The tradition of Carnicus returns to Knoxville this April with “The Circus Returns: The 100th Anniversary of Carnicus.”
All Campus Events (ACE) will be hosting the 2012 Carnicus at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, April 14, at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium. This year’s theme will honor the 100th anniversary of Carnicus with a circus twist. The competition will include ten organizations performing a variety of skits that tie into popular movies, TV shows, and holidays—all with a touch of college humor.
Awards will be given to best actress and actor, as well as the highly coveted ACE cup.
In the early 1900s, students celebrated the end of the year’s classes with an event called the June Jubilee. It evolved into a carnival with Glee Club performances, vaudeville shows, and side shows. In 1912 a circus was added, with students dressing as elephants, cows, and other animals. By 1925, the festival had become a mid-winter carnival held indoors and the circus an outdoor event held in the spring. In 1929, the All Campus Events Committee combined the two activities, and George Abernathy, a member of the All Students’ Club, coined the word “Carnicus.” As Carnicus evolved over the years, emphasis was placed on the skit competitions.
Alumni and former participants are encouraged to attend. Tickets are $10 for UT students, $13 for UT faculty and staff, and $15 for the general public. Tickets may be purchased in the Central Ticket Office at 865-974-3381, or through Knoxville Tickets at 865-656-4444 or www.knoxvilletickets.com.