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In May 1979, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus took over the Cumberland County Civic Center for four days of performances.

A few other circuses have come to the city since then. However, in fall 2017, an ordinance was passed in Portland banning the use of wild and/or exotic animals.

It must have been quite a sight to see at least 10 elephants traipsing across Spring Street on their way into the Civic Center.

In May 1979, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus set up at what was then called the Cumberland County Civic Center for four days, featuring eight shows. Onlookers watch as many elephants walk by. (Portland Press Herald photo courtesy of Portland Public Library Special Collections and Archives)
A few people are seen riding elephants outside the Cumberland County Civic Center in 1979 when the circus came to town. (Portland Press Herald photo courtesy of Portland Public Library Special Collections and Archives)
A woman sits high atop an elephant when the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus came to Maine in 1979. (Portland Press Herald photo courtesy of Portland Public Library Special Collections and Archives)

See more photos of life in Maine from our archives here.

Aimsel Ponti is a music writer and content producer for the Portland Press Herald. She has been obsessed with – and inspired by – music since she listened to Monkees records borrowed from the town...

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