Circus performers bring smiles of delight

First-time circus visitors were obvious if not by their mere age, then by their eyes brightened with cautious curiosity at the new sights, sounds, and smells as they waited in line to enter the Big Top in Thompson Falls last week. As the audience built in numbers, the circus performers interacted with the kids both outside the tent and inside. Although many spectators may not have been aware, those working at the pony ride and bouncy houses as well as those painting faces and selling circus popcorn, cotton candy and souvenirs were the same members of the Culpepper and Merriweather troupe who entertained in the circus ring.