Ringling Brothers closes the show forever with first female ringmaster at the helm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After 146 years of being an American icon, Ringling Brothers is closing its curtains forever.

At the helm is the very first female ringmaster. A Florida native and FSU graduate, Kristen Wilson will command the "the greatest show on Earth" and dazzle the crowd till the very end. In a bittersweet twist the show must go on even if it is for a very short time. The last show will be in May of this year. 

A variety of factors contributed to the decision to disband the multicity production. 

Top executives say in recent years the circus has seen declining tickets sales and  high operating costs,which resulted in the decision for Feld Entertainment to cease operation according to a press release sent to media outlets last Saturday. 

Ringling Brothers circus will perform its last shows  in Jacksonville this weekend, with the first show Thursday through Sunday  at the Veteran's Memorial Arena.