Vanguard University of Southern California - Centurion Yearbook (Costa Mesa, CA)

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As late October was falling, the campus swarmed with activity. Freshmen and Juniors were serving the community in the IX Haig National Open, and the Seniors were enjoying one last weekend before their sneak. But one debuting class was frantically preparing to step into the hosting spot of the college social scene. The Sophomore class were uniting in a state of chaos as they culminated their work for the 1968 Harvest Party. The Greatest Show on Earth had been publicized better than any other college event and the enthusiasm begat by this group of wise-fools created a contagious desire to jump on the band wagon. The Sophomore class toiled in spite of fatigue to transform a dim gym into the bright, exciting and gay playing grounds under the Big Top. The class officers found an extra spark in Warren Owens as he took charge of the lighting, sound and electrical wizardry. The booths were constructed; the program written; and with the last few finishing touches being added by a meticulous Sophomore, the first ticket booth opened and costumed spectators trickled into the carnival arena. As stentorian strains of a Calliope permeated the lively atmosphere, the crowd amused themselves with the sideshow booths. People pushed their way slowly and gravely through the haunted house and cemetery or attempted to dunk a wet clown with a sober- ing bucket of water. Finally, after meandering from one concession stand to another, the crowd settled in the grandstand tiers and awaited the show. 47

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Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to the Greatest Show on Earth. Without further fanfare, the small, one-ring circus sponta- neously generated into action and evolved into a night of showmanship and fun. Lippy and Lucy, two foolish Sophomore clowns, stuinbled on stage and slapsticked their way out of the ring. While Bobo the Bear and Hud the Lion ravished their respective trainers, another animal from Zuver ' s Muscle Gym waited to do his thing with weights. More exciting and tense moments were yet to follow when Mully the Human Cannonball was to be shot from the big gun. After a momen- tous and nerve-racking build-up, the shot fizzled and Mully dropped out ten seconds later. The greatest and most dramatic act of the evening came near the end of the first half, as the circus prepared for the daredevil tightrope feat. With nervous fans cringing, the lights were extinguished, the drums began a tumultuous roll, and the spotlight centered on the wire. Suddenly from the top of the canopy, hundreds of feet in the air, the Fearless Fly- ing Flea came fluttering over the heads of his followers to arrive safely in the sawdust center of attraction to an unrestrained frenzy of ovation and acclamation. The second half, after the awarding of the costume prizes, brought on more experienced entertainment as the Jesters evoked laughter and guffaws from the friendly audience . With the conclusion of many Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles and assorted pantomine skits, the circus crowd slowly dispersed, well pleased with the evening and the Greatest Show on Earth of the Sophomore class. 49