Earlier this week, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus confirmed in a conversation with the Associated Press that this May would be the end of “The Greatest Show on Earth.”

While one of the world’s most well known and longest lasting Circus in the world is coming to its end, the Santa Clarita Valley can continue to enjoy the wonder of the Circus with Circus Vargas making an annual stop right here in the SCV.

Officials from Barnum & Bailey cited a multitude of reasons for having to close down the legendary show, from declining attendance to increasing operating costs, and the simple fact that newer audiences simply aren’t as interested in these forms of entertainment as they were 60 years ago.

Perhaps the greatest hurdle that faced the “Greatest Show on Earth” was the rise of animal rights and groups like PETA. After years of long drawn out legal battles some organizations, Circus Vargas have opted to remove animals from their shows almost entirely, and in 2016 Barnum & Bailey officials decided to remove the elephants from their show.

Ironically, the removal of the elephants from their shows seemed to be the final straw and the shows declining attendance fell faster and further than ever before.

“I have many fond memories of attending the circus as a young child and taking my two sons when they were young,” reflected Carl Goldman, owner of KHTS radio. “It is sad to see an American icon disappear, especially because of so much pressure from special interest groups with their own agenda.”

However, Santa Clarita residents still looking to share the Circus with their families and loved ones can still do so without leaving the valley with Circus Vargas finishing their 2016 SCV shows just over two months ago.

“While we understand our need to treat animals with kindness I hope we still support traveling circuses like Circus Vargas, who have eliminated all animals from their show and still perform a fun and exciting event in Santa Clarita every year.” said Goldman, “Circus Vargas donates hundreds of tickets to our local Michael Hoefflin Foundation to allow children with cancer to attend their show. We should all remember they are a great community partner the next time they visit our valley.”