Ringling Bros. Circus to Close after 146 years

[GradyPhilpott]

Circuses are such an integral part of Americana that it seems impossible that such a thing could happen, but in the end it came down to dwindling popularity and litigation.

After 146 years, the curtain is coming down on "The Greatest Show on Earth." The owner of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus told The Associated Press that the show will close forever in May.

The iconic American spectacle was felled by a variety of factors, company executives say. Declining attendance combined with high operating costs, along with changing public tastes and prolonged battles with animal rights groups all contributed to its demise.

"There isn't any one thing," said Kenneth Feld, chairman and CEO of Feld Entertainment. "This has been a very difficult decision for me and for the entire family."

http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/...t6yICFGIGcXFK/