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Circus comes to Manawa

Lions sponsor Aug. 18 event

By Jane Myhra


An old-fashioned big top circus is coming to town on Thursday, Aug. 18.

Performances by the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus are set for 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at Hoffmann Memorial Park, 5888 E. County Trunk B.

The circus is sponsored by the Manawa Lions Club.

“We thought it would be something fun, something the area hasn’t had for several years,” said Lions member Annette Ziebell. “It is affordable fun for families, right here in Manawa.”

According to Ziebell, the Big Top will be set up in front of the shelter house on the Rodeo Grounds between 9-9:30 a.m. on the day of the circus. The public is invited to watch as animals are unloaded, the Big Top is erected and rigging is prepared for performances later in the day.

A free tour will follow the raising of the Big Top, offering a unique face-to-face opportunity for families, schools and community members to meet and learn about the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus family.

A walking tour of the circus grounds will include facts about the performers, a history of the show and the different species of animals included in the circus family.

Topics discussed will include hygiene, grooming and the veterinary care of the animals.

On circus day, the performers bring the magic of the circus to life in each 90-minute performance.

This year’s lineup includes an all-star group of performers and entertainers, including Miss Simone and her breath taking single trapeze; Miss Paulina’s proud “big & little” prancing ponies; The Arlise Troupe on their wild and crazy unicycles; Natalie’s American Eskimo Escapades; Miss Georgia displaying flexability to the extreme; The Jungle Cats, Soloman, Delilah and Francis; and, for the first time, the Wheel of Destiny and Tight Rope by The Perez Family.

Save money by purchasing tickets in advance at Manawa Heating & Cooling, Sturm Memorial Library, Manawa Telephone Company, Manawa City Hall, Premier Community Bank, First State Bank and The Store, all in Manawa, and at Coyote’s Western Wear, in Greenville.

Prices for advance tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors (65 and over) and children ages 2 to 12. On show day, tickets will be $13 for adults and $8 for seniors and children. There is no charge for children under age 2.

There will be no charge for parking.

On Aug. 18, the Midway Box Office opens at 4 p.m. The fun begins with pony rides, moonbounce, concessions and more.

Now in its 31st edition, C&M Circus has become internationally known for quality family entertainment.

This authentic one-ring, big top circus has been featured on TV and in newspapers and magazines. It was featured on the A&E Special, “Under the Big Top,” and most recently, “On the Road with Circus Kids,” a Nickelodeon special featured on the Nick News Program.

For more information or to reserve tickets, call 866 BIG TOP 6 before 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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