CIRCUS at the Fair returns to SC

The CIRCUS at the Fair returned to Columbia with a Disco Daze theme featuring eight performances.

Sparkly suited entertainers brought motorcycle riding, clown antics, tight-wire walking, hand-balancing, juggling, aerial acts, roller skating and springboard acrobatics in the 40-minute show, led by Ringmaster Ian Garden.

The clown duo of Remarkable Renaldo and Little Lou returned this year, balancing chairs on their chins and tossing discs with audience members to warm up the crowd. Between acts, they ran a skit with dance routines and springboard “tricks” involving a volunteer from the crowd.

The pair used a mini springboard and a stuffed toy they flipped up into the air, then grabbed 7-year-old Sophia from the crowd. Instead of flipping her like the toy, the Chariots of Fire soundtrack played, and Renaldo locked his arms around Sophia and flipped her in slow motion.

“We’re the type of clowns they can have fun with,” Renaldo said of the circus-goers. “We empower the audience.”

The Oct. 8-19 performances that had the crowd gasping the most came from tight-wire walker Brando Anastasini, who attempted his first ever backflip on the wire in front of an audience.

He then pulled off a front flip, which the ringmaster said only two other tight-wire walkers include in their acts.

The circus ended in cheers and screams from a full house Monday night, as the cast of various nationalities turned to wave to the American flag and told the crowd goodbye.

“There’s nothing better than just bringing joy to people,” Lou said. “Our main goal is just to put smiles on people’s faces.”

CIRCUS at the Fair: Clowns Remarkable Renaldo and Little Lou explain their role – and the power of the audience. Video by Luna Hiott/Carolina Reporter