Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Tuesday, February 23, 1999

Release #064-99

Contact: Colleen Roche/Brenda Perez (212) 788-2958
Jennifer Falk, (ACS) 212 - 266-2255


MAYOR GIULIANI WELCOMES THE RINGLING BROTHERS AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS TO NEW YORK CITY

Presents A Proclamation To The Circus' First Ringmaster From New York

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today welcomed the newest Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson and the entire Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus troupe back to New York City. The Mayor issued a proclamation honoring Mr. Iverson who, at 22, is the youngest, the first New Yorker and the first African-American Ringmaster in the 129-year history of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Joining the Mayor were Administration for Children's Services (ACS) Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta and Manhattan District Attorney and President of the Police Athletic League (PAL) Robert M. Morgenthau, who accepted the donation of 1,000 complimentary Circus tickets that will allow 500 foster children and 500 children involved with PAL to attend the circus this season. Twenty children from ACS daycare centers and clowns from the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus also attended.

"Every year it is wonderful to see the circus come back to town and bring sheer joy to so many children - young and old, " the Mayor said. "We are particularly proud this year that the Ringmaster is a native New Yorker. Coordinating athletes, acrobats, clowns and a host of domestic and exotic animals to bring about a great show such as this Circus is not an easy task. We wish Mr. Iverson a successful career as Ringmaster and thank the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus for this gift of 1,000 tickets that will bring the magic of the circus to many New York City children."

Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson said, "I'm honored to be the first New Yorker to be Ringmaster for The Greatest Show On Earth and I'm thrilled to perform at Madison Square Garden for my family and friends."

Commissioner Scoppetta said, "Being in foster care should never mean that a child should go without the delights of childhood. Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey's donation will help to bring the wonders and fun of the circus to children who might not otherwise have this opportunity. On behalf of all the children who will soon be smiling under the circus tents, I thank Ringling Brothers for this generous gift."

Manhattan District Attorney Robert M. Morgenthau said, "The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey's Circus is part of New York's tradition and all of us from the Police Athletic League are delighted that 500 PAL members have been invited to the Circus. This generous offer will make them very happy."

The Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus will be in New York City from March 26 through April 11 at the Madison Square Garden.

www.ci.nyc.ny.us


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