Raising the Big Top

Back in 2012 when I was touring with Panic Circus, one of the most exciting experiences was learning how to raise the big top. I think in the three weeks I was there, I probably helped raise and put down the tent at least five or six times, in the rain, wind and sunshine. Each time was thrilling. I got the sense that I was one of the only members of the crew that saw the task in such a glorious light… for many it had simply become a part of the job.Now after Circus Cascadia has bought a big top of her very own… I am beginning to see their point of view. 

But before I get too jaded and enveloped in the worries of a tent-owner (what if barn mice chew more holes in my tent?!), I want to relish in how wonderful my first experiences were. In my naive mind, the physical labor of raising a tent was so romantic, stirring up images of my childhood like watching Dumbo and remembering magical moments when going to the circus. The rhythm of the sledgehammers, the clanking of the chains, even working in the rain had a rose-tinted feel. And truly, it is a very fulfilling experience to be part of a team, putting up such a beautiful structure when hours before it was just a grass field. 

Looking back on it, I understand that it was fun and thrilling because my tasks were relatively simple, and all I had to worry about was listening to the team leader and doing my job well. Laying out side poles, tightening ratchet straps, helping the crew lay out the tent fabric, pulling up stakes, etc. Everyone else had already done this hundreds of times, so the technicalities were already worked out. I was a welcomed extra set of hands that made it easier for us all. As the weeks went by, they let me do some of the more skilled/dangerous parts, like lacing up the pieces of the tent ceiling or even being the one to lower the center ring when it was time for take down. All in all, it was ALWAYS fun. 

Creating a lovely space for some circus and puppet magic!

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And now… a new chapter begins with Circus Cascadia. Even though we now have a tent, we still technically have no permanent space. Since joining the Circus Cascadia family, The Bus of Fun has been her central hub, and as a teaching circus that visits schools, our vehicle is really irreplaceable. I like to think that the communities of Portland have come to recognize us from our circus bus, painted beautifully with red and blue.

Now we have something special, something big, beautiful and yellow! Without the help of our crew and circus community, this tent raising would not be possible. Here are some pics from the put up… BIG THANKS to Sisyphus Farms for graciously letting us use their field… and lending a helping hand! Shout out to Charlie, Zephyr and Ike, you guys rock our socks!!

Laying out the tent… like working with the heaviest and most annoying piece of fabric…

 

I love Paul's face in this photo… it perfectly encapsulates the feeling of amazement when you finish a tent-raising. He was totally flabbergasted, once it was actually up. We did it! We've never been so sore!! Circus Cascadia has it's own tent!! (Yes, this was a long-time dream realized for our dear ringmaster). 

As it was our first tent-raising ever and we had a crew of four, progress was frustrating and slow. We quickly realized a lot of mistakes and changes we would need to make for next time. Instead of tying knots we'll definitely invest in some ratchets to tighten the side ropes, and a better measuring system for our stakes. In the photo below you can see a little bit of sag on the left… that will not be there next time! Part of tent safety is having every panel nice and tight and the stakes aligned. 

In the end, the tent was up in a mere 8 hours (eshk!), but once it was, there was much reveling and joy. We will have to practice our put up and take down a bit more before we start using it at events, and perhaps find a reliable, strong and enthusiastic tent crew (a few more hands make much more light work)… so if you live in the Portland Metro Area and you dream of running away with a circus… don't hesitate to look us up! 

Isn't she a beauty?!