Sunday Stuff

Feb 16, 2026

On Sundays, we talk arts & leisure!

But first, some business:

Next Stop: Ogden, Utah

Venue: Nash Theatre Hall

Come see us live and in-person!

Jason Wilber, The Ballad of Amazing Grace and Sideshow Dan

“And Flying Paul the Cannonball and the Snake-man Johnny Hiss,

Canine Roy the Dog-Faced Boy and Mysterio the Mentalist,

Leon the Giant and Little Eddie Small said they all thought Grace could’ve been,

The very first tattooed lady astronaut, or U.S President … ”

Technically, this song is more carnival than circus. But we do share certain traits! And in any case, the lyrics are quite charming.

This ballad brings us into a world of colorful characters on the road. Foremost of these performers is Amazing Grace, a true standout.

With a gentle style that plays almost like folk music, we learn about her many talents.

Until one day, she decides she’s ready to make a change.

The final verse even goes so far as to clearly spell out the moral. Although perhaps in a tongue-in-cheek manner.

Yet it’s a lesson to take to heart, true for everyone in love with someone special.

“Amazing Grace … how sweet she was.”

After last week, I decided to put this feature on hiatus.

I felt it was not meeting up with its intended goal.

However last week’s edition then went on to spark a minor kerfuffle!

At issue: my alleged slander and disrespect of the participants of competitive eating.

Here is a sampling of the comments we’ve received:

“Bowel movement jokes? Real mature. Maybe mix in a meme once in a while. Vaudeville died a hundred years ago, loser.”

- Eddie the Pickled Egg King, Peabody, MA

“You suck! And those bags of circus peanuts are cheap swill.”

-Mikey Macadamia, Honolulu, HI

“Your column left me with more heartburn than 20 years of taco tournaments.”

Roger Bonnerson Smythe (Esq. and Eater), Norfolk, VA

“The hatred you unleashed cut deep. Do you think I consume a hundred chicken pot pies a week just for fun? This is art, man.”

-Flaky Meaty, Irvine, CA

At this time: I wish to extend an olive-loaf branch to everyone in the competitive eating sphere.

I did not mean to impugn the passion you all share for your unique hobby/fetish.

Maybe I was truly hot-dogging it with all my salty comments. I meant it as mere ribbing. But alas, I cheesed some of you off.

For this, I do apologize.

However competitive eating still has no place in the circus. I stand firmly by my original statement.

The proof, as they say, is in the pudding.

(“Ask A Circus Performer” may or may not return next week.)

As we reach the finale of another wonderful Sunday, we’ll conclude with a chuckle from Speed Bump.

Have a great week! May you always wander toward the wonder.

Ringmaster Rex