Taking clowning around seriously for 41 years

Tina Bausch, a professional clown for the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus had a busy day visiting various locations around Butler including the Butler Early Childhood Center in preparation for the circus coming this Friday.

Better known as "Skeeter", she brought smiles to the youngsters (above) with music, magic and some humor, much to their delight (and yes, your 61 year old editor enjoyed the show just as much as the kids:).

Bausch, who hails from Chickasha, Oklahoma did take a few moments to stop by the Mid America Live news office and shared highlights of her career including a Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the International Clown Hall of Fame as well as details in her four decade journey as an entertainer- all of which started when she was just 9 years old.

A graduate of the Ringling Clown College, Skeeter has found a permanent home with the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus who will be providing two big shows this Friday, 5 & 7:30 pm, at the Bates County Fairgrounds that will include trapeze acts, a strong woman, a fire eater, a silk climbing act, juggling, the Wheel of Destiny and others.

An added bonus will be the 'raising of the Big Top' where the public is invited to watch workers set up the big tent which will be located near the ball fields on the north side of the Bates County Fairgrounds beginning around 9 am Friday morning.

Tickets for the circus are available at the Butler Chamber office, the Mid America Live office,  Corner Hardware, Alley Tavern, Sonic and Farmers Insurance all of Butler. Adults $13, children ages 2 to 12 $8, seniors 65 also just $8 each.