Sell-out crowd enjoys Culpepper & Merriweather Circus

BREWSTER – The circus that came close to not happening drew a sell-out crowd during its one-evening, two-performance stop in town last Thursday, June 6. The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus raised its tent on the morning of the performance in The Armory parking lot after repeated attempts by Chamber of Commerce officials to secure a suitable city location to host the circus fell through.

Just days before the circus was scheduled to pass through Brewster as part of its 32-week, 200-plus stop through 17 states, Armory owners Manny and Martin Hurtado offered The Armory parking lot as a host site for the circus.

“We are fortunate that the circus was willing to squeeze into a smaller lot than they like to,” said Chamber secretary Mike Mauk. “They could not open a few of their rides like the carousel.”

The spectators who pre-purchased tickets or bought them at the door, did not seem to mind the cramped quarters. It was C&M’s first return trip to Brewster in the past four years.

“The circus was a huge success for us,” said Mauk. “The second show was sold out. They stopped selling tickets and only accepted advance ticket holders.”

Mauk was told by circus officials that sell-outs of that scale only happen seven to 10 times a year out of more than 200 shows.

“They had people sitting on the floor in front of the arena,” said Mauk. “If that isn’t a success, nothing is.”

A crowd including students from Brewster school gathered in the morning to watch the tent go up and other pre-show preparations. During the two evening shows spectators were treated to antics by Leo the Clown and performances by a lion tamer, juggler, trapeze artist, contortionist, unicyclist, Wheel of Destiny and more.

Brewster school students Jayden Smith and Allison Boesel served as guest Ringmasters.

Odds are good that the circus will schedule a return engagement next year.