Circus Vargas sets up its tent

Show includes everything from elephants to acrobats

By Alicia Doyle
Staff writer

Staff photo by Rob Varela

BALLOON TAKES SHAPE: "Mr. Blue" the Clown, a.k.a. Randall Harold of Camarillo, makes balloon animals in a field at Los Angeles Avenue and Madera Road in Simi Valley on Monday as children look on while Circus Vargas sets up for six days and nights of performances.

When Chip Arthurs ran away with the ircus at age 13, he didn't realize he as embarking on a lifelong career.

Now 32, the longtime animal trainer with Circus Vargas can't think of any other way of life.

"It's in my blood now," said Arthurs of Florida. "I can't get it out. I can't imagine doing anything else."

Arthurs' behind-the-scenes talents were showcased Monday night, when Circus Vargas unveiled its big top at Los Angeles Avenue and Madera Road in Simi Valley for the beginning of a weeklong show. The 30th anniversary celebration features rare performing white tigers, a pony liberty drill and other circus stars from around the globe.

To be featured throughout the week is Lisa, a 9,000-pound, 30-year-old Asian ' elephant found in India. Her sidekick is 6-year-old Benny, a 5,000-pound, Americanborn Asian elephant. A petting zoo, pony rides, trapeze artists, acrobats, high-wire performers and a chamber of death featuring a motorcycle act are among this week's highlights. Also featured will be clowns, llamas, dogs, goats and sheep.

Linda Roberson, an animal-care specialist who works with Lisa and Benny, said she hopes circusgoers will leave the experience with a higher appreciation for animals.

"I hope they come out with a burning desire to perpetuate the species," Roberson said.

The Ventura County Humane Society and other observers officials paid a brief visit to the site Monday morning to make sure all proper permits were in place.

Simi Valley Police will have a presence during the entire week the circus is in town, said Lt. Neal Rein. That's because at the last two circus events in Agoura and
Woodland Hills, there were animal rights demonstrators and arrests were made at both events, Rein said.

"We just want to make sure that the rights of the demonstrators are protected, and the rights of those who want to run and patronize the circus are protected," Rein said.

The possibility of protesters was of no concern to 7-year-old Kevin Lerner of Simi Valley, who came early Monday with his dad to check out his favorite circus animals - the elephants.

"I like them 'cause they're the fattest," the boy said.

Mike Beitz, 13, said he prefers the tigers.

"They're kind of big," he said.

Arthurs said his ultimate hope is that all circusgoers leave happy.

"I hope they walk away with a smile on their face," he said. "If they walk away with a smile, then we've done our job right."

Circus Vargas

LOCATION: Los Angeles Avenue and Madera Road, Simi Valley.

DATES AND SHOW TIMES:
Tonight through Friday: 5 and 7:30 p. M.
Saturday: 2:30, 5, 7:30 p.m. Sunday: 12:30, 3, 5:30 p.m.

TICKET PRICES:
General admission: $10 adults, $5 children.
Mezzanine: $16 adults, $10 children.
Arena (reserved): $18 adults, $11 children.
Ringside (reserved): $21 adults, $15 children.

For more information, call 306-9094.