Circus troupe to perform twice Sunday
By Kathy Thomson
This Sunday, Oct. 6, the Culpepper & Merri-weather Circus will be in town, and anyone who ever dreamed of running away and joining the circus can get an up close view of what that might be like by going to watch members of the troupe raise the big top that morning and then staying to take in a free behind the scenes tour.
Tickets to the afternoon shows can be purchased from Albany Lions Club members at the local elementary schools, the Shackelford County Library, Lively Dog House, both local banks on Friday afternoon, or at Brookshire’s Grocery store around lunchtime on Saturday, according to Lions officer Janna Ledbetter.
Circus performances will delight audiences at 2:00 and 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6. The 90-100 minute shows will be held behind Nancy Smith Elementary School inside of the big top tent erected on Sunday morning.
Advance ticket sales benefit the Albany Lions Club, the local organization sponsoring the event.
“We use fundraising money to work toward our Lions Club Glasses for Children and other local causes,” Ledbetter said. “All the funds we raise stay in our local area.”
Tickets will also be sold at the door on Sunday, but they cost more than those purchased in advance, and the local organization does not receive nearly as much of the proceeds from those tickets.
Tickets bought in advance are $12 for adults and $7 for children from two to 12 years of age, and for seniors over 65. On show day, tickets will be $15 for adults and $8 for seniors and children. Children under two years old are admitted for free.
Online ticket purchases can be made at cmcircus.com.
“But we really prefer for everyone to pre-purchase their tickets if possible,” said Ledbetter. “It saves them some money, and it helps us help kids.”
The Circus
Culpepper & Merriweather Circus began 35 years ago with three partners who did everything. The show has grown over the years, and now the performers present the action-packed show in over 200 towns across 17 states every year.
The old-fashioned, big top circus is a 100-minute family-friendly show featuring big cats, unicyclists, trained circus dogs, a trapeze act, sword balancing, the Wheel of Destiny, Russian Swing, a contortionist, and prancing “Big & Little” ponies.
Skeeter, one of the circus clowns, performed at Nancy Smith Elementary School and at Moran last Friday.
“She was well received, and did an excellent show,” said Ledbetter. “I still can’t figure out how she does her tricks, and she wouldn’t tell me.”
Along with entertaining the elementary students, Skeeter told them a little about the circus and passed out coloring pages and a discount coupon.
“If they come to the circus with their coloring page completed, they can turn it in for a chance to win prizes,” said Ledbetter. “We’ll also be having a jelly bean contest at both Moran and NSES. The winner gets a ticket to the circus and the jelly beans, and we’ll have prizes for second and third place as well.”
Morning Tour
At 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 6, the traveling troupe will offer a free tour of the circus grounds to the public, including watching the workers raise the tent.
The tour also allows visitors to meet the animals up close and personal, learn about their routine and care, and get lots of information about the show’s daily operations.
Midway
The box office opens at 1:00 p.m., and the public is invited to enjoy the midway, including pony rides, a bounce house, and concessions.
Parents should note that a coupon for $1 off the pony ride will be included on the circus flyer sent home with students.
Lions Club members will have golf carts available to help those who need assistance.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call Ledbetter at 325-260-3857.
