JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
In nearby Sequatchie County, the city of Dunlap was bursting with energetic entertainment as the family operated Great Pages Circus once again paid the community a visit to provide fun to visiting guests of all ages.
The Great Pages Circus is a family-owned traveling circus that has provided entertainment and thrills to numerous communities and fairs across the Eastern United States for 30 years. Jorge Pages, manager for the circus, is the third generation of family to supervise the operation, the business tracing its roots to his own grandparents who founded the establishment.
“As far as heritage, my family is mostly Cuban,” Pages said. “We’re based out of Florida and we start there every year in January.”
Pages explained the circus hosts a wide range of acts and performances for all in attendance to enjoy, ranging from jugglers, hand balancers and animals, to motorcyclists performing tricks within a metallic sphere. He stated that for years, many recurring guests have visited the circus to experience the joy which the event provides, many now bringing their own children to the experience the entertainment in which the circus provided to them years prior.
“We hope that the kids enjoy themselves, that way it creates a customer base in where they come back year after year,” Pages said. “Since we’ve been doing this for so long, many people say, ‘Oh my parents brought me and now I’m bringing my kids’. And that’s what we like to hear.”
The circus took place at Dunlap’s Tennessee National Guard facility, located directly off TN-28, nearly 12 miles northeast of Whitwell. The event was hosted on both Monday, Feb. 23 and Tuesday, Feb. 24 across different show times, each demonstrating all the circus’ most well-known acts. In addition to the performances held, other activities including camel and pony rides were provided for visiting children to participate in. A selection of snacks, prizes, and even face painting were also present during the event, ensuring families were provided with added variety during a fun filled time at the circus.