"The Greatest Show on Earth" comes to the Knoxville Civic Coliseum

tonight.

January marked the 130th edition of the famed Ringling Bros. and Barnum &

Bailey Circus. The show has entertained and amazed children and adults

alike for a solid century.

Highlighting this year's events are the "Tiger Whisperer," the first clown

to ever execute the human cannon ball and all the elephants, flying trapeze

and loony clown acts that one can imagine.

The "Tiger Whisperer," simply known as Sarah, is a 22-year-old woman who

made her professional debut in the circus as a clown at age two. Presently,

she presents and maintains tigers named Jaipur, Gandhi, Assam, Jasmine,

Vanya, Tibet, Apollo and Tora. Sarah said she still was a little

apprehensive when performing with the tigers.

"All my senses are on alert, and even though I cuddle with them during the

act, I never forget they're tigers. Being in there alone with them, showing

the public their natural behaviors, gives me an incredible adrenaline

boost," she said.

Sarah will be with many others in the "three-ring event." John Weiss, a

clown, will be the first human "Clown 'n Ball" to be fired out of a cannon,

and there will always be the variety of clowns, animals, and stunt men to

add for an excellent treat.

Tickets for the show are on sale now for $12.75, $17.75 and $22.00 and can

be ordered by calling Tickets Unlimited at 656-4444. The circus will run

tonight through Sunday with tonight's performance beginning at 7:30.

Everyone is invited to come an hour early to meet the circus artists.

According to a press release, the performers will be happy to tell you all

about the circus, sign autographs and pose for pictures.