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AYCO FESTIVAL 2007 Part 3 Meeting New Friends  Submitted by Jim Cole on   8/16/2007 Last Modified Circus4Youth Attends The AYCO Festival Over 150 Kids from 15 different youth circuses coast to coast got to meet each other at the 2007 American Youth Circus Organization's 2007 Festival.  This year it was held on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal, IL.  After an almost 14 hour day, most of the kids were hardly out of energy.  The (small) indoor pool at the Best Western Motel became very popular, and many a circus acrobatic move was performed into the water.  Another popular meeting place was the college cafeteria where youngsters feasted on a variety of (healthy) foods.  Actually, anywhere that had air conditioning was quite popular. Putting together the AYCO picture puzzle at the registration desk. Al Light, director of Gamma Phi Circus (and CFA member) and AYCO's own Jackie Davis. The breakfast bar at the Best Western Motel.  "Fruit Loops" and English muffins were top choices, actually that's about all they had.  The adults had coffee and English muffins (I had mine with peanut butter, but don't tell Jessica).    Watching circus videos that were provided by various youth circuses and the Circus Fans Association of America.  That's C4Y committee member Jim Allison on the right photo. That's Li'l Donald Hughs from Circus Day Foundation, hoping that the cashier at the ISU cafeteria does not see him....it worked yesterday! Setting a good example for healthy eating (?)  That's Jessica Hentoff, from Circus Day Foundation and Carlo Pellegrini, from Amazing Grace Circus enjoying lunch.  (Jessica, that's a pretty BIG plate of spaghetti!) The ever popular swimming pool at Best Western. Notice the acrobatic pose at the back of the pool. Following the final performance on Saturday night, AYCO hosted a good old fashioned ice cream party for the kids and adults. Saying goodby and exchanging e-mail addresses.  Many of the kids collected autographs from their new friends. As we say in the circus, "It's all out and all over". Breaking apart the German Wheels for the trip home. Loading the SUV, amazing that all the props from CircEsteem fit in that van! A special crane lift was used to take down the aeril rigging. This frame belongs to the Gamma Phi Circus, who hosted the festival. Closing keynote speaker, Ms. Donna Wool-Babcock from the Hope Street Circus in California. .....To Be Continued Email This Resource   Copyright © 1999-2010 Circus Fans Association of America and Authors. For more information view our  Copyright Policy & Privacy Policy .

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