Greatest Show On Earth in Charlotte For Last Time

CHARLOTTE, NC– “I love the circus I love all the stuff they used to do and I’m disappointed it’s not going to be here,” said Rock Hill resident, Toni Pistun.

Families arrived at Spectrum Center early for the first night of  Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey’s last visit here after a 146-year run.

“Being that it’s their last one, I know they like it so we wanted to catch it before we couldn’t do it anymore,” said Fort Mill mother, Joanna Rodriguez.

Many taking pictures, getting programs, knowing it’s their last chance.

People who grew up with the circus recall childhood memories.”Bring the little one, she’s two years old, wanted her to see the last circus,” said one local dad.

“When I was little girl, I got to feed a baby elephant before the circus started and I’ll never forget it, it was the best experience I ever had,” said Pistun.

But the elephant experience came to an end last year when Ringling Brothers took them out of the show in response to abuse outcry from animal rights groups.

“I would have preferred they kept them in, but I do understand, certainly didn’t want them abused,” said Rock Hill resident, Phil Pistun.

Ringling Brothers says once the elephants were gone ticket sales dropped leading to the end of the road for the Greatest Show on Earth.

“I’m not too crazy on the animal stuff I like more when they have the motorcycles and all I’m more into that, I know the kids like it but being that we know what goes on,” said Rodriguez.

Families say it’s still a great tradition so they plan to enjoy it one last time.

“It’s a little bit sad, it is a little sad I mean Ringling Brothers is what started the circus,” said one local mother.