Achi news desk-
A man from Calgary is having a lot of fun sharing his thoughts on classic sideshow attractions.
It’s something Paul Godard has been itching to do for a long time, making a childhood dream come true.
Godard is about to start performing around Calgary with a flea circus.
It’s something Godard first saw at work as a child visiting the Calgary Stampede during the 1960s.
“I saw this performance and it burned into my brain, and I always thought that if I ever grew up, I would have my own flea circus,” Godard said.
“I never grew up, but I still had a flea circus.”
Godard assures people who watch his show that there is no risk of them being bitten.
“They’re not dog fleas or cat fleas,” Godard said. “It’s all an illusion.”
Godard creates the illusion with some traditional techniques used by magicians.
Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.
“Maybe magnets or wires or even mirrors,” says Godard.
Flea circuses have been around since the early 1800s.
“Flea circuses were very popular throughout Europe,” says Godard.
Godard ordered some of the components used in his act from a man in California.
Godard will perform at a Calgary Opera event titled festival on Friday, May 10, and then later in the spring and summer he’ll be busking with his flea circus at various locations around Calgary.
“As far as I know, I’m the only flea circus in Canada west of the St. Lawrence,” said Godard. “It’s a dying art.”
& copy 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
