by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
Elephants may never forget, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t going to be late from time to time.
About 50 people waited along Talleyrand Avenue Monday to experience the arrival of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus and its pachyderm performers. The troupe was scheduled to arrive at 6:30 p.m., but fans hung around for three more hours to see the largest performers of “The Greatest Show on Earth” stroll through Jacksonville.
Some elephants, like 1 year-old Barack, were shuttled to the Arena via tractor trailer, but others chose to take in the brisk night air and stroll down Talleyrand, past the Stadium and to the Arena. The animals will be featured in Funundrum a new show developed by Ringling Brothers, which will open in Jacksonville Thursday and finish Sunday. But before the shows can start equipment, animals and staff are unloaded from over 50 rail cars to support the show.
Notable attendees of the animal walk included Mayor John Peyton, his Chief of Staff Adam Hollingsworth and City Council member Johnny Gaffney and their families.
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