WHITNEY POINT, N.Y. -- The traveling circus that saw two spectators die in New Hampshire after a tent collapsed is heading to the Southern Tier, but with one major change that should make the event safer.
While the circus will be setting up at the Broome County Fairgrounds later Wednesday, people won't see their big top tent.
They've been conducting open air shows since the accident in New Hampshire. But not because the tent is unsafe, but rather because of the damages it sustained during the collapse.
John Caudill, the owner of Walker Brothers Circus says its New York State policy to have an inspector come out to check each new set up.
Walker Brothers Circus stopped in Afton Wednesday, and will be in Whitney Point Wednesday, before heading to Big Flats Thursday.
And while you can still catch all of your high-flying favorites, tent or not, Caudill says it still feels like something's missing.
"It's a little easier on our guys, they're not putting the tent up, we're sure not complaining. But we do miss the tent. I'm four generations in the circus business and we've always dealt with big top tents," said Caudill.
Caudill says in all his time in the circus, they rarely have they done open air shows. But even as they head to the New York State Fair in a few weeks, they'll be doing it without their tent.
People can catch either the 5:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. show at the Broome County Fairgrounds, tickets are $18, which gets in one adult and two kids age 14 and under.