New Ringling Brothers Circus Opens
When I was a kid growing up in Kentucky, my parents took me to the circus. I still remember the elephants, tigers, trapeze artists and the little clown car that was somehow filled with about 25 clowns. To my 9-year-old eyes, it was a spectacular experience. But that was a long time ago, and times have changed. It never occurred to me that those animals were not happy or treated well. A movement several years ago called their involvement in the act into question, which eventually led to them being phased out of the act entirely. Flash forward to 2023. The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus has been totally redesigned, this time with no animals, but lots of action has taken its place.
The thrills are still very much there. Highwire and trapeze artists fly through the air at unbelievably high altitudes and speeds. BMX bikes spin through the air upside down and elicit gasps from the crowd. World-class skateboarders will wow the entire family with their precision and showmanship. The new circus will debut across the country this fall. The crew of the circus has always been diverse, with performers coming from all over the globe. This time around, 75 artists from 18 countries will amaze the crowds with their feats of skill and courage.
The tour will kick off in Louisiana in late September and roll through Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Indiana. The show will wind up back in Florida in early 2024. The parnet company, Feld Entertainment, has been working on perfecting the new show for the last four years, tweaking and fine-tuning meticulously during the pandemic period. Since then, several animal rights groups have praised the circus company for their new shows, which do not include animals. Circuses date back to a time before cars, airplane travel or movies. Back then, circuses entertained the masses whenever they rolled into town. It was a welcome diversion from daily life. And to this day, live shows remain more exciting than anything we see on TV.
The new show also embraces technology, with in-the-round performances, live camera feeds and lots of special effects that were not possible until very recently. The company that owns the circus bought it way back in 1967 and also owns Disney on Ice and other attractions, so it knows what it’s doing. Count on this year’s circus to set new levels of spectacular feats of prowess and athleticism that is best when seen live! Source: WFLA.com
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Seven Great Places To Play Pickleball in Tampa
Cuscaden Park
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Known for being a recreational sport landmark (where numerous MLB baseball players trained), there are also six pickleball courts at Cuscaden Park. Each are dedicated to Pickleball with permanent lines and nets. They are free to use and open from sunrise to sunset.
HCC Tennis & Pickleball Center
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Hillsborough Community College (HCC) has its own tennis and pickleball facility. Though a membership is required to play, there are eight courts available and classes you can register for.
Northlakes Sports Complex
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Home to the Northlakes Recreation Center, there are eight outdoor courts here in addition to six tennis courts and two racquet ball courts. There’s something for everyone here, with walking trails and lacrosse fields on the grounds. Bring the whole family!
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park
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Reservations are available at 25-acre park located just north of the University of Tampa and across the Hillsborough River. There are two outdoor courts in close proximity to public restrooms and water.
Pickleball Gas Worx - coming soon!
The Tampa Bay Times has reported Ybor City’s Gas Worx will open the indoor pickleball courts this spring. It is in part thanks to the Tampa Pickleball Crew, who are leading the efforts. The 28,000-square-foot club will house seven courts. The plan allows for there to be both open times and court reservation options that can be secured via an app.
Tampa Pickleball Crew
Walter Fuller Pickleball Courts
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These four outdoor hard courts are dedicated to Pickleball. There is a full gym schedule dedicated to the game, four days a week. In close proximately to the lake and pool, this facility is open to the public and does not require a membership fee.
East Lake Woodlands Tennis and Pickleball
Described as an active community, this Oldsmar club has 12 outdoor courts available for Pickleball. The game is offered to members of all ages. There are tournaments, clinics, and social events held throughout the year.
Photo by: Emilee Chinn/Getty Images
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