Posted 7/20/2005 6:20:16 PM by Webmaster
News from Conni Mendonca viewed 876 times
Wednesday, July 20, 2005 - Seattle, Washington
The following article is a reprint of a review of the 2005 CFA National Convention posted on CircusVern mailing list.
Approximately 110 fans enjoyed the Circus is Alive in 2005 Seattle Convention. A few fans snuck a preview peek of Circus Chimera on Tuesday night, July 12, the anticipation was killing them. They were not disappointed.
On Wednesday, July 13, a great time was had by all at the 10 am performance of the Wenatchee Youth Circus under the Circus Chimera tent. Thanks Paul and Karen Pugh for the show and the spaghetti lunch for all the performers and all the circus fans and thanks for giving these kids a great opportunity and a great experience. Bruce "Charlie" Johnson gave a classic performance of humor, magic and juggling at the Koo Koo Club followed by tall stories, corn dogs and
lemondade, and I think I saw some popcorn too!!
The festivities started early on Thrusday, July 14th with the Ringmaster Breakfast followed by the first General business meeting. After the Past President luncheion Dave Lewis gave a seminar on elephants and the Moyers talked about their days on the road.
At the Circus Chimera performance the entire audience was electrified, magnatized and mesmerized. The wheel of death was breathtaking, the glowing juggling act of Alex Chimal was hypnotic and the quick change artist, astonishing. Following a standing ovation the tent was cleared while 60 pizzas supplied by Richard Tuck, and a smorgasbord was laid out by the members of Circus Chimera families for all the fans.
Coleen and Ron Stewart hosted the continental breakfast to begin Friday. Richard Tuck gave a moving and sometimes sentimental look into the life and work of Don
Marcks, followed by an equally informative seminar by Bruce Johnson on clown history. Then the Circus Fans Luncheon, a delectable, delightful, delicious luncheon celebrating Helen
Billetti, one very classy lady!
Friday night was a free night, many fans chose another visit with Circus Chimera followed by more pizza and the antics of the Crazy Circus. Nearly filled with circus memories, the second general meeting marked the changing of the guard with the exchange of the Bull Hook from Coleen to Mary Jane, the new CFA President. Many heartfelt wishes for the exiting and the entering officers. Then the preparations began for the auction. Harmen's shenigans aided by Rich Deptula and John Schrenk brought in over $1400, much to the credit of Richard Tuck who purchased many bargains for his soon to open, Circus Museum in El Cerrito, CA. Then came the "crown", the Banquet. Music by a trio provided background entertainment for the Happy Hour until the officers marched in to take their seats at the head table and was later joined by Jim
Judkins, the keynote speaker. Honesty, integrity and a bit of nostalgia was the flavor of Jim's speech finishing with the classic poem, "The Road Less Traveled". Good job, Jim!!
Just before our good-byes Chaplain, Robert Foote conducted a Faith Sharing service asking for healing, travel mercies and peace for our friends, fans and country. Then good byes, some to Alaska on the cruise, some to the Spirit of Washington Brunch Train and others home.
Reprinted with permission from Circus Vern mailing list.
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