Of course no circus party can be complete without a Big Show. This also
may be made just as simple or as elaborate as one wishes. Suggestions
for a few acts are briefly described. If one wishes to give a more
elaborate program, detailed directions can be found in “A Circus”
mentioned above.
Stage the Big Show in the center of the floor and have the audience
stand or sit around this ring. Use the barker who stood at the entrance
as the ringmaster. In the most extravagant professional lingo he
should announce each act, pointing out its marvels. There should be a
band to help create the circus atmosphere. If a real band cannot be
had, a kazoo or a vocophone jazz band makes an excellent substitute.
Vocophones are papier-mâché instruments the size and shape of regular
band instruments but made in such a way that by blowing or humming
through the mouthpiece a most melodious and voluminous sound comes
forth. They may be purchased from A. Schoenhut Company, Hagert and
Sepviva Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, eight instruments for
twelve dollars. Kazoos, small musical mouthpieces, are only a few
cents apiece. Dress the musicians themselves in regular brass-buttoned
uniforms such as bandmen usually wear, or dress them as a colored
minstrel group with white duck suits, huge bright-colored ties and
blackened faces. They should lead the parade and play the piano
whenever such type of music is needed.