CRESTVIEW — For many who attended the Loomis Brothers Circus over the weekend, it was their first time experiencing such an event.
Several area families brought their children to Spanish Trail Park’s pavilion to see the circus, which included specialty acts and animals.
But children’s weren’t the only first-timers.
“This was actually my first time going to a circus and it was awesome,” said Melinda Carrol, 56, who attended with her daughter and three grandchildren. Her grandchildren, especially Brayden Todd, 4, gave the event a favorable review. Brayden particularly enjoyed the show’s animal portion.
“I saw elephants and I got to ride on one of the small horses,” he said.
Kids could pet and feed some of the animals in a small petting zoo of llamas, camels and goats. They also could ride miniature horses and take a ride on one of the show's main attractions, the elephants.
“I liked it, but it was really bumpy,” Luke Love, 11, of DeFuniak Springs, said after an elephant ride.
However, overall, going to the circus with his father was a treat, he said.
“This has been my first time at a circus and it has been amazing.”
“This is actually only the second time that I have been to the circus,” Luke’s father, Thomas Love, said. "I haven't been to one in many years."
Circus acts included the Poema family from Argentina, who performed several stunts and routines, namely using their legs and feet to juggle. Kathy Hannenford wowed the audience with acrobatics.
The circus saved what many perceived as the best — and largest — for last by featuring three elephants. One elephant, Okha, balanced herself while walking on a ball. Additionally, striped tigers made an appearance, and some even jumped through a hoop of fire.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Residents attend circus at Old Spanish Trail Park