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Circuses  Fairs Quizzes, Trivia and Puzzles
Circuses  Fairs Quizzes, Trivia

Circuses & Fairs Trivia

Circuses & Fairs Trivia Quizzes

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27 quizzes and 285 trivia questions.
1.
Fire Eaters and Their Coworkers
  Fire Eaters and Their Coworkers   great trivia quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
The circus and its performers are a group unto themselves. There are many secrets and mysteries in this line of work. Here are ten questions on some of the skills you might see while visiting a circus.
Average, 10 Qns, dcpddc478, Jul 04 21
Average
dcpddc478
Jul 04 21
845 plays
2.
  Let's Go To The Circus!   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
I guess we all had dreams of running off to join the circus. Take this quiz, and see how much you really know!
Tough, 15 Qns, ozzz2002, Jul 04 21
Recommended for grades: 10,11,12
Tough
ozzz2002 gold member
Jul 04 21
3631 plays
3.
  A Day at the Rodeo    
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Rodeos have a lot of events and competitions. Can you match some of them with their descriptions below?
Easier, 10 Qns, Trivia_Fan54, Jul 04 21
Easier
Trivia_Fan54 gold member
Jul 04 21
529 plays
4.
  There's a Sucker Born...   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
P.T. Barnum (1810-1891) was an entertainer and entrepreneur who helped to create a world-famous circus. Please take a quiz on Barnum's remarkable life. Good luck!
Average, 10 Qns, mrgrouchy, Jul 04 21
Average
mrgrouchy
Jul 04 21
758 plays
5.
  Under the Big Top   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz is about the traditional-format circus familiar to most people. Ready to enter the Big Top?
Easier, 10 Qns, Eraucci, Jul 04 21
Easier
Eraucci gold member
Jul 04 21
676 plays
6.
  A Fair Day Out   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Growing up next to Blackpool, I became rather skilled at fairground games. Take this quiz to test your knowledge of traditional fairground games and other attractions.
Easier, 10 Qns, doublemm, Jul 04 21
Easier
doublemm gold member
Jul 04 21
747 plays
7.
  Clowning is Serious Business Too   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
We've all seen clowns and enjoyed their antics, but how much do you know about their history and code of conduct, among other things? Hopefully you'll learn something new from this quiz.
Tough, 10 Qns, zorba_scank, Jul 04 21
Tough
zorba_scank gold member
Jul 04 21
1200 plays
8.
  You Rode a WHAT?   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz is about rides, shows and/or activities that either are or have been a part of carnivals, county fairs and traveling circus. Some names may be colloquial or obscure. Other names may refer to unusual or antiquated carnival rides/shows.
Easier, 10 Qns, cowboybluedog, Jul 04 21
Easier
cowboybluedog gold member
Jul 04 21
810 plays
9.
  Renaissance Festivals in the United States   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Test your knowledge of this popular fair-going pastime.
Average, 10 Qns, skylarb, Jul 04 21
Average
skylarb
Jul 04 21
266 plays
10.
  Did You "LOVE" The Beatles in Las Vegas? editor best quiz   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
"LOVE", a Cirque du Soleil production, is a wild romp through The Beatles' history and music. This quiz provides a small glimpse of the show and its background.
Average, 10 Qns, kapuskasing, Jul 04 21
Average
kapuskasing
Jul 04 21
2572 plays
trivia question Quick Question
What name is given to the tent-like structure that some travelling circuses still use?

From Quiz "Let's Go To The Circus!"




11.
  Human Oddities editor best quiz   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Back before Jerry Springer and other talk shows, people went to sideshows to be shocked and amazed. Who are some of the folks who were stars of the bygone era?
Very Difficult, 10 Qns, ubermom, Jul 04 21
Very Difficult
ubermom
Jul 04 21
6174 plays
12.
  The Greatest Quiz On Earth editor best quiz   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz will cover the history and traditions of what has been billed as "The Greatest Show on Earth" - The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Difficult, 10 Qns, MaceoMack, Jul 04 21
Difficult
MaceoMack
Jul 04 21
4270 plays
13.
  A-Cute Angle    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The art of contortion is one of the oldest forms of visual entertainment. Sometimes seen at circuses and fairs, it can also be seen in elaborate shows that feature dance and rhythmic gymnastics.
Average, 10 Qns, dcpddc478, Jul 21 21
Average
dcpddc478
Jul 21 21
571 plays
14.
  Country Fair Sideshows and Contests    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
An essential part of any English Country Fair are the sideshows. There are many different ones. Can you name these?
Average, 10 Qns, Toeknee448, Jul 04 21
Average
Toeknee448
Jul 04 21
403 plays
15.
  Roll Up! Roll Up!    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
A short history of the circus.
Average, 10 Qns, Tan72, Jul 04 21
Average
Tan72
Jul 04 21
345 plays
16.
  The Magnificent Humbug: A quiz about P.T. Barnum    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
No one has made more of a contribution to American circuses, carnivals, and fairs of all kinds than Phineas Taylor Barnum. I hope you will enjoy this glimpse into the life of a showman extraordinaire!
Tough, 10 Qns, LaLaLoopy, Jul 04 21
Tough
LaLaLoopy
Jul 04 21
318 plays
17.
  Come to an English Country Fair    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Many English towns and villages have their own summer fair, some big, some small. Although some places invent new names for these tents, there are also the traditional ones. How many of these can you recognise?
Easier, 10 Qns, Toeknee448, Jul 04 21
Easier
Toeknee448
Jul 04 21
525 plays
18.
  Jumbo the Elephant   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
This is a quiz about Jumbo the elephant, the "biggest" star of Barnum and Bailey's, "Greatest Show On Earth".
Average, 15 Qns, wordwalker, Jul 04 21
Average
wordwalker
Jul 04 21
446 plays
19.
  Follow That Troupe!    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Daphne is a circus performer who has travelled with circuses and other touring shows for hundreds of years. She is witnessing circus history, and I'm quizzing you on it. Good luck!
Average, 10 Qns, Oidioid32123, Jul 04 21
Average
Oidioid32123
Jul 04 21
260 plays
20.
  Sideshow People   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I have always admired the people of the sideshow, and in some cases envied the adventures they had because of their "deformity or handicap".
Average, 10 Qns, bustigger, Jul 04 21
Average
bustigger
Jul 04 21
522 plays
21.
  Renaissance Faires    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz contains questions about the Renaissance Faires, and the folks that frequent them. Good luck and have fun!
Tough, 10 Qns, cordelya, Jul 04 21
Tough
cordelya
Jul 04 21
847 plays
22.
  Are You Going to the Faire?    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I found this title as a challenge quiz and since I am a Renaissance Faire performer, how could I resist?
Average, 10 Qns, Ravenloft, Jul 04 21
Average
Ravenloft gold member
Jul 04 21
308 plays
23.
  Johnny Eck, King of the Freaks    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Johnny Eck was one of the most popular human oddities of the heyday of the sideshow. Learn more, or test what you already know.
Tough, 10 Qns, ubermom, Jul 04 21
Tough
ubermom
Jul 04 21
504 plays
24.
  Trapeze Tricks    
Multiple Choice
 5 Qns
This is a quiz about different tricks you can do on a flying trapeze. I hope everyone gets the chance to try them eventually!
Tough, 5 Qns, happiemukmuk, Jul 04 21
Tough
happiemukmuk
Jul 04 21
824 plays
25.
  Cirque Du Soleil Madness    
Multiple Choice
 20 Qns
For all people who have been touched by Cirque to the point of obsession. Or for those who are just too damn bored, here is a quiz that hopefully you can have some fun with!
Tough, 20 Qns, detecdiva, Jul 04 21
Tough
detecdiva
Jul 04 21
680 plays
26.
  Circus 1    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Here is a quiz relating to one of America's favorite pastimes. Good luck.
Difficult, 10 Qns, steiny1, Jul 04 21
Difficult
steiny1
Jul 04 21
1287 plays
27.
  Cirque du Soleil    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
How much do you know about cirque? Take my quiz and find out. Good luck!
Tough, 10 Qns, Jacomino, Jul 04 21
Tough
Jacomino
Jul 04 21
928 plays

Circuses & Fairs Trivia Questions

1. What was the Big Top?

From Quiz
Under the Big Top

Answer: The largest tent at the circus

The Big Top was the largest tent at mid-19th and early 20th century circuses, and all the major action of the circus happened there. It was not a fixed structure, nor a top hat, and although it might be fun to see clowns twirling around in some kind of giant toy top, I have never heard of such a thing in reality.

2. At Daphne's inaugural performance, she connects with the "father of the modern circus", aptly named due to his work in creating an amphitheatre that combined many aspects of a modern circus. Who was this man?

From Quiz Follow That Troupe!

Answer: Philip Astley

Philip Astley invented the circus ring in 1768, and capitalized on his success by opening Astley's Amphitheatre in 1773, an arena where he combined music, animal shows, acrobats, and clowns. The building burned down in 1794 but was rebuilt. 99 years later, it was permanently demolished. The other three people listed have nothing to do with the circus. King George III lived in the same time period, but much of his career was spent on international affairs. Frank Buckles was the second to last World War 1 combat veteran to die. Benjamin Disraeli was the prime minister of Britain in the mid 19th century and built up the British Empire.

3. The Circus Maximus was located in which city?

From Quiz Roll Up! Roll Up!

Answer: Rome

The Circus Maximus was rebuilt several times. In its earliest versions it was built of wood, finally being built in stone by Trajan in the first century AD. It is believed that the first circus was built on this site as early as 500 BC. Events that would have taken place here include festivals, races, games, feasts and religious observations.

4. One or two brave, usually well known people are asked to put their heads into a hole where the face would be in a cartoon lady and competitors throw damp sponges at them. What is this lady called?

From Quiz Country Fair Sideshows and Contests

Answer: Aunt Sally

The more famous the victim is, the more money he/she raises as people vie to put the sponge into their face in this good-natured side show.

5. This stall at the English Country Fair is where people dispose of goods they no longer need but which are too good to throw away. For what animal is this stall named?

From Quiz Come to an English Country Fair

Answer: White Elephant

Although some people try to dispose of their rubbish, organisers prefer to have quality objects and it is often possible to find quite valuable knick-knacks. Goods range from kitchen equipment and china to lamps and small furniture.

6. P.T. Barnum was a nineteenth century American showman, entrepreneur, writer and politician. What did the initials "P.T." stand for?

From Quiz There's a Sucker Born...

Answer: Phineas Taylor

Phineas Taylor Barnum was born on July 5, 1810, in Bethel, Connecticut. In his early years, Barnum became a small-time business owner and newspaper writer. Phineas T. Barnum learned during these formative years that many customers were gullible; it would be easy to deceive them with elaborate stories and false claims. In 1834, Barnum sold his store and moved to New York City.

7. Jumbo was only 40 inches tall, at the shoulders, when he was discovered in French Sudan Africa in 1861. So why was he named Jumbo?

From Quiz Jumbo the Elephant

Answer: It was a derivative of a Swahili word

Jumbo's name is a derivative of the Swahili word jumbe which means "chief". It was because of P. T. Barnum's promotion of Jumbo's name that the word came to be used in the English language to indicate something was very large.

8. Fanny Mills was a petite 115 pounds, but suffered from Milroy's disease. What part of Fanny's body was afflicted?

From Quiz Sideshow People

Answer: feet

70 to 80 percent of people afflicted with Milroy's disease are women. Fanny wore a size 30 shoes, and was pitched as the Ohio Big Foot Girl. Each foot was nearly 19 inches long and 10 inches wide and she used pillowcases as socks.

9. When was the Ringling Brothers Circus founded?

From Quiz The Greatest Quiz On Earth

Answer: 1884

Within ten years, the small circus founded by the Ringling Brothers established itself as one of the largest and best run circuses in the country.

10. The oldest record of a clown dates back to around 2500 B.C. Which country was he from?

From Quiz Clowning is Serious Business Too

Answer: Egypt

The first known clown was a pygmy. He entertained Pharaoh Dadkeri-Assi as the court fool during Egypt's Fifth Dynasty. Clowns have performed in the courts of Chinese kings since 1818 B.C.

11. Which Las Vegas hotel/casino built a special theater to host "LOVE"?

From Quiz Did You "LOVE" The Beatles in Las Vegas?

Answer: The Mirage

The theater at The Mirage was built specifically to present "LOVE". According to Alan R. Hills, company manager for "LOVE", in June 2005, the theater had "dirt floors and no back wall". The show's preview opening was held on June 2, 2006.

12. Johnny Eck was born on August 27, 1911, in the hometown of Babe Ruth and Edgar Allen Poe. What city can brag of Johnny as one of its native sons?

From Quiz Johnny Eck, King of the Freaks

Answer: Baltimore

Johnny was born and died in the same red-brick row house in the Highlandtown section of Baltimore. He changed his name from Eckhardt to the more theatrical Eck when he began performing in sideshows.

13. Which well known actress, best known for her comedic roles, made a cameo appearance in the movie version of "Alegria"?

From Quiz Cirque Du Soleil Madness

Answer: Whoopi Goldberg

Due to her love of the Cirque, she came to visit the director on the set and had to join the cast. She played a baby in the clown scene, the one that crawls up on the table and says "Mamma".

14. Johnny Eck began work as a carnival freak in 1923, at the age of 12. He toured with his physically normal twin brother, Robert, to heighten the amazement of the audience. What was Johnny billed as?

From Quiz Human Oddities

Answer: "The Half Boy"

Johnny was born with no legs and an underdeveloped spine and lower pelvis, which left him looking as if he'd been cut off at the waist. He walked on his hands.

15. This is a very basic trick, where your legs are hooked over the bar. To catch, you let go with your hands and look for the catcher. When they grab your hands, you would let go with your knees. Catch! What is this trick?

From Quiz Trapeze Tricks

Answer: Knee-hang

Another variation of this trick for the less supple is called the hocks-off. In that, instead of hooking your knees and letting go of your hands, you put your legs in the same position as knee hang, but keep your hands on the bar. When you swing back for the catch, the catcher says, "Hep!" and you let go and reach for the catcher's hands. Catch!

16. In what year was the Kansas City Renaissance Festival's first season?

From Quiz Renaissance Faires

Answer: 1976

The Kansas City Renaissance Festival is on 15 acres of land, which located 15 minutes from Kansas City. The Faire celebrated its 26th season in 2002.

17. Which civilisation is credited with creating the first circuses?

From Quiz Let's Go To The Circus!

Answer: Romans

The first circuses were rather grisly affairs. They featured chariot races, exotic animals, and duels to the death between gladiators and animals.

18. Considered by many to be the first true Renaissance fair in the United States, the "Renaissance Pleasure Faire" was held in 1963 as a radio station fundraiser. In which state was it held?

From Quiz Renaissance Festivals in the United States

Answer: California

The fair was organized by a Los Angeles schoolteacher, Phyllis Patterson, and her husband Ron. The one-weekend fair drew about 8,000 visitors and was intended to raise money for station KPFK. The Living History Center helped to design the fair.

19. Who is the person who introduces the different circus acts?

From Quiz Under the Big Top

Answer: the Ringmaster

A traditional opening line for the ringmaster is "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages..." The ringmaster then goes on to manage the smooth flow of the show, directing the audience's attention to each act as the previous one is being dismantled. He uses words like "spectacular" and "amazing" to increase the crowd's excitement. And he may be called upon to stall for time by talking with a clown or telling jokes. The ringmaster is arguably the most important performer in the circus. A female ringmaster is called a ringmistress.

20. While travelling with a pantomime, Daphne notices a man who looks quite like staple performer in any circus today, Joseph Grimaldi. What circus act did Grimaldi pioneer?

From Quiz Follow That Troupe!

Answer: Clown

Despite being a clown, Grimaldi was more often featured in pantomimes than in circuses. He had been a clown for many years, starting when he was three years old. Grimaldi is the originator of the phrase "here we are again," a phrase which is commonplace in English today. After retiring in 1823 because he was sick, he later died in 1837 after a night of heavy drinking.

21. The modern circus made its debut in 1770 in which European city?

From Quiz Roll Up! Roll Up!

Answer: London

The first modern circus was created by Philip Astley, who had served in the Seven Years' War as a cavalry officer. He was a talented rider, and upon leaving the army, established himself as a showman. After two years, he needed to broaden the entertainment provided in his shows, and hired clowns, acrobats and jugglers. To showcase his show, he built an arena to perform in which he named a 'circus' due to its round shape. Many modern circus historians argue that this is the only connection between the Roman Circus and its modern day counterpart. His second circus was opened in Paris in 1772, and after that, most large modern cities began to build their own circus buildings.

22. There are a row of large nuts balanced on short poles. Contestants try to knock them off with wooden balls. What is this side show called?

From Quiz Country Fair Sideshows and Contests

Answer: Coconut Shy

To shy means to throw. Rumour has it that sometimes the nuts are stuck into the cups in which they stand because they are so hard to dislodge.

23. The ladies of the area usually stock this stall with their baking. They frequently serve, wearing pristine white or bright flowery aprons and head scarves. What is it called?

From Quiz Come to an English Country Fair

Answer: Cake Stall

The Cake Stall is frequently the first to sell out. It sells cakes, buns, breads, and even preserves and looks a treat. These days there are health rules and regulations to be observed in the baking and selling of these goods. When they were first introduced it was feared that even the most hygienic bakers would not be able to contribute, but people have adjusted and these stalls are as good as ever.

24. One fun feature that is more often seen in stationary locations like amusement parks is one that has rooms which may be mirrored, tilted, darkened or use other optical illusions to befuddle all those who enter. What is this place called?

From Quiz You Rode a WHAT?

Answer: A funhouse

A funhouse may have one or some or all of the features that some of its similar facilities have. Thus, one may be called House of Mirrors or Crooked House or Lost City. Even though carnival and amusement park rides that have incorporated illusions into their trips, a true funhouse is still one in which the participant is walking and experiencing all at his or her own pace. That seems to be a big part of the gratification.

25. In 1841, P.T. Barnum purchased a New York City museum from John Scudder. Barnum renamed this building "Barnum's ________ Museum."

From Quiz There's a Sucker Born...

Answer: American

In 1841, P.T. Barnum purchased Scudder's American Museum, located on Broadway and Ann Street in Manhattan. He promptly renamed it "Barnum's American Museum." This museum became extremely popular for its side show exhibits which included various types of human "freaks." Barnum's American Museum opened its doors in January 1842 and attracted millions of visitors over the next two decades. Barnum's American Museum burned to the ground in July 1865 in a spectacular fire; the cause of the blaze was never officially determined.

26. In 1863 Jumbo was bought by a collector and was later sold to the menagerie at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris. In 1865 he was sold to the Regent Park Zoo. The Regent Park Zoo is located in which United Kingdom city?

From Quiz Jumbo the Elephant

Answer: London

Jumbo had grown to four feet tall and came to London's Regent Park Zoo in poor health. Under the care of zookeeper Matthew "Scotty" Scott he soon began to flourish and became the darling of London's public.

27. Percilla and Emmitt Bejano were married in 1938, she was known as The Monkey Girl. What was so special about Emmitt?

From Quiz Sideshow People

Answer: He was the Alligator -Skinned Man

Percilla and Emmitt were married until Emmitt's death in 1995. Percilla once teased Emmitt saying "I think I'll shave and dye my hair blond and have a new look." Emmitt's response? "You do and I'm gonna walk out on you. I love you as you are." Percilla did not shave her face until the last few years of her life. She died in her sleep in 2001.

28. How many of the Ringling Brothers were involved in the initial creation of the circus?

From Quiz The Greatest Quiz On Earth

Answer: five

The circus was founded by five of the seven Ringling Brothers. They were: Albert (1852-1916), Otto (1858-1911), Alfred T. (1862-1919), Charles (1863-1926), and John (1866-1936). Collectively they became known as "Kings of the Circus World". The quintet was joined by a sixth brother, Henry (1869-1918) in 1886, and the seventh brother, August G. "Gus" (1854-1907) in 1889. Brothers Charles and John served as the shows supervising managers.

29. What is the predominant color in the advertising for "LOVE"?

From Quiz Did You "LOVE" The Beatles in Las Vegas?

Answer: Yellow

The top floors of the host hotel/casino's exterior are awash with a can't-miss, brightly lit yellow "LOVE" scheme. Full-page ads in local magazines show a swirly yellow background with four red human silhouettes cavorting on and about the word "LOVE". To see this and learn more about the show, visit: http://www.thebeatles.com/hub/love/site/.

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