March 28 – Barnum & Bailey Day
March 28 marks an exciting celebration in the world of entertainment—it’s Barnum and Bailey Day! This day commemorates the iconic American circus known as “The Greatest Show on Earth,” which combined the talents of P.T. Barnum, J.A. Bailey, and the Ringling Brothers. It’s a day to remember the magic, excitement, and wonder that the circus has brought to audiences around the world. You can check out all of the Fact of the Day for kids here.
FIVE FUN FACTS ABOUT BARNUM AND BAILEY DAY
- The Barnum & Bailey Circus was created when P.T. Barnum’s circus merged with James Anthony Bailey’s in 1881.
- Known for its elaborate spectacles, the circus traveled across the country in special trains.
- The phrase “The Greatest Show on Earth” was actually coined by P.T. Barnum, showcasing his flair for the dramatic.
- The circus was famous for its vast menagerie of animals, breathtaking acrobatic performances, and unique attractions.
- Barnum and Bailey Day celebrates not just the circus, but the imagination and innovation that can turn dreams into reality.
ACTIVITY IDEAS TO CELEBRATE MARCH 28
In honor of Barnum and Bailey Day, there are many fun and educational activities you can do to bring the magic of the circus into the classroom or your school. Here are a few ideas:
- Complete this Circus Word Search
- Solve this Circus Mystery
- Host a mini circus performance in class with volunteer acts.
- Create circus posters to decorate the classroom or school hallways.
- Watch a documentary or read a book about the history of the circus.
Circus Worksheets Mystery Puzzle
QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT FOR MARCH 28
To dive deeper into the significance of Barnum and Bailey Day, consider these questions:
- How did Barnum and Bailey change the way people think about entertainment?
- What role did the circus play in American culture and history?
- How have modern circuses evolved from Barnum and Bailey’s time?
- Why do you think the circus has remained a popular form of entertainment for so long?
- What lessons can we learn from the success and challenges of the Barnum and Bailey Circus?
WOULD YOU RATHER QUESTIONS ABOUT BARNUM AND BAILEY
Here are five questions to spark conversation. Would you rather…
- Be an acrobat or a clown in the Barnum and Bailey Circus?
- Travel with the circus by train across the country or perform in the same city every night?
- Watch a circus performance from the 1800s or a modern-day circus?
- Learn to juggle or walk on stilts?
- Have the ability to tame lions or perform death-defying trapeze acts?
MORE FUN STUFF
Here are more fun ideas to help keep the kids entertained:
March 28 is a day to celebrate the wonder of the circus and the impact it has had on entertainment and culture. Enjoy exploring the world of Barnum and Bailey with these activities and questions!
