The circus is coming to Fort William Gardens.
Featuring a new act like the Cavallo Equestrian Arts, the Famous Vitals human target shooting act, the Amazing Artistic Lyra and the acrobatic Poema Family, the 57th annual Shrine Circus is an event that is sure to please children of all ages, organizers said.
“What I love about the circus coming to town is the smiles on the kids’ faces when they see it,” said Ed Carr, circus manager for the Lakehead Shrine Club.
Of course it’s all for a good cause, he added.
“We have 22 (children’s) hospitals we have to support. Some of the money goes to that, but some of it goes to local activities too,” Carr said.
The hospitals, which support children throughout the region, treat everything from orthopedic injuries and diseases, advanced burns and spinal cord injuries.”
“It doesn’t all go to the hospitals. It supports activities in the area too. We donate some to the George Jeffery Children’s centre.”
Tony Biscardi, president of the Lakehead Shrine Club, said the annual circus is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, but just as important, it’s a whole lot of fun, he said.
“The circus is for children of all ages. Everyone loves the circus – well, at least I hope everyone loves the circus. And there’s lots to see,” Biscardi said.
“There’s lots of animal acts, some acrobats. I know that there is a motorcycle act and some clowns, and there’s an unbelievable archer who shoots an apple off his assistant’s head, which is impressive. You’ll enjoy the circus if you come out.”
It’s popularity has stayed high for good reason, he added.
“Everyone has a child in them and when you go to the circus you’re allowed to be a child again. The fact is that we have been around for 57 years and it has become a tradition, parents want their kids to experience what they experienced,” Biscardi said.
Tickets are $13 in advance and are available at Shriner’s kiosks in several local malls, at select convenience stores, including High Variety, all Safeway stores and at the Gardens box office.
On show days tickets will only be available at the Gardens and cost $16. Children four and younger are admitted free of charge.
There will be two shows a day on Friday and Saturday, one at 4 p.m. and one at 8 p.m.
