June 21, 2025
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Carson and Barnes big top circus coming June 12

By KYLE WILSON

This is one of several acts to be performed at the Carson and Barnes Circus slated for June 12 in Creston. Dating back to the 1990s, this is the sixth time Carson and Barnes has come to Creston.

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Carson and Barnes Circus will travel to more than 200 cities this year, and one of those stops will be in Creston June 12.

Carson and Barnes Circus, one of the last great American big top circuses, will perform two shows at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. June 12 near Creston Middle School in the field west of the CHS football field. The event is sponsored by KSIB Radio.

“It’s always a good show,” said Chad Reick, general manager at KSIB Radio. “They are one of the best ones out there as far as traveling circuses. The last time they were in Creston was 2008 and we had about 1,500 people attend each show.

Carson and Barnes Circus has a road crew of more than 200 people, about 40 vehicles and “enough animals to fill a zoo.” Carson and Barnes Circus, family owned since 1937, will also feature elephant and camel rides, acrobats, aerialists, horses, jugglers, trapeze artists, a petting zoo and midway entertainment.

“For more than 75 years, our family has brought the excitement and magic of the circus to people in towns of all sizes,” said Barbara Miller-Byrd, third-generation owner. “There is no bigger entertainment opportunity, or better value for the dollar than this year’s show under the big top.”

Reick said Carson and Barnes Circus will arrive about 6 a.m. June 12, and they welcome the public to watch the elephants and staff raise the big top that morning about 8 a.m.

Ticket prices will range from $14 for adults and $6 for children 12 and younger when purchased in advance online or from local Creston area ticket locations including Walmart, Fareway and Iowa State Savings on Adams Street and Highway 34. Discount coupons for a savings up to $4 on adult tickets are available locally and at www.bigtopshow.com.

Assigned box seats and reserved (center section) seats are sold from 9 a.m. until showtime June 12 and preferred seating is sold in the tent. Upgraded seating may also be purchased online. Still photography is allowed, but no video cameras are allowed.

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Carson and Barnes schedule

June 11: Atlantic
June 12: Creston
June 13: Carroll
June 14: Humboldt
June 15: Oskaloosa
June 16: Washington
June 17: Marshalltown