THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH TO CLOSE DOWN FOREVER

After 146 years, the curtain is coming down on “The Greatest Show on Earth.” The owner of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus said the show will close forever in May.

The iconic American spectacle was felled by a variety of factors, company executives say. Declining attendance combined with high operating costs, along with changing public tastes and prolonged battles with animal rights groups all contributed to its demise.

The company broke the news to circus employees Saturday night after shows in Orlando and Miami.

FULL STORY HERE