SHOW ME CENTER HONORS 2 MILLIONTH CUSTOMER DURING THE CIRCUS MATINEE

Amity Banter became the 2 millionth person to walk through the Show Me Center turnstiles.

Banter, of Carbondale, Ill., was attending the June 26 matinee performance of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus when she was named the 2 millionth customer at the center.

The Show Me Center opened in August 1987.

Banter, who became the honorary ringmaster for that afternoon's circus performance, was awarded two tickets to every entertainment event taking place at the Show Me Center for the next year, including concerts, family shows and basketball games.

"This will total about 30 events," said David Ross, director of the center. "We're pleased to have Banter represent the Show Me Center as its 2 millionth customer."

A junior at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Banter was attending her first circus performance.

"Meeting the ringmaster and having an opportunity to blow the whistle that started the performance was an experience that I will never forget," said Banter.

The Show Me Center reached the 2 millionth milestone in its sixth year of operation.

The millionth customer was named in February 1990. Ken Hotop of Jackson was that customer at the Feb. 16, 1990, basketball game between the Southeast Missouri State University Indians and Southwest Baptist University.