Carson & Barnes Circus in town this week

VW independent/submitted information

As part of its 78th consecutive year of touring the United States, Carson & Barnes Circus, the largest traveling big top tent circus in America, will visit Van Wert this Thursday, July 24, at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds. Shows are scheduled for 4:30 and 7:30 Thursday evening.

This year’s “Big Top Rag Time Circus Ball” is being hailed as one of the greatest shows produced over the last eight decades, with a two-hour show under the Big Top filled with acts that will amaze the audience.  Patrons will be in awe of the acrobats, aerial daredevils, spectacular pageantry and the cast of amazing performing animals.

This year, circus officials are proud to feature the “Globe of Death” where not one … not two … but three of the world’s top motorcycle stunt daredevils will risk their lives and ride against each other inside the giant iron cage. Racing at high speeds in tight spaces presents extreme dangers, with enormous risks that will keep those who attend on the edge of their seats.

Franchesca Cavallini, a 19-year-old trapeze artist, will not only astound circus-goers as she twists and turns on the flying trapeze, but will also win their hearts with her performance of “I am the Circus”. From a young age, Cavallini has loved animals — and especially elephants — and she also realized she could use her passion to sing to help these magnificent creatures she loves so much. Nationally known songwriter and producer Jacque Hollander wrote the song “I am the Circus” for her and produced a CD. The CD is for sale, with 100 percent of the proceeds donated to the Endangered Ark Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Accompanying her in her five-minute extravaganza are aerialists, a glittered pageantry of showgirls and her favorite elephant, “DelRita.” Together they present a performance to be remembered.

Other acts sure to delight the audience include the quick change featuring the Campa Duo, where magically Miss Amanda changes costumes in the blink of an eye; a tribute to Indian ancestors featuring head balancing artist Gerrod and aerial ballerinas; the circus’ prancing Appaloosa stallions; the high jumping performing poodles; the world renowned juggling artistry of the Rosales Family; and, of course, the stars of the show: the Carson & Barnes performing Asian elephants. The two-hour performance is full of non-stop action that will thrill the entire family.

Come out early and visit the petting zoo, which features Willy the camel, Bandit the llama, Jack the Sicilian donkey, Cupid, the rare zedonk, and many other loveable creatures. Also enjoy the midway attractions, such as elephant rides, camel rides, pony rides, the giant slide and a ride on the train.

For the nearly 1 million guests who will gather under the tent this year for the thrills and excitement that are the hallmark of the greatest of all family entertainments, it all comes down to the center ring, where the outside world yields to the fantasy world under the big top — an American icon.

To find a complete tour schedule, show information, and how to buy tickets, visit the circus website at www.BigTopShow.com.

Advance tickets may be purchased at discounted prices at Mi Ranchito Mexican restaurant.