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September 11, 2008

Kids snap up Shrine Circus fun

By Travina Coleman

Kids were jumping for Jumper.

As the star of one of the Bedouin Shriner’s Circus, Jumper the alligator, brought the crowd of children at Hilldale Elementary School to their feet.

Randy Griffith, chief rabban of Muskogee’s Bedouin Shrine, said the Shrine is using a new promoter this year, James Plunkett Promotions.

The circus is coming to town with performances at 7 p.m. today; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 and 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Muskogee Civic Center.

Mark McFadden said parents can expect a lot of new things at this year’s circus.

“Everything is brand new,” he said. “There are all brand new acts, and new lower prices at the concession and souvenirs. We got to hand pick each act.”

One of the Shriner’s newest attraction is the alligators.

Tahar Douis, native of Morocco, lives in the Everglades of Florida working with alligators. He travels the world with his alligators in dozens of circus and educational acts.

“I hypnotize the alligators,” he said. “It’s an ability you have or you don’t.”

As Jumper, the 2 1/2-year-old, 3-foot alligator, was released kids jumped to their feet to see where he was going, shrieks, giggles and a few tears.

But there was nothing to be afraid of, the Mississippi alligator, Jumper, had his long mouth taped for the kids’ protection.

“It’s the coolest thing to see this act,” McFadden said. “He can do some amazing things with them.”

Other than Jumper and his friends, there are other hand picked amazing acts ready for the Muskogee crowd.

“There are the lion acts, the elephants, and we have a Native American in a full headdress on his horse doing interesting things,” McFadden said.

He said he is sure Muskogee is ready for something different with the circus, and they have the solution.

“It’s going to be a terrific show,” he said. “The response of it in other areas is incredible.”



Reach Travina Coleman at 684-2901 or tcoleman@muskogeephoenix.com.

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