These photos were taken on a morning in November 1996 in Sarasota, Florida by me. Wayne Hepburn, Author Elephants Erecting A Circus Tent We arrived at the county fairgrounds shortly after sun up. The elephants were milling about, eating hay. Other people arrived as we waited for the action to begin. You can see the shadow cast by someone nearby taking a picture. Here we see the harnesses laid out, Harnessing the "girls" for their task. Trundling off to do their job. The main tent poles which support the high top are put in place by heavy machines. Perimeter poles are placed every few feet by workers. Here come the girls to lift the tent. The team of three elephants are hitched to the base of a large tent pole and on command pull it into position which lifts the tent to proper height. The go from pole to pole until all are positioned. Then it's back to their own tent to while away the time until their performance in the show. My office was in the building you see in some of the photos. It is next door to the fairgrounds so I was able to visit the elephant's tent every day. Close this window or tab to return to Photo Gallery