The 1943 Victory Tour of the Wallace Brothers Circus came to Erie area and setup their tents on the fairgrounds at 26th & Pittsburgh Avenue and performed before a capacity crowd after a night performance was held back 30 minutes past show times due to heavy rains. The matinée earlier in the day was almost a blank with only a handful of spectators braving the weather. Officials reported though that a satisfactory business in the Side Show and Concert, along with Concessions that did a steady business, made the afternoon performance a success despite continuous showers.
The show appeared in Millcreek Township on May 18, 1943, at the west end of the Pittsburgh Avenue grounds, just outside of the City of Erie. This three-ring affair was billed as 100% American Circus and was twice its normal size. One of the added attractions was Mrs. Tom Mix and her cowboys and cowgirls. The circus poster featured a pair of tigers.
Billboard magazine ran a teaser for the show in its May 1, 1943 issue:
The choice in town circus lots fell to the plough, the victory gardener and national defense. Not withstanding, Wallace Bros. Circus will play here May 18 on the Pittsburgh Avenue grounds, home of the former Erie fair and regular carnival grounds. County Commissioner Dell Darling, Erie's No. 1 fan, announced that the Ringling show will not be in this season, but that Cole Bros. may appear later. Regular city transportation is available to the Pittsburgh lot.
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| Wallace Brothers Circus Grounds. |
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| Wallace Brothers Circus Grounds. |
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| Wallace Brothers Circus Grounds. |
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| Wallace Brothers Circus Grounds. |
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| Wallace Brothers Circus Grounds. |
