THE CIRCUS HITS THE ROAD

THE CIRCUS HITS

Nearly everyone eventually visits the Grand Canyon, including Bil Keane's "Family Circus."

The real life experiences of the Keane family, Arizonans since 1959, are the basis for the popular cartoon feature. Faithful readers especially look forward to the Keanes' summer vacations, when the daily installments of "Family Circus" become like postcards chronicling their travels and antics.

The Keane children are grown with children of their own now, and Bil relies on visits with his grandchildren to inspire his sensitive wit.

"I guess I'll have to take the grandchildren to the Canyon this next time," he says, adding, "the Grand Canyon still remains to me the prime place to take visitors when they stay with us."

Keane, a member of the National Cartoonist's Society was named Cartoonist of the Year in 1983. His syndicated feature "Family Circus" appears in 1100 newspapers worldwide.

THE ROAD

Originally published in the September 1984 issue of Arizona Highways.

"After we see the sunrise, THEN Can we all go back to bed?"

"This is like a church, Mommy. Everyone's whispering."

"Reminds me of the rainbow layer cake you made for my birthday."

"Stop eating 'tato chips, Jeffy. We're trying to hear the river."

"Gee! This is too much like SCHOOL!"

"It smells like Christmas here."

"Why does Mommy hafta be alone to medicate?"

"Daddy's pictures will be better than these 'cause we'll be in them."

"That's gonna be a hard act to follow."