To commemorate its 15th anniversary next month and to help raise funds for its non-profit foundation, Rosewood Services is bringing the world’s largest big-top circus to Great Bend on May 16. The Carson & Barnes Circus will host two shows – one at 4:30 p.m. and the other at 7:30 p.m., at the Great Bend Expo Complex.
Advance ticket sales will be announced soon and ticket sales will go toward Rosewood’s non-profit Roots & Wings Foundation. The foundation helps to fund educational, medical, and therapeutic expenses not covered by other means for people with developmental disabilities who Rosewood serves.
“Bringing in the circus is a fun way for the community to get involved in helping us to support our worthy cause,” said Tammy Hammond, Rosewood Services founder and executive director. “Who doesn’t enjoy the circus, especially one as well-known as Carson & Barnes? You won’t find any better family entertainment, given the value and the quality of the shows.”     
Carson & Barnes is the largest traveling big-top tent circus in America. It is also steeped in tradition, having annually performed nationwide for nearly 78 years.
The Great Bend circus shows are presented by Rosewood Services in conjunction with Eagle Radio and sponsorship from area businesses. “Rosewood is thankful to each one of the businesses that have come forward to help us bring this great family event to our community,” said Hammond. “This circus presentation would not be possible without their involvement. We are honored to have such amazing business partners who are willing to go the extra step and mile for our community.”
During the past 13 years, Rosewood has built its own tradition with the Carson & Barnes Circus, having brought the circus to the community five previous times.
“After a four-year hiatus, we felt it was important to bring the Carson & Barnes Circus back to our community and provide exhilaration to a new group of children and their families,” said Hammond. “For those who have attended previous shows, this is an opportunity to create new memories. Each circus experience is unique.”