Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Under the “big top” at this year’s Anah Shrine Circus – which kicks off Thursday at 7 p.m. at The Forum in Presque Isle – children of all ages will be both entertained and amazed.
Contributed photo
THE GARCIA THRILL RIDERS will be performing at this year’s Shrine Circus at The Forum in Presque Isle. Shows will be Thursday, April 30 at 7 p.m., Friday, May 1 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Saturday, May 2 at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The spectacular new production, which has been created especially for Anah Shriners in Maine, features many new acts never before seen in Aroostook County.
This year’s circus production features the Garcia Thrill Riders, including 6-year-old, Maximus, which will astound the audience with their motorcycle feats inside a giant globe. Castles Performing Bears, under the direction of James and Teppa Hall, will amaze people with their abilities, and Vladimir and Olga Smirnov will present their magical quick-change artistry.
Performing bears aren’t the only animals set to entertain circus-goers as Mayaa Panfilova will present her trained housecats and Johnny Peers and his Muttville Comix will leave spectators in stitches.
In addition, Vlastic will demonstrate his mastery on the high unicycle, the Valla Duo will showcase their aerial artistry, Leo Garcia will entertain on the giant wheel, and Roger the Trampoline Guy will wow the audience with his zany antics. The Shrine Clowns will be on hand, as well, adding to the merriment.
Over 100 local volunteers have been working hard for the last six months preparing for the arrival of the Shrine Circus.
“The support from the community has been fantastic,” said George Watson of Presque Isle, circus chairman for the Anah Shriners.
Senior citizen tickets for Thursday’s show will be half price and is sponsored by the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging. The senior half-price tickets will be available at the door only.
Shows will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, May 1 and 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 2. Advance tickets are $4 for children and $8 for adults, and $5 for children and $10 for adults at the door.
Due to the hazardous and unpredictable nature of circus performing acts, the program is subject to change.
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CIRCUS CHAIRMAN George Watson held an Anah Temple Shrine Circus department head meeting recently to insure that all of the details are in place for the upcoming Shrine Circus. Over 130 local volunteers work at the circus when it comes to town. The event is sponsored by Anah Shriners and the Aroostook Shrine Club.
