Moila Shrine Temple Circus entertains children of all ages this weekend
Acrobats and jugglers and clowns, oh my!
The St. Joseph Civic Arena will be transformed into the big top this weekend, as the Moila Shrine Temple Circus comes to town. Show times are 7 p.m. tonight, 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday.
This year’s circus revolves around animal acts, says ringmaster Billy Martin. There are frisbee-catching dogs, elephants, ponies and Clayton Rosaire’s “educational as well as entertaining” act with white, tabby and Bengal tigers.
“That’s what people want to see,” Martin says. “We have so many requests for animals.”
Human acts include the Cortez Fliers, quick-change artists, aerial girls on the trapeze and three rings of jugglers and unicyclists.
Rex Strayer, public relations officer for Moila Shrine Temple, says he expects big crowds for the circus’ six shows over the weekend. Saturdays are usually sell-outs.
“The circus is kind of a show for all ages. I don’t care whether you’re a toddler to 65, this is the type of event that brings out the kid in everybody,” he says. “It’s one of the events that’s fun for the whole family.”
And families won’t have to shell out a lot of money for a trip to the circus. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children, with an additional charge for reserved seating.
Even the souvenirs are inexpensive, Strayer says. Moila Shrine Temple sells its own souvenirs, so they are able to keep the prices down. The most expensive item is $5.
“We try to keep it ... a good product for a low price for a good time,” Strayer says.
Martin, who has been ringmaster for about 30 years, says the unofficial theme for this year’s circus is “traditionally modern.”
“It’s all the aspects of an old-time, three-ring circus of yesteryear,” he says, “with all the modern touches of circus acts, with wardrobes and lighting.”
And whether you’re a child of 6 or 60, the circus has something for you, Martin says.
“The circus is really for adults, but they remember when their parents brought them, so they think it’s a kid thing,” he says. “So their excuse is to bring the kids, and it just keeps rolling over from generation to generation.”
Lifestyles reporter Lacey Storer can be e-mailed at lstorer@npgco.com.
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