The Brian Brown Greenway Foundation

Martin, TN

On Sept. 19, 2002, the Carson & Barnes Circus came to Martin, TN. The two performances were sponsored by the Brian Brown Greenway Foundation with the support of the Martin Rotary Club and E.W. James and Sons, Superermarkets.

Friday, September, 18 brought torrential rains, but the weather didn't dampen enthusiam for the circus as tickets flew off the shelves the last 48 hours, and both performances were near sellouts.

Saturday dawned with rising fog as the first circus trucks arrived at the Martin Recreation Complex around 8:00 am. Within minutes the fields were abuzz with activity as workers threw stakes and poles from the trucks in the approximate location where the tent was to go. In spite of the rain of the previous day, the field was remarkably firm, and it was clear that the show would go on with great success.

The day was clear and cool for late September. With elephants, tigers, trapeze artists, horseback riders and clowns, Carson & Barnes put on quite a show, and no one was heard to complain, as this was the biggest and best circus that had ever been to the West Tennessee area. The circus also made stops in Paducah and Jackson.

The Brian Brown Greenway Foundation was lucky to have the staff of Martin Parks and Recreation working with them on this project. A tip of the hat goes to Kim Kirby who did journeyman's work all day directing traffic and taking care of little "gotchas" that occurred during the day. Thanks also go to Audrey Roberts and Brian Harris who headed up the ticket selling operation. Thanks also to Martin Rotary Club and E. W. James and Sons Supermarkets whose financial support helped make this event a huge success.

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