Pickle Family Circus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pickle Family Circus |
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Pickle Family Circus logo
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| Origin | |
| Country | United States |
| Founder(s) | Peggy Snider Lawrence Pisoni Michael Nolan |
| Year founded | 1974 |
| Defunct | December 31, 2003 |
| Information | |
| Ringmaster(s) | no |
| Traveling show? | Yes |
| Circus tent? | No |
| Winter quarters | San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Type of acts | Juggling |
The Pickle Family Circus was a small circus that started in 1974 in San Francisco, California, USA. This circus helped bring new life to circuses in America. It also inspired the famous Cirque du Soleil in Montreal. Like Cirque du Soleil, the Pickle Family Circus did not use animals. It also did not have the usual three-ring layout of traditional circuses.
History of the Pickles
The Pickle Family Circus began in 1974. It was created by Peggy Snider, Larry Pisoni, and Cecil MacKinnon. They were part of a group called the Pickle Family Jugglers. Their first show was in May 1975, at a school in San Francisco.
In 1976, the circus received some money from the National Endowment for the Arts. This helped them go on their first tour. They visited five cities in Northern California.
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Pickles performed a lot. They had shows on weekends in the San Francisco Bay Area during spring and fall. In the summer, they toured for three months. They mostly visited towns along Highway 101 in Northern California and Oregon.
The circus often worked with local groups. Each show was a benefit to help a community organization. The local group would sell tickets and help with advertising. This helped the circus focus on performing. The Pickles returned to the same towns year after year. These shows became an important way for local groups to raise money.
In 1979, the Pickles performed at the Alaska State Fair. In 1981, they even had a two-month show in London, England.
Early Performers
In its early years, the circus had three main clowns. These were Larry Pisoni, Bill Irwin, and Geoff Hoyle. They were the stars of a 1981 show called Three High. After Bill Irwin left in 1979, Larry Pisoni and Geoff Hoyle worked as a duo. Geoff Hoyle developed his famous Mr. Sniff character during this time. The clowns were always a very important part of the Pickle Family Circus shows. They appeared many times and interacted with other performers.
The early circus group had some special rules. Everyone in the group made decisions together. Everyone also got the same pay. All performers also had jobs behind the scenes. Only a few people did not perform. They helped with office work while the circus was on tour. The circus had its office and practice space in an old church in San Francisco. Many members of the circus lived in that area.
Juggling Acts
Juggling was always a very important part of the Pickle Family Circus. Every show ended with a "Big Juggle." Almost every performer joined in this act. They would pass juggling clubs in amazing patterns.
Pickles in Movies
Several members of the Pickle Family Circus were in the 1980 movie Popeye. This movie starred Robin Williams. The circus members in the film included Bill Irwin (who played Ham Gravy), Larry Pisoni (Chico), Geoff Hoyle (Scoop), and Peggy Snider (Pickelina). Judy Finelli was also in the movie.
