Cole Bros Circus Now Says Coney Run Was Successful

In an e-mail to Kinetic Carnival, Renee Storey, Vice President-Administration at Cole Bros. Circus, explains that despite some problems with parking most patrons arrived to see the circus by public transportation and therefore the circus's run in Coney Island was a success.

Renee Storey writes:

Cole Bros. Circus enjoyed a successful engagement in Coney Island, and looks forward to returning next year. In addition to its schedule of advertised shows, Cole Bros. Circus presented sold-out morning and early afternoon performances for children who attend religious camps. Attendance grew each day of the Cole Bros. Circus week-long stay, culminating in packed houses Thursday through Sunday, especially at its 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. shows. A majority of circus patrons used public transportation to visit the circus, evidenced by the waves of customers who lined up at the circus ticket office shortly after their trains arrived at the conveniently located Stillwell Ave. station. A few customers who attended the 8:00 p.m. show on Friday said they had difficulty finding a place to park, likely due to the huge crowds who arrive on Coney Island early in anticipation of the Friday night fireworks.

The circus is grateful to Deno’s for delaying the start of the fireworks, so that our patrons would have opportunity to exit the Big Top in time to view the wonderful display that really rocks the beach. Our circus families, especially the children, loved the fireworks, the amusements, the shore and the ocean, which was not only warm, but crystal clear. Staying at Coney Island was a treat for everyone on our show. The only complaint heard among our staff was with respect to weight gain. Living in proximity to numerous, great restaurants for a week, we indulged.

Manning the 1-800 circus info line, circus staff in Florida was surprised by the number of callers who asked for directions to the circus location in Coney Island. Our customer service representatives explained that the circus was located on Stillwell Avenue, between West 12th Street and Bowery, opposite Nathan’s. Numerous callers asked, “Where’s Nathan’s?” That surprised us, and made us think that, perhaps the circus attracted people who might not have visited Coney Island in the past.

Our experience assures us that Coney Island is a wonderful place. Judging by our crowds later in the week and the throngs of parents and kids on the boardwalk each evening, we learned that people seeking family entertainment will flock to Coney Island.

Renee
Storey
Vice President-Administration
Cole Bros. Circus

In addition, Mr Chuck Werner, Senior Marketing Director for the Cole Bros. Circus also told KC that a large number of patrons had called to refund their tickets due to the inability to find parking. But, regardless, as Storey points out, most of the day performances were packed, especially towards the end of the circus's run.

As already mentioned here in KC, Mr. Werner only made a few comments on a lower attendance during the evening shifts probably due to parking and perhaps also due to the general preception of the immediate area from those not used to coming at night to Coney Island. Mr. Werner did not mention anything about crime or gun shootings to KC.