Everyone laughs in the same language.
The Lewis and Clark Circus rolled into Urbanna on April 20 and set up the big top in Taber Park for four shows.
Master of ceremony and clown Vandeir, with just a few words and a lot of fanfare, engaged the audience members, especially the younger ones whose imagination is still rich. Children were as captivated by faux animals as they would have been by live animals.
There were aerialists, a juggler, balancing high atop a stack of chairs, cartoon-like characters and much more on this night of smiles released by surprises.
Volunteers were chosen from the audience to assist Vandier’s acts — Hula Hoop competition, jump rope, even Urbanna Mayor Bill Goldsmith had a stint as magician’s assistant, fulfilling a prophecy of his father who told a young Bill, “If the circus wants you, they can come get you.”
Finally after more than 50 years, the circus came and got him.
