Wednesday, October 18, 2000:

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From Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, June 11, 1997

Circus to pay tribute to Buddy Holly

By WILLIAM KERNS
A-J Entertainment Editor

The reputation of Lubbock-born rock 'n' roll innovator Buddy Holly endures and will be celebrated todays with an appearance by elephants, horses, Holly's family and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus celebrities.

The site of the 10:30 a.m. Holly salute is the area surrounding the singer's life-size statue, located west of the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

Performers in the circus' blue unit, enjoying rare days off between Austin and Lubbock engagements, arrived in town Tuesday.

Those who missed Tuesday's animal walk will be able todays to see 12 elephants, other animals, clowns, acclaimed British animal trainer Graham Thomas Chipperfield and circus ringmaster Dinnycq McGuire.

Also expected at the event are Maria Elena Holly, the performer's widow, and Holly's older brother, Larry O. Holley.cq

Allison Roper, regional marketing and sales manager for the circus, gave a preview of the salute.

''All the guys from the circus will be wearing white dinner jackets, white shirts and bow ties, and large framed glasses like those Buddy Holly wore,'' she said. ''The performers just love Buddy Holly, and we also found it appropriate because Holly released some major songs in June.''

In addition, a aniarfominiature horse named Buddy Holly also will be at today's event.

Performances by the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will take place at the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets are priced at $16.25, $14.25 and $11.25.