Periwinkle’s Arrival
Stinky is waiting by the teleportation tunnel for Periwinkle’s arrival and hopping from paw to paw. He is certain Periwinkle will enjoy today’s adventure. She is right on time, and Stinky is ready to catch her as the tunnel pitches her out with its usual whoosh. She’s giggling when he catches her, and they share several whisker kisses. Without giving Periwinkle the opportunity to ask what they’ll be doing, Stinky leads her back into the tunnel.
All American Circus
Minutes later they arrive at their destination, and Stinky leads Periwinkle inside the National Guard Armory in Greenfield, Indiana. When she sees what awaits her, her eyes grow big and she begins clapping and bouncing up and down. “Oh, Stinky, is this what I think it is?” She asks. “I have always wanted to go to a circus!”
“I knew you would like this,” exclaims Stinky. He then explains the reason for the visit today.
“We are at the All American Circus. They are one a few circuses in operation. However, today in 1881 the Greatest Show On Earth was formed by P. T. Barnum and James Anthony Bailey. The Barnum and Bailey circus closed in May 2017, so we are seeing another circus performance. However, I just learned this morning that the Greatest Show on Earth is returning after a six-year hiatus. They will begin touring, with an all human show, in September. I definitely will take us to see that as well. After all, who wouldn’t want to see the Greatest Show on Earth. We will have to wait a little while, as that circus will be in Florida in January of 2024 and in North Carolina the following month. It doesn’t have any dates for Virginia.”
“That sounds like a wonderful plan, Stinky. It will give us something to look forward to.”
Before taking their seats, the tabbies get a big tub of popcorn and some bottles of water. Stinky convinces Periwinkle not to get any cotton candy, as she would end up with her furs all stuck together. Just thinking about how that would look makes both tabbies giggle.
Meeting the Ring Mistress
Once they find their seats, the Ring Mistress comes over to meet them and give them the opportunity to take a photo with her.
Periwinkle gushes, “Stinky, I think it is so cool that a female has the most important job of this circus. It’s usually a man leading the show.”
Stinky replies, “My mom is always reminding me how much things have changed since she was a girl and how many opportunities are now available for females.”
Rosales Family
As soon as the met and greet is completes, the Ring Mistress introduces the first act, The Rosales Family. They present a juggling performance and some cool feats of balance. Stinky is invited to join in one of the balancing acts.
Periwinkle can hardly believe how brave Stinky is. Though, he is always climbing things, this is much more difficult. When he returns to his seat, Stinky cannot stop smiling. Periwinkle gives him a big hug and congratulates him on his bravery.
Corde Lisse Aerial Acrobatics
Next the tabbies enjoy some aerial acrobatics on the corde lisse (smooth rope in English). Periwinkle watches with her mouth open. “Wow, Stinky, I wish I could wear pretty costumes and do those tricks,” Periwinkle exclaims.
Stinky gives her a wide-eyed look and asks, “Do you think you’d like to join the circus?”
“Oh no, I wouldn’t enjoy all that traveling, but I do like to dress up in pretty things. I probably would hork, though, if I did all that twirling.” Periwinkle tells him. They both giggle as they imagine Periwinkle’s lunch landing on the audience.
Ladder Artist
Next up is the ladder artist who displays amazing feats of balance and dexterity.
He invites Stinky to join him on the ladder, but when Stinky sees the knife in the performer’s mouth, he declines. Periwinkle is relieved when Stinky uses his common sense.
Rola Bola
The next act up is the Rola Bola. It is another balancing act. This one is atop towering cylinders.
The performer is really cute, and when he asks Periwinkle to join him, she is tempted. “Periwinkle, if you get injured, you know your mom will be really upset and probably blame me. I don’t think it’s a very good idea,” says Stinky.
“You’re right, Stinky, and it does look pretty scary!”
Globe Of Death
The final act of the show is the Globe of Death with two motorcycle riders speeding around inside a steel, globe-shaped cage. Both Periwinkle and Stinky decide they don’t want to watch an act that has the word death it.
So, while that is happening, they meet the Rosales Family and have a memory photo taken.
After the photo and a visit with Carmen, Jorge and their children, it is time for Periwinkle and Stinky to head back to their tunnel. They hold paws and enter together. With the familiar whoosh, they are on their way back to Stinky’s house.
Snack Time
Though they did eat a lot of popcorn, the tabbies decide they still need a snack and enjoy it on the front porch.
After their snack and a quick visit with Stinky’s fursibs and mom and dad, it’s time for Periwinkle to head home. The tabbies spend several minutes paw hugging and whisker kissing. Then with blown kisses and waves, Periwinkle enters the teleportation tunnel and is gone in a whoosh.
Stinky retires to the catio to nap and dream of his sweet Periwinkle.
The End
Periwinkle and Stinky will be participating in the Happy Tuesday blog hop at Comedy Plus. You can do the same by clicking on the badge below.
That was a great set of performers!
Whoa. Those were some very strong and talented humans! What a fun date!
That had to have been fun adventure, those humans sure were doing some wild things!
That was a fun date. Those humans are quite strong and flexible. XO
The circus is so much fun! Thank you for sharing it with us, and for the tip about the Barnum and Bailey Circus making a comeback.
That was a lot of fun! Glad we can tag along!
Such fun. I would have loved to go there with you. What a fun adventure.
Thank you for joining the Happy Tuesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Happy Tuesday and week. Scritches all around, a smooch to Cooper Murphy and Sawyer and a big hug to your moms. ♥
Impressive performances and we too are happy to see a circus with no captive animals!
Very exciting adventure! And no animals is the best part. It’s also nice that the hoomon circus people are back with a job.
Stinky, this was one of our best Adventures. I had such a nice time and I am glad that you didn’t pawticipate in the act with the knife!!!
Love and whisker kisses
Periwinkle.
I loved it. You two have the best adventures! I always read them to see what you are up to. MY tunnel only goes to furriends homes but..I don’t have an adventerous companion.
I’m glad to see an entertaining circus without captive animals.
WOW! What an amazing circus and incredible performances. How wonderful that the circus will be alive and well again without animal performers. We’re happy about that part especially. That was an incredible adventure for Stinky and Periwinkle and one that I’m sure neither will EVER forget. Thanks for “taking us along” !!
Hugs, Teddy
Oh, we loved circuses when we were smaller…but even now, mama and papa adore the tiny circuses in Italy. Mama won a prosciutto at one of them.