The Culpepper and Merriweather Circus, based in Hugo, Okla., returned to Monett on Sept. 13, continuing an every-other-year tradition. Sponsored by the Monett Kiwanis Club as a fundraiser, the circus gave two shows. A key part of a traditional circus show is clowns. Cherie and Dave were the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus clowns who previously worked for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. Here they are pictured in Monett showing their plate-spinning routine. Murray Bishoff/Special to Monett Monthly
The audience attending the afternoon show of the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus in Monett had several opportunities to interact with the circus staff. Here spectators bought $1 bags of peanuts and searched for special coupons inside that yielded a prize. Murray Bishoff/Special to Monett Monthly
