Part of everyone's childhood fun is attending the circus at some point, and one of the most famous circuses (circi?) to attend has always been the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus. According to USA Today, the circus shut down in 2017 after pleas from animal rights activists but a recent article says the event is revamping and returning in 2023.

Meanwhile, the namesakes of the Ringling Bros. Circus who lived out part of their own childhood in McGregor, Iowa were Albert ("Al"), Augustus ("Gus"), Otto, Alfred, Charles, John and Henry, along with their sister Ida.

Fire destroyed the home, but all in it are safe

The Ringlings lived in McGregor from 1860 to 1872 when, according to KWWL, they moved to Prairie Du Chein, Wisconsin. Sad news to report, as the home they lived in during their time in McGregor was recently proclaimed a "total loss" after a fire destroyed the property at 11643 Great River Rd. Despite several of the latest occupants being inside the house at the time, everyone got out and is safe. That family includes a mother, two kids, and three dogs who are all being assisted by the Red Cross at this time.

The Greatest Show On Earth has plans to revamp and return

It is believed that growing calls from animal rights protesters caused the previous incarnation of the Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey Circus to close operations four years ago. A spokesperson told USA Today that plans for how to launch the newly-revamped version of the circus, without animals, are still underway. An official announcement of the relaunch is expected in early 2022, as "The Greatest Show on Earth" will return, sans elephants, lions, and tigers, oh my!

Rustic Cedar Rapids Home Has Heated Floors and a Rock Climbing Wall

READ MORE: 25 Companies You Might Not Know Are Owned by Disney

More From 94.1 KRNA