Garden Brothers Circus

My children and I attended the Garden Brothers Circus in Norfolk VA today (3÷18÷16). I had seen reviews that complained about the elephants not being there, so I sent a message on Facebook and had a response within minutes that the local facility policy did not allow for elephants. This is a small venue and perfectly understandable, so I was able to get an answer ahead of time and explain this to my sons. Other complaints said that the show started late because of the lines to enjoy the pre-​show festivities, and I did not experience that; however, since it is a kid’s event I appreciate if they do this because I don’t want a screaming child who didn’t get to ride a camel or pony. The other complaints were that the performers were mediocre, but I have to strongly disagree! Each of the acts were stellar enough to keep my 3 year old and 6 year old mesmerized and still in their seats, which is an incredible task being that my oldest has Autism. While it is a smaller circus with few animals, rest assured it is more entertaining than larger circuses and far more intimate. If you have questions, message them on Facebook ahead of time — they are very responsive! This was the most exciting, affordable entertainment for a special event and I cannot wait until next year as I am hoping they will be back to Norfolk, VA!

Disgusting, dirty badly managed! Waste of time and Money!
Besides, who uses animals in circuses anymore???

You can’t accuse them of bait-​and-​switch, as it is, out and out false advertisement. That being said, they put on a pretty good show.
Billed as, 3 ring thrills. Elephant, pony and camel rides. Chinese acrobats. Lots of food. Well, the recent event, at the Crossroads Arena in Corinth, MS, was a single ring, camel only rides, no acrobats, only one clown, and only popcorn for food.
I didn’t appreciate the sense of being «lied to» via the adverting, and that’s why I can’t give 5 stars. But, I did appreciate the quality of the show the group put on, even with the small crowd for the early show.
Everything was overly priced. $ 8.00 mylar balloons, $ 5.00 popcorn in very small bags, $ 5.00 watered sno-​cones, $ 10.00 to ride a camel in a small circle, $ 10.00 face painting, $ 10.00 photo with a circus star of choice… you get the idea.
The clown was very kid friendly, in the fact that he wasn’t made up, at all. He had a red nose and a whistle, and wore no freaky makeup. He was funny and did a great job keeping the spirits up. The tight rope act was 6 – 8′ off the ground, but entertaining, nonetheless. The handful of animals made an appearance in the ring, and interacted with each other smoothly. Only one dog, trained to walk on his hind legs, and sit during the $ 10.00 photo ops.
There was one man holding a pole on his shoulders as a lady climbed it, and spun by her neck a few seconds. The same guy held a pole with a cage and the main guy/​ring master climbed, got into a cage and spun. The same two guys do a routine, on his shoulders, riding a tiny motorcycle for two loops.
The highlight, for me, would be a lady with a large loop ring. It was amazing and mesmerizing watching her spin inside the loop and do her tricks. Video…
This was my very first circus experience and I wasn’t disappointed, once the show started. I do wish I had gotten the show that was advertised, but I’m cool with what I got for the money.
***please note that they ask you to sign up for door prizes. AVOID doing this! It is definitely a trap. They did NOT give away prizes and my family members and myself were harrassed relentlessly for weeks after the show by receiving daily, and even multiple times the same day, phone calls trying to sell vacations. I told the caller to remove me from the call list. I had to BLOCK 13 different numbers from these people.