Standing just outside the center ring at the Richmond Coliseum, Kimberly Drudge was as eager as any child to share details of her circus experience. The 7-year-old said the clowns were funny. The long-haired dog was pretty. And Asia, the 8,000-pound star of the latest Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey production, was wrinkly. The descriptions ring true with circus fans of all ages. Being able to relate to them through hands-on experience, however, meant even more to 32 visually impaired Virginia students like Kimberly who got a chance to see the circus their way yesterday.

Watch circus animals marching down the street at sunset in Richmond.

Take jungle animals and human performers, weave in magical twists and transform the circus into a must-see venue.  That’s the formula behind the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey 139th installment of “The Greatest Show on Earth.“