Circus Coming to Owego

The flood of 2006 was devastating to many families and businesses, and resulted in the cancellation of the Tioga County Fair of which the 4-H Youth Program is a very large component. With the cancellation of the fair, the 4-H office was left to find a way for 4-H members to successfully complete their projects and to qualify for participation at the New York State Fair. To the immense relief of the 4-H Program, the Owego Kiwanis and the Carson & Barnes Circus came forward and offered an opportunity to merge events.

 On Saturday, August 19, and Sunday, August 20, Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Tioga County and the Owego Kiwanis will present the 2006 Tioga County 4-H Youth Fair and Carson & Barnes Circus at the Tioga County Fairgrounds in Owego. The 4-H Youth Fair will be open from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm both days.

 On Saturday and Sunday, the 4-H Youth Building will be open to the public with 4-H exhibits, games, demonstrations, and displays. The 4-H Food Booth and Dairy Bar will be back in full service with a new look. Included in the Saturday activities will be a 4-H dog show with agility demonstrations at 10:00 am, a 4-H horse show at 1:00 pm, and a llama and alpaca show and demonstration in the morning and afternoon. Rabbits, poultry, hogs, sheep, beef and goats will also be on display.

 Games will include Cow Chip Bingo and  Air Rifle Target Shooting. The 4-H Teen Ambassadors will present a "Make It and Take It" activity for children. CCE, Tioga County will sponsor the Energy Expo. The Carson & Barnes Circus will hold a clown costume contest for youth on Saturday at the 4-H Youth Building where participants will receive a free circus pass and there will be prizes for the top clowns. Enjoy free admission to the 4-H Youth Fair on both days.

 On Sunday, August 20, the 70th Anniversary Edition of the Carson & Barnes Circus comes to the Tioga County Fairgrounds in Owego.    Carson & Barnes is the largest circus in North America showing under the largest Big Top on Earth. Over 100 animals of every species are free for viewing before each performance in the world's largest traveling circus menagerie. The circus features a breathtaking seven-man high wire pyramid. All of your favorite acts including elephants and aerialists will be performing along with the hilarious clowns. There will be an 8:00 am tent-raising Sunday morning, with the help of several elephants. Breakfast will be available at the 4-H Food Booth.

 There will be two circus performances on Sunday at 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm. Save 25% and buy your general admission advance discount tickets at all Giant Markets, Tioga State Banks, Community Bank locations in Owego and Nichols, John's Fine Foods in Owego, and Frost-Klossner-Swan in Newark Valley through Friday, August 18. Tickets will be on sale soon: Adults $12 and Children $6.

 On Saturday, August 19, your last chance to buy discount tickets will be at the 4-H Youth Fair.

 All Owego Kiwanis circus proceeds from ticket sales are returned to community youth projects.

 Owego Kiwanis President Scott MacDonald said, "We are sponsoring a weekend event to raise the spirits of our community and offer an opportunity for our 4-H youth to compete."

 Executive Director of CCE, Tioga County Andrew Fagan stated, "Together, 4-H, CCE and Owego Kiwanis have found similar high ground to rise above the flood and create this partnership. This weekend event will exemplify the community
pride that makes Tioga County a great place to work and live."

 "The county fair is the culminating event of the year for 4-H members. Without it, our 4-H youth did not have the opportunity to showcase their hard work," said Jody Tatich, 4-H Youth Development Program Manager. "We are looking forward to this opportunity, and our 4-Hers are ready to exhibit their work and talent, and have fun."