On June 11th, after spending the morning volunteering in Cunningham Park, students from the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.fusia.net) attended the Big Apple Circus, a nearly two hour show that set up its big tent in the park from May 15th to June 12th. This year, the circus, an annual event and New York landmark, was titled, "The Grand Tour - A Circus Extravaganza!"
"What an amazing show!" That was the opinion of Hui Xian Sim, one of the activity leaders. "Seeing a circus in person was so much fun. To see all the acrobats and animals performing tricks, it seems like it can't be real. I felt like I was a little kid again watching all of the acts."
The circus, which has been active since 1977, is a favorite of locals and tourists. This year's theme was set in the 1920s and included jugglers, aerialists, and domestic and rescue animals, along with a seven-piece band. The performances took place in a giant, white tent, which was 140 feet in diameter and 63 feet high at the very top. It accommodated more than 1,700 people. Started humbly as a circus school in lower Manhattan, the Big Apple Circus has entertained millions of visitors over the decades.
Sze Ki Hung (Silky), a student from the University of Hong Kong who also served as an activity leader, was happy that the group was able to see the show together. "In the morning, we helped clean up the park, and then afterwards we went to this show. I like doing these group activities because I feel like it brings us together. I've gotten to know my fellow interns really well already and I'm very excited about everything else we will do this summer."
