A REAL FAMILY CIRCUS: EIGHT GENERATIONS UNDER THE BIG TOP

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By Yuliana Cerda

Vittorio Arata,
Gabriella Quiroga (1),

Katya Quiroga,
Mariella
Quiroga
(Mark
Raftery)

February 21, 2009 (El Cajon) — Circus Vargas distinguishes
itself from the competition because the audience becomes part of the show.
Every child who attended a recent performance at Parkway Plaza was invited
to participate in the pre-show and taught to juggle scarves, spin hula hoops,
and balance peacock feathers.

Unlike some shows in sports arenas or other large buildings, this circus is
held under a big-top tent.

Mary Thomas, five, of Lakeside was most excited to see the animals. While
this show did not feature large exotic animals, it did include acts with Clydesdale
horses, dogs, cats, and a giant snake. At intermission the audience was invited
to ride a Clydesdale and pose for pictures holding the snake.

Circus

General Manager Vittorio Arata says Circus Vargas no longer uses exotic animals
because, "most cities don't allow them anymore."

He also said Circus Vargas agrees that it is better not to have animals in
cramped conditions.

Every seat in the house, from the $15 to the $50, seat had a great view of
the entire show, which included acrobats, trapeze artists, quick-change artists,
and the newest act - "The Globe of Death," with three motorcycles, to name
a few.

Arata is a sixth generation circus performer, who became manager after retiring,

Circus
Yuliana Cerda

Circus"Iâ've been an acrobat, but you have to know when to retire from that," he
said. "My daughter is the seventh generation. She and her husband are the owners
of the circus. My granddaughter, Mariella, is the eighth generation. She works
as one of the girls on the horses," Arata added, smiling with pride.

His daughter, Katya, and her husband, Nelson Quiroga, purchased the circus
after it had been closed down for two years. It has now been reopened for four
years, and is celebrating its 40th anniversary season. This is the second year
Circus Vargas has come to El Cajon.

When asked if she ever thought she'd own a circus when she grew up, Katya
laughed and said, "My parents sent me to school to break the cycle and get
out of the circus."

Fortunately for circus fans, her love of life under the big top won out--fulfilling
an adage every seasoned performer takes to heart: the show must go on.

View our videos!
Jump
roping dog and clown

Acrobats
on flying trapeze

Grand finale

Yuliana Cerda is a journalism major at San Diego State University and a student
intern with East County Magazine. When a Circus Vargas clown handed a tambourine
to Yuliana, who had a ringside seat, she wound up becoming part of the show--joining
the fun with some audience participation of her own.


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