Big Apple Circus 13, 2017 that they will auction off their assets. On February 14, 2017, Big Apple Circus announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court had approved the sale of their assets to Big Top Works, an affiliate of Compass Partners, for $1.3 million. As part of the sale, the circus will be renewed for its 40th anniversary season and some community programs will continue. On March 21, 2017, Big Apple Circus announced that renowned acrobat Nik Wallenda will be the headline act in the 40th anniversary season at Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park in New York City from October 26, 2017 to January
Big Apple Circus new tent was purchased, and Michael Christensen was given a Parenting Achievement award by "Parents" magazine, to recognize his work with Clown Care. Gary Dunning became the Big Circus' executive director in 1994. In addition, the coffee brand Chock full o'Nuts began sponsoring the circus. Peter T. Grauer became the circus' Chairman in 1995, replacing Patricia Rosenwald. In 1996, the circus' Art in Education program began to work in different grade schools. Clown Care continued to develop, opening chapters in Washington, D.C. and in Connecticut. 1997 saw new attendance records set, as an estimated 170,000 people went to see the