It’s All Ernest Fun as Milwaukee Sends In the Clowns

--A steam calliope piped out circus tunes as it once did at the turn of the century to let people know that the circus was coming to town. Then a small herd of elephants and 75 elegantly gilded historic circus wagons carrying lions and tigers and other fierce animals marched past 750,000 fans in the Great Circus Parade in Milwaukee. Spectators jammed several miles of downtown streets to view the extravaganza, which returned after an absence of a dozen years. Marching bands, clowns and equestrian units and circus performers added to the long, colorful display. One of the clowns was veteran actor Ernest Borgnine, who had appeared at the event in the past. Once arrived at the reviewing stand, he embraced parade organizer Ben Barkin. “He said he’s having a marvelous time,” Barkin said, laughing after the big hug. “He and his wife (Tova) paid their way here to be in the parade, and then he thanks me for asking him.”

--Ron Reagan Jr., President Reagan’s youngest son, said in New York that he will become an on-camera reporter for ABC. An ABC spokeswoman said later that a contract between Reagan and ABC Entertainment was “in the talking stages,” and ABC spokesman Tom Goodman emphasized that the contract was not with ABC News. “There is no relationship between ABC News and Ron Reagan Jr.,” he said. He was unable to say immediately what programs Reagan would be involved with. Reagan announced his new job during an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America” when he was asked, “We’re hearing rumors around here that you’re about to sign a deal with ABC-TV. Can you tell us about that?” “Well, ABC got in touch with me a while back and expressed interest in having me do some on-camera work for them, and I thought that was an idea fraught with the possibility for fun, so I said, ‘Sure,’ ” Reagan said. “It’s in the talking stages right now,” said Jachelene DeMave, a “Good Morning America” spokeswoman.

--Deborah Carthy-Deu, a 19-year-old university student from San Juan, Puerto Rico, was crowned Miss Universe in Miami, capping a pageant telecast around the world. Carthy-Deu, who bested 78 other contestants, wants to become an actress. She is 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs 118 pounds. The new Miss Universe, who was crowned by the 1984 queen, Yvonne Ryding of Sweden, won a $175,000 prize package. The first runner-up was Miss Spain, Teresa Sanchez, 20, of Seville. Miss Zaire, Benita Mureka, 18, of Kintambo was the second runner-up, with Miss Venezuela, Silvia Martinez, 20, of Caracas, the third runner-up. The 10 semifinalists included Miss United States, Laura Martinez-Herring, 22, of El Paso.