CHARLOTTE -- It's so long and farewell to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. 

The Greatest Show on Earth ended its final run in the Queen City on Sunday.

Families say they did all they could to get a seat for the finale.

"I don't care what happens. I don't care what I've got to put off. I don't care what happens. My grandbabies are going to the circus!" said one attendee.

But not everyone was excited to see the acts.

A handful of people stood holding signs protesting the circus's treatment of animals. 

The circus officially shuts down in May.