Famed circus music composer (and Windjammer Unlimited Hall of Fame member) Karl King's 125th birthday was celebrated February 19-21, 2016 with a weekend of celebratory events in his adopted home town of Fort Dodge, Iowa.   King was born on February 21, 1891 in the tiny hamlet of Paintersville, Ohio, but he spent the last half century-plus of his life in Fort Dodge.

Festivities began Friday, February 19 as employees of the C. L. Barnhouse Company, King's primary music publisher, enjoyed a birthday cake decorated with a few measures from one of King's most exciting circus galops, "Circus Days."   The cake has become an annual tradition at the Barnhouse Co. as part of Karl King birthday celebrations.

On Saturday, February 20, an open house was held at the Fort Dodge public library.   This event was organized by longtime King Band member and historian Nancy Olson, assisted by her daughter Susan, both Windjammers.   Nancy and Susan chose to feature music and artifacts from the earliest part of King's career: the nine years he spent trouping with various circus bands, first as a euphonium player and later as a bandmaster.

Exibists showcased each year of King's circus career, including maps showing the routes King traveled during each of those nine years.   In many cases, the route books, programs, advertising, and other fascinating artifacts from those years was displayed.  Of course, many Karl King musical selections were displayed as well, many showing dedications to circus performers and band members King worked with during his time as a circus musician.

Retired Fort Dodge music educator Larry Mitchell was on hand, attired in an authentic Karl King uniform, and in character as Mr. King.    Larry gave a wonderful presentation about King's life and career, from the first person, and captured Mr. King's sense of humor as well as his humility for which he was well known.

Also on hand was retired circus aerialist Sarah Chapman, whose career included tenures with Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey, King Bros., Carson and Barnes, and a host of other shows.   Sarah spoke of the musicians with whom she worked during her career, including Bill Pruyn, Boom Boom Browning, and Illy Cervone.   Sarah, a Florida native who participated in the Sailor Circus as a youth, told many engaging stories about her life and career with the circus.

Present day King Band conductor Jerrold P. Jimmerson was also on hand, and brought a personal scrapbook containing many programs, news clippings, and photographs from his early years as a member of the King Band.

Also in attenance was the granddaughter of Karl King, Michelle King Matlock, who travelled from her home in Indianapolis.   Michelle enjoyed meeting many fans of her grandfather, and also shared many personal recollections of him.

On Sunday February 21, the Karl L. King Municipal Band presented a gala 125th birthday concert at Iowa Central Community College's Decker Auditorium.   Conductor Jimmerson selected a program featuring music from King's circus days.   Assistant conductor Dr. David Klee conducted two selections, and vocal soloist Robert Patton performed two selections with the band.   The concert was enthusiastically received by a large and appreciative crowd.   The Karl King birthday concert is a tradition with the King Band, and it opens a series of three indoor winter concerts, before the band moves outdoors for its summer concert series.