WORTHINGTON -- A day at the circus with friends and free food -- what more could a kid ask for? With exotic animals, pony rides, face painting, soft drinks and candy all in one day, it's a fantasy day most kids only dream of.
On Monday, that childhood dream can become a reality for both kids and adults alike, as the Shrine Circus comes to town at the Nobles County Fairgrounds in Worthington.
"It's sure to be a one-of-a-kind show," said Mike Hoeft, an organizer of the circus event.
The circus will run two shows throughout the course of the day, with the afternoon show, which begins at 11:30 a.m., open to the public and the evening show starting at 6:30 p.m. Local daycare groups are invited to the afternoon show each year. Hoeft believes the afternoon show brings in around 500 to 600 kids to enjoy a day at the circus.
"It's a special event for the kids," Hoeft said. "It's all at no expense to the daycare providers, so the kids get in free. It's perfect for a fun afternoon."
ADVERTISEMENT
Youths receive a special treat at the afternoon showing as they are given a soft drink, cotton candy, a hot dog and popcorn to enjoy as they watch circus entertainment. Since the show is geared toward families and children, there are concessions available at reasonable prices during both shows for those families that are not with a daycare group.
"We have everything (concessions) available for $2 or less, thanks to our corporate sponsors," commented Hoeft.
Hoeft expressed his appreciation to the sponsors from local area businesses that help organize the event and keep the circus coming back to the Worthington area. The circus entertains about 2,500 local citizens between the two shows combined.
"You know it's an amazing event when you can entertain a quarter of your population in one day," said Hoeft.
As for the entertainment, this year's show will bring acrobats, clowns, balancing acts, big cats, dogs, comedic acts and elephants to the center ring for the audience to enjoy. The program is sponsored by George Cardin Circus International, and Hoeft recognized the company as being the most well-known elephant entertaining act in North America.
"They've got great elephant acts that are sure to amaze the audience," said Hoeft.
During the intermission, kids are welcome to come down to the center ring for face painting, pony rides and elephant rides. At the end of the show, a free bicycle will be given away to the child with the matching ticket-stub number.
"We really just want the kids to enjoy their day," said Hoeft. "It's a really neat program, so we hope to get a large crowd out to enjoy the circus."
