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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 059-04
March 15, 2004

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG WELCOMES THE RINGLING BROTHERS AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS TO NEW YORK CITY

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today welcomed the riveting Ringmaster Kevin Venardos and the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus to New York City.  Honoring the 134th annual performance of the circus, the Mayor kicked-off the circus's return by hosting a performance at City Hall Plaza.  Joining the Mayor were Administration for Children's Services (ACS) Commissioner William C. Bell and City Hall Academy Principals Anna Switzer and Maggie Siena, who accepted the donation of 1,000 complimentary circus tickets that will allow children currently enrolled in ACS programs and City Hall Academy students to attend this season performances.  165 children from both programs watched a preview of this season's performance that included Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus's clowns and acrobats. The Circus will begin performing at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, March 18th.

"There's nothing like the excitement of the circus," said Mayor Bloomberg.  "And nobody does it better than Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus.  It's their 134th edition, and it promises to be more exciting than ever.  Let me thank Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus for bringing their act to City Hall and for donating 1,000 tickets, so even more children will be able to experience this special magic at Madison Square Garden starting next week."

On behalf of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey, Ringmaster Kevin Venardos presented the Mayor with a giant ticket to the circus.  "There is no greater stage in New York than City Hall, and 'The Greatest Show on Earth' is honored to perform for Mayor Bloomberg," said Ringmaster Venardos.  "Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey are pleased to extend the joy of the circus to the children of New York, kicking off our latest season in 'the greatest city on Earth!'"

"We are delighted that Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey is once again entertaining children in foster care here in New York City," Commissioner William C. Bell said.  The magic of the circus lights up our kids' faces like nothing else.  On behalf of everyone at ACS, I want to thank Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey for providing these tickets."

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus will be in New York City from March 18th through April 11th.







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