Posted By thecircusblog on February 13, 2009
Del Graham created the Flying Viennas. The original act was Del, Dave Knupp, Babs and perhaps another person….I’m not sure. As years passed, Del had said to me ” I’m going to start changing the act so I don’t have to fly or catch anymore.” No matter when you would visit Del, the rigging was always up in the back yard for practicing.
Posted By thecircusblog on February 13, 2009
Fleur was the featured in the Flying Viennas act. these photos taken while practicing for a TV commercial.
Posted By thecircusblog on February 13, 2009
From left to right. Del, Fleur, Lynn, Johnny, Tommy, Unk. Photo 1963.
Posted By thecircusblog on February 10, 2009
AL Kayda was the owner of Kay Bros Circus. He was based in southern California and played all the towns in the Los Angels area. The money was good and the jumps were short. Before Mr. Kayda was a circus producer he was a mortician. He retired from that and got into the circus business. I never could figure out the connection……1968.
Posted By thecircusblog on February 10, 2009
Just before every show Al Kada would go to the center ring and blow his whistle and then walk away because he was shy and didn’t want to announce the show. On this day, I made Al stay in the ring and announce the first act.
Posted By thecircusblog on February 10, 2009
This photo is of myself and Jack Badel, a dear friend of mine then and to this day. Jack had a little elephant by the name of Anna. We worked many shows together. Photo taken in 1968. He was not only an excellent performer and trainer but you could count on him to help out in any situation.
Posted By thecircusblog on February 10, 2009
Mack McDermitt is in the center of this photo. I wish I had a picture of his act… it consisted of all German Shepherds. They were well trained stunning to watch. There are very few if any other German Shepherd acts in the business.
Posted By thecircusblog on February 10, 2009
Al and Ivan watching the tip build in the bleachers in 1968. All the shows we did in southern CA were well booked and fortunately we never had a blank.
Posted By thecircusblog on February 10, 2009
Give circus a chance and they will have a backyard party….even if it is between shows. That’s one of the things I love about our people….the family relationship.
This is a picture of Fleur, practicing.