George Hanneford III
is the youngest son of Victoria and George Hanneford Jr., and, like his
sister Catherine, was raised to be a performer. He was born in 1971 and
grew up with the three elephants that his parents brought over from Thailand
for their new touring circus show - the Hanneford Family Circus.
From the beginning George showed great promise as a circus star and was
soon practicing the inherant skills of his family - tumbling, acrobatics,
and horsemanship. During his teens he created a trampoline act with Catherine
and worked it in the family show until his father retired from active performing.
At that point he took over the bareback riding act and also helped his
sister with the elephant routine. As a tumbler George became one of the
best until a knee injury slowed him down.
In his late teens George studied business in college to prepare him for
his future roll as manager of the family show, taking out the elephant
act during the summer while Catherine remained behind at the Swap Shop
with her liberty horses. After college he returned to performing full time
at the Swap Shop doing his bareback routine and the elephants.
At one point in the long run at Fort Lauderdale's famous tourist attraction
the show was short an announcer. George picked up the mike and turned his
talents towards ringmaster. He soon discovered a natural ability and, as
he gained confidence, became a first rate announcer.
Since Catherine's departure for the Ringling show, George has taken over
as elephant trainer and handler, and helps run the daily routines of the
show's operation - both on stage and off. With a lifetime of circus experience,
George Hanneford III is certain to carry the family show, and name, well
into the 21st century.
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