These kids aren't clowning

Children learn secrets from circus pros and will show off their skills during the Heart of Largo festival.

By THERESA BLACKWELL
© St. Petersburg Times
published April 19, 2002

LARGO -- Under the shade of a big oak tree at the Tri-Parks outreach center on a recent Friday afternoon, 22 children twisted balloons, jumped up and down on pogo sticks, waddled on stilts, juggled softballs, swirled Hula-Hoops and twirled devil sticks.

Jessika Eye of Largo, 8, stretched out an arm and spun a bright yellow plate on top of a stick.

"We're going to be on stage," she said. "Sometimes I get stage fright."

The Franzini Family Circus shared its talents with about 60 children at Largo's three outreach centers during the past seven weeks. In seven riotous afternoons of circus camp at each location, campers listened and then tried a gaggle of feats. It took some balance and coordination, but mostly it took practice.

Campers will show off their hard-earned skills Saturday at the Heart of Largo celebration in Largo Central Park. The Largo Cultural Center teamed up with the Largo Rotary Club to sponsor the program.

Richard Haerther, the Largo Cultural Center manager, said that the main purpose was to give the kids a chance to participate in something different but that the camp has other benefits.

"They aren't aware of it, but they are learning discipline," he said. "Some of these kids are practicing on their own, and others are becoming leaders."

Mike Whelan, the president of the Largo Rotary Club and the manager of the Largo Community Center, said the program shows youth that adults value them.

"It really speaks to all the values that the Largo Rotary Club is firmly committed to: It supports the kids who need it most and it supports building assets in youth," he said.

Martin Smith of Tampa loaded equipment into the back of his truck at the end of the recent Tri-Parks session. Smith often performs with the Franzini Family Circus and helps to teach the circus camps.

"Quite a talented group of kids," Smith said. "You could almost start the Largo Circus."

At the Lake Villa outreach center recently, 10 children practiced. Pat Fenda of Tampa, one of the circus partners, noted each child's strongest skills.

"This is what I like the best," said Katie Edsall of Largo, 11, as she balanced securely on the rolla-bolla, a board on top of a pipe. "It's like skateboarding -- sort of."

"Very nice, excellent, great!" Fenda said.

Fenda blew the whistle. It was time to work on juggling again, a skill the group found difficult.

"It takes time and dedication," Fenda said. "But it's like riding a bicycle: Once you get it, you'll be able to do it the rest of your life."

"I can't do this," said Luis Santiago of Largo, 9, a new member of the group.

"Yes, you can," said Fenda. "It takes practice."

Lauren Dill of Belleair, 9, gave Luis some help getting started with two-ball juggling. "Say it to yourself -- throw, throw, catch, catch," she said. Near the end of the session, a petite girl -- Lori Weimorts of Clearwater, 11 -- was drawn to try the stilts for the first time. Tim Cook, the site director at the Lake Villa outreach center, helped her get on the stilts and started walking.

At first, Lori fell after a couple of steps. But by the time the session ended, she walked confidently about 10 feet toward toward Fenda's car and put the stilts in the trunk.

"They had a really good time today," Cook told Fenda. "Everybody's got one thing they are really good at."

If you go

The city's Heart of Largo family festival celebrates America, with five areas representing regions of the United States, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at Largo Central Park. Crafts, food, music and activities focus on different areas of the country. There also will be free train rides and fireworks at 10 p.m. Because of the fireworks, there is no parking at Largo Central Park, but a shuttle will run from Largo High school, Highland Recreation Complex, Largo Mall and the Pinellas County School Board building. Disabled parking at the Largo Library. No personal fireworks, alcoholic beverages, coolers or pets are allowed in the park. Cost is $5 per child or $15 per family. For information, call 587-6720 or go to the Web site www.largo.com/play/hol.

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