Ringling Bros. Circus

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey lets guests join the circus for 45 minutes - without having to run away.

Many eager kids did just that at the circus's opening act last night. The "All Access Pre-show" features a trapeze, a low wire tight rope and juggling stations the visitors could try their skill at. The crowd was also entertained show with exhibitions by dog trainer Diana Vedyashkina and cloud swing artist Liina Aunola.

"It doesn't matter how old you are, it brings everyone back to their childhood," production manager Jason Gibbs said. "People tell me, ‘I remember this from when we were kids.' We get to put smiles on peoples' faces each and every day."

But watching the circus was a first time outing for even some of the adults, and for one guest, this experience was long overdue.

"My husband is very ill, and he knew I've always wanted to come the circus," Oralee Cowan of Odessa said.

Cowan is 67 and she had never been to a circus until Thursday. She got the chance to go as a birthday gift from her husband.

"I've been as excited as a grown person can be," Cowan said. "And I've got no immediate plans to grow up."

The same childlike spark was also lit in many of the mesmerized kids' eyes.

"I think it's cool. This is my first time at a circus," Seth Shauner of Rome said. "I'm excited to see the lions and white tigers."

Megan Biodrowski, 9, and Owen Gordon, 8, both came from Midland to watch the high-flying acts.

"I'm very excited, and I'm really glad that we got tickets," Megan said. She said her favorite part about the pre-show was getting autographs and jumping rope with them.

"I want to see them ride the bike across the high rope," Owen said. "I've never been to a circus before; I've just watched on TV and it looks cool."

Parents also seemed pleased with the experience this affords their children.

"I love it: it's for the family and we should get more of this kind of entertainment," Martin Hernandez of Odessa said. "When I was little, I didn't have the chance to come to this and P.T. Barnum and Bailey was just something I read about."

Alison King of Midland said the pre-show makes this experience more memorable for her 5-year-old daughter.

"They can watch ‘Hannah Montana' on TV but here they can actually be in the ring with the performers. This makes it unique for them here," she said.

And although the circus is usually a lighthearted event, tonight was a chance for King to confront a dangling fear.

"I'm afraid of clowns. I haven't seen any yet," she said. "So if you hear someone screaming in the stands, it's probably me."

THE BASICS

>> When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday

>> Where: Ector County Coliseum

>> Cost: $15-$20 - service charge may be included

>> Where to buy tickets: Visit www.ringling.com, Luskey's Western Wear in Odessa, Super Mercado in Midland, or call 800-462-7979.