By Staff Writer Jerri Clewis
Valentine’s Day had a unique date night opportunity in Clovis, New Mexico. The Jordan World Circus stopped by the Curry County Event Center to awe visitors with death-defying acts and even unusual animal rides.
The traveling circus was packed with visitors of all types who began arriving as early as an hour in advance, giving them early access to the concession stands and available rides. Visitors could pay additional fees to ride miniature ponies, camels, and elephants. The animals also participated in the show, doing tricks alongside the trainer Jim Gardner before returning for more rides in the intermission.
A few clowns also appeared during the show. They entertained the audience with comedic acts like fighting with one another or winding up stuffed animals. Two face painting stations were also available, giving children the fun opportunity to have clown faces for the evening.
The show began with a short showgirl routine, which distracted the audience from the individuals climbing two towers on the sides of the center ring. As the performance ended, the audience was treated to the Sky Walkers, a group from Columbia and Ecuador specializing in tightrope acts. Some of their impressive acts included leapfrogging over one another and even riding a bike back and forth over the rope, which towered high above the crowd.
A BMX act also took place during the circus. Two riders did tricks up a ramp, including jumping over one another and, upon audience request, a backflip. Not long after, a pair of motorcycles joined the show and entered the Globe of Death—a large metal sphere with one entry point. The motorcycles drove round and round inside the sphere, frightening and amazing the audience as they evaded crashing into one another despite the cramped, enclosed space.
Some other notable acts included the three rings, which featured a trio of acts during different parts of the show. These included juggling, hula hooping, and short tightrope performances. One young performer fell off her tightrope, only a short distance from the ground. Still, the audience clapped and cheered her on until she successfully completed her act—even with a bag over her head.
The Jordan World Circus created a magical evening filled with memorable acts for the friends, families, and couples who saw the show.