Carson & Barnes Circus

John Walker instructs Isla, an 8,000-pound Asian elephant, while setting up the Carson and Barnes big top for tonight's 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. performances on the corner of Hwy. 412 and E. 5th Street. Isla had help from LuLu, another 8,000-lound Asian elephant, in erecting the tent. (Brian E. Rodriguez)

The circus crew had to set the top of the poles in tent holes before the elephants could raise the tent. Carson and Barnes is the only travelling circus still using elephants in erecting the big top. (Brian E. Rodriguez)

The shows featured fire juggling, acrobatics, clowns, exotic animals, and even educated poodles. (Brian E. Rodriguez)

(Brian E. Rodriguez)

(Brian E. Rodriguez)

(Brian E. Rodriguez)

(Brian E. Rodriguez)

Part of the show included the unorthodox rhythm of drums and tap dancing in combination with the sounds of ball at the end of string dancing on wooden pallets. (Brian E. Rodriguez)

(Brian E. Rodriguez)

This performer hooked his legs over his elbows and using his arm strength to jump rope. (Brian E. Rodriguez)

Baby Jennie a circus favorite, playing the drums, tamborine and harmonica. Jennie is now 5 years old and weighs about 3,000 pounds. (Brian E. Rodriguez)