It is the “Greatest Show on Earth,” a fantastic spectacle packed with excitement for all ages, including children on the Touch Tour who experienced the circus in a completely different way.

The SC Commission for the Blind and Bell South created a way for 31 visually impaired children from around SC to enjoy Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus last Friday. Al Scott, Bell South representative, and his team wired headsets provided by the company to each child’s seat so the show could come alive for them through narration. Johnny Chappell, news anchor from WLTX–19, and Beth Jones, SC Radio for the Blind, acted as the guest ringmasters and narrators.

But before the dancing horses and acrobats took to the ring, the children were able to take part in a behind–the– scenes Touch Tour of the circus. The tour included special appearances by Ringling Brothers’ clowns who entertained the children and their chaperones by fitting them with red clown noses while they awaited the arrival of the animals.

The first performers in the ring were two alpacas, sheep–like natives of the Andes Mountains. Although the children could not see these fascinating creatures, they could create a picture in their minds by feeling the soft fur and the tickle of the alpaca’s lips as it took a snack from their hands.

After the alpacas made their exit, an animal that has become synonymous with the circus entered the ring. A young Asian elephant was led into the adjacent ring, and a line was formed so that each child could experience the unique, leathery texture of its skin and the moist breath coming from its trunk.

The tour culminated in a circus fashion show where the children modeled sequined and feathered costumes worn by the performers.

After the tour the Bell South Pioneer Volunteers provided each child with dinner before the show began.

“I like getting to touch the elephant and wear the clown nose,” said 11–year–old Jessica Thompson. She had been on the tour in previous years and lives with her parents in Irmo when she is not attending the School for the Blind in Spartanburg.

“It is amazing. She enjoys feeling the animals and hearing the sounds so much,” Suzanne Vest said regarding her four–year– old daughter Katelynn.

Together Bell South, the Colonial Center, and WLTX gave these blind children the ability to experience the wonder of the circus through their fingertips and their mind’s eye.

Visually–impaired children enjoy the elephants, alpacas, clowns, and costumes during the Touch Tour of the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus at the Colonial Center last Friday