Historically, when a three-ring circus-like Barnum and Bailey's
"Greatest Show on Earth" rolled into town by train, crowds young and
old were enthralled. Although the iconic Ringling Brothers and Barnum and
Bailey’s Circus closed its’ 146 year old run in 2017, the Seaport Association
decided to put on a special series of circus performances to dazzle Norwalk Oyster
Festival attendees. Mike Reilly, President of the Seaport Association says, “We
thought it would be wonderful to connect festival guests with the entertainment
that is woven into the fabric of American culture. We know that glittering acts
of captivating performers still please crowds today, which is why the Seaport Circus
Spectacular is just one of the many new entertainment highlights folks will
find at the festival this year.”
National acts from Circus Circus in Las Vegas, and star performers
from the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus and others will
entertain young and old at the Norwalk Oyster Festival, on Friday, Sept. 6,
Saturday, Sept. 7, and Sunday, Sept. 8. Reilly notes that, “Sunday is family
day when kids 12 and under get in free. We are also offering $25 unlimited ride
wristbands on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. making this event
super affordable for families.”
This magical circus show includes several astounding acts like the
death-defying performance created by the Dominguez Family. They have been
amazing audiences around the world with riders challenging the Globe of Death,
a giant metal cage, as well as their uncanny skill in navigating the inverted
high wire. This 8th generation family from Columbia that broke a world record
in 2004 in Ontario by having eight motorcycles in the Globe of Death at one
time will blow your mind! This energetic act is perfect for all ages because it
always delivers the “wow” factor...so get ready to sit at the edge of your seat
and be amazed!
Hurling, whirling, twirling hula hoops combined with the amazing
acrobatic performance of Nicole Taylor Weiss that defies the eye is another act
in the Seaport Circus. Nicole grew up traveling the world with her circus
parents learning the business of entertainment from a very young age. Nicole’s
Hula Hoop show is high-energy fun at its best. Weiss has been performing for
Circus, Circus, Vargas and Cirque Musica, and with Ringling Brothers and Barnum
and Bailey Circus. This performance gives audiences the chance to see real
artistry of incredible stunts, athleticism, and gymnastics. Let's just say, you
will be "wowed"!
An all-around family favorite, the Hog Diggity Dog Review is also
part of the Seaport’s Circus. A
second-generation circus performer, Hans Klose works with 20 dogs and four
pigs. The performing pigs, Roscoe weighing 750 pounds, and Shelton weighing
around 700 pounds were part of Klose's act when he worked for Ringling Brothers
and Barnum and Bailey Circus. Klose travels throughout the country
with his animals in a specially made RV that keeps them totally pampered. Hans
care and love for his animals is apparent in his laugh out loud routine that
will charm audiences young and old.
Games, rides, and many fun activities can be found at Kids
Cove. There is face painting, and pint-sized carnival games, plus
cotton candy, popcorn, and candied apples round out the fun.
Tickets
The event is held at Veteran’s Park, adjacent to Norwalk Harbor on
Seaview Avenue in Norwalk, CT. Admission for adults is $10 on Friday, $12 on
Saturday and Sunday. Senior tickets are $10 all days. Children 5-12 year’s old
are $5. Children under 5 and U.S. military personnel on active duty
are free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.seaport.org.
Festival Hours: Friday, Sept. 6,
from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, September 7, from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., and
Sunday, September 8 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For those that want to take the train, Metro
North is offering a discount package with free shuttle service from the train
station to the Oyster Festival.
Free parking and shuttle service available from
Calf Pasture Beach and Norwalk City Hall. Ample parking right over the bridge
in the Maritime Parking Garage and other lots.
About the Norwalk Seaport Association
The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 as a
non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, education and public
awareness of Norwalk’s maritime environment and heritage. The Seaport
Association and its volunteers are solely responsible for organizing and
financing the Oyster Festival. In addition to the Oyster Festival, the Norwalk
Seaport Association owns Sheffield Lighthouse and its volunteers maintain the
lighthouse and grounds as a museum and nature preserve. For more information,
visit www.seaport.org or
call (203) 838-9444.