A touch treat at Ringling Bros. Barnum Bash

By Tracey Compton

tcompton@rentonreporter.com

Visually impaired students of the Washington State School for the Blind got a special introduction to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s new circus Barnum Bash on Friday at ShoWare.

The 12 students got to participate in a “Blind Touch Tour” where they were given special access to performers, props, costumes and animals.In this “hands-on” sensory tour, the students got to touch the ring, feathers and jewels of costumes, a lira hoop, Squeeze the Carpet Python and Duchess the Asian elephant and other items that define a circus.

“I thought it was a great opportunity for my daughter to be able to experience an elephant,” said Karry Trout, of Olympia. “We read about it in stories, but it’s something she really doesn’t have a concept of unless she’s hands on.”

Ella Trout was not shy at all about getting to know Duchess, the elephant. Once unencumbered by her walker, Ella latched onto one of Duchess’ legs for a stolen hug.

“She was touching the trunk and it squeezed her finger and she thought that was pretty great,” said Karry Trout, her mother.

This is the first time the circus has put on a “Blind Touch Tour” in the area.

“I’ve been working on behalf of the circus for five years and I’ve been wanting to do one ever since I saw video of one years ago,” said Julie Furlong, communications consultant.

Ringling Bros. typically does a benevolence event in the cities that they perform in.”Kent is the perfect venue for this; it’s small, it’s intimate and it’s very accessible,” said Furlong.

With 100 people dedicated to the production, 30 performers, Barnum Bash will take over ShoWare Center Friday to Monday.For ticket information visit their website.