SAILORS AND FAMILIES CELEBRATE MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT UNDER THE BIG TOP

Before the show, the families headed down to the arena floor for some special entertainment and to meet some of the clowns, acrobats and animals, try on costumes, participate in some of the acts and watch an elephant paint a picture.

"As a long-time supporter of America's military community, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus appreciates the sacrifices made by our U.S. Armed Forces and their families. It gives military families a chance to have a fun, affordable night together. By coming to the circus, they make special memories together," said Heidi Owen, manager of event marketing and sales for Feld Entertainment.

CS2 Jerry McDuffey and his daughter, Keyonjola Beasley stand with the tall stilt men at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's Circus preshow.

"This is definitely a good thing. I've never been to the circus and we wanted to bring our son to see it," said AWF2 Jacob Newby of VP-16 who brought his wife, Erin and 17-month-old son, Tanner, to see the show. "I got my tickets through the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department's ITT office so it was a good deal."

The circus began with a hilarious performance by clowns, followed by Guest Ringmaster AC1(AW/SW) Lisa Trammell, NAS Jax Sailor of the Year, who welcomed the crowd. As the NAS Jax Color Guard presented the colors during the national anthem, an elephant also paraded the floor displaying the nation's colors.

As the crowd applauded and cheered, the entire floor was suddenly alive with performers and animals showcasing their talents.

This year's theme, "Barnum's FUNundrum!" celebrates the circus' founder Phineas Taylor Barnum who established the circus in 1872. Other highlights included the Flying Caceres Troupe; the amazing Torres family, who ride seven motocross bikes inside a 16-foot steel globe at one time; stilt walkers; contortionists; jugglers; strongmen and a unique group of acrobats jumping on trampolines. Of course, there were also the elephants, tigers, horses and llamas.

A Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Baliley's clown shows his enthusiasm during the opening act of the circus.

"This is really a lot of fun and I enjoyed being out there to welcome the crowd. My family is having the best time. We've been to the circus before but it's been a couple of years," said Trammell.

"I'm proud to represent the Navy at this event. Because I'm in uniform, a lady stopped me outside and asked me if I could help put her in touch with recruiters so her two daughters could join since they are graduating from high school this year."

ATAN Karen Wollam of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Jax went to the circus with the NAS Jax Morale, Welfare and Recreation Liberty Program.

"I think the circus is awesome. I went to the circus a long time ago when I was little but it was a small one. This is the first really big circus I've ever been to. It's great because we came for free and they're driving us which is really nice."

NAS Jax Sailor of the Year AC1(AW/SW) Lisa Trammell helps her daughters, 11-year-old Dana and 2-year-old Sarah share an icee treat at the circus. Trammell was the guest ringmaster for the event.

NAS Jax Color Guard members from left, CS2 Jerry McDuffey, OS2 Derrick Wilkes, HM Dante Wells and ABH3 Jason McNair proudly present the colors during the playing of the national anthem at the beginning of the circus.

Eight-year-old Dane LaRocque gets some juggling tips from one of the circus clowns.