Video: Beloved Performer and Local Heroes Honored at Circus Pre-Show

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TUPEOL, Miss. (WCBI) — It’s been one year since an elephant with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus was the victim of a drive by shooting in Tupelo. Also, the events of December 23rd are still fresh in the minds of those in the area. That is the day a bank robber killed Sergeant Gale Stauffer and injured his partner. Wednesday, as the circus prepared for a four day run, some special people were honored and a star makes a triumphant return.

Trainer Cathy Carden says the 40 year old circus star spent a few months recuperating, joining the show late last summer and is stronger than ever. Carol [the elephant] also got a special super circus heroes cape, autographed by local well wishers.

“I was thrilled to come back to Tupelo because we did get such an outpouring of love, from all over the world, actually, and of course Tupelo.” said Carden. “I was thrilled to get to come back and show everyone she’s doing so well and doing so awesome, cause I’m sure they were thinking about her , everyone here is thinking about her and wondering how she is doing.”

For one young superhero, getting a close up look at the circus and one of its biggest stars was a huge thrill.

“She was pretty,” said six year old John Samuel Huckaby when asked what he thought of the elephant.

John Samuel Huckaby is a local hero who deals with Spina Bifida on a daily basis. Today he received a super hero cape, along with 8 year old Madison Hayes, who has Cerebral Palsy.

The circus starts Thursday and runs through Sunday and is called “Super Circus Heroes.”

Along with the young heroes, capes were presented to Sergeant Gale Stauffer’s widow, Beth, and  Officer Joseph Maher, Tupelo Fire chief Thomas Walker and Battallion Chief Mike Thomas.

Beth Stauffer says the latest show of support means a lot:

“For them to put the cape on me is , I don’t know how to take that cause I’m just kind of taking it day by day and really the person who was the hero was Gale, and he didn’t even have to wear a cape , he just kind of was one, but I will tell you I have taken on that role, it’s funny I’ve taken on a lot of Gale’s traits and I think he’s living through me , living vicariously through me.”

The superheroes enjoyed lunch, took home some gifts and best of all, they all get tickets to the greatest show on earth.