an amazing set up you have there!! that is so fun! thanks for sharing it with us!!Happy Bday to your DD!! see you soon!
tina
I love love love loooooove your carnival!! And a special carnival set-up village for birthdays!! I want to have my day at your house ;) ;)

I am smitten, I oooo-ed and aaaa-ed at all your photos!!! I want to come over. Send me a map!! ;) xoxo
Please wish Kendall a very Happy Birthday for me. Wow, what an amazing show you put together for the carnival. I loved every minute of it. Your pictures were superb. Now to get a Funnel Cake...yummy.
Unknown said…
What a wonderful carnival. Setting up a circus for birthdays is truly magical. I am sure your children will treasure those memories forever.

Happy Carnival.

Karen
ostrich girl said…
I had soooooo much fun at your Carnival! Oh my gosh the work you put into this! I am stunned! I love the photography! What a great,fun,place that I can't wait to visit again.
xoxo Sheri DeBow
Christine said…
This is such a great setup and your photos glow with a brightness that reminds me of going to carnivals in the evening:)Happy Birthday to your daughter. Your children are lucky that they have a mom who would set up something so special to honor each of their birthdays!
Janel said…
What a delightful day at this carnival! I could smell the popcorn and cotton candy.. and the Ferris Wheel was devine! I too am a lover of fat, chunky caramel apples! A Granny Smith of course!

And for extra luck and wishes on my part, today is my birthday! I wish you all a fun day on this Ides of March!

Janel
Stacey said…
Thanks for visiting my "party" this weekend! Love your photos- So whimsical and fairytale:)
I forgot to leave a comment on Saturday...b/c there was sooo much going on at the carnival that I didn't know which way to go...but I have to say I am glad that I stopped by to catch a glimpse of your day...totally awesome...Peace 2 "U" Marlene aka Bee Serendipitous PS Your creations are sooo great....
Anonymous said…
OMG!! I love your banner and aqua birdie too..Wow!
Kimla Kay said…
Your circus vignette is enchanting!! What a great collection you have. I am so excited to be taking your class at the paper cowboy event. You are a master with crepe paper and I can't wait to learn! Happy Birthday Kendall!!!
Brenda said…
So amazing! I am sure this is something the kids will remember and hopefully pass on to their kids!
Gina M Smith said…
Oh my gosh! I love your Circus display!!
Anonymous said…
Whim and Fancy and Magical Ann-Denise!!
Paula Clare said…
A carnival! How I LOVE a carnival! All the color and the lights...it's all so very mouthwatering!

Oh! And happy birthday to Kendall! I hope it was magical!
Cindy said…
wow...I am in total awe! What a wonderful way to celebrate a special day. Your kiddos are blessed indeed!

-c
michelleb. said…
That's just beautiful!
I love a circus theme. never realized that I hadn't my 3 gurlz to the Circus until my 17yo came home from school and told me they had been dicussing "Water For Elephants" in her English class and no one could believe she had never been to the Circus.
We are all going to the Ringling Bros. Circus next Friday to kick off Spring Break.

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