The circus is coming! The circus is coming!

I still remember when I was a young boy hounding my parents with those words every year when the circus came to town.

I remember the circus train arriving in Providence and the elephants leading the parade down Weybosset and Washington St.

I can still taste the cotton candy.

It was without a doubt,” The Greatest Show On Earth”.

Times have changed over the years. Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey combined to bring the greatest talents in the world together in one spectacular show, performed in arenas that could hold more spectators than the old circus tents.

And yes, as a boy I tried to sneak in under the canvas and got caught.

It has been a few years now since the decision was made to eliminate tigers, elephants and other circus animals from the show, but they have been replaced with some of the most amazing human performers in the world.

My favorite has always been the trapeze, with men and women flying over my head, narrowly catching each other as they did somersaults high above.

Also unique is the Double Wheel of Destiny, and one of my favorites the teeterboards. Then there are the incredibly talented BMX riders (Don’t try this at home).

Ringling has nine of them performing on their patented Criss Cross Trapeze that will have you holding your breath in amazement.

I remember the high wire, where the performer walked from one post to the other on a single wire, balancing with his pole, and, if he was really good, going down on one knee, and even turning around.

This circus has a triangular high wire that you must see to believe, and way more difficult to maneuver.

There are 75 performers from 18 countries in the show. Guiness Record Holder, Wesley Williams tries every performance to beat his record as the “One World Wonder” unicyclist rides a 34-foot bike.

To enhance the “incredible feats” there is music and dance and colorful costumes.

Nick Nack heads a bevy of clowns who entertain young and old with their antics in this completely reimagined show that ends with a bang. A big bang!

Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus is at the AMP Friday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, April 27 for three shows at 10:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 28 at noon and 4:00 p.m.