The big top comes to perform

The big top comes to perform

Sean Brynda, Freelance Reporter

The Pleasantdale Park District will be introducing an event that has never happened in its history. The Park District will be hosting the Kelly Miller Circus. The circus is to have many acts and animals for audience viewers.

“I think it will be a fun time for families in the community,” Pleasantdale Park District manager Matt Russias said. The circus will be hosted at Walker Park on Sept. 22 with two shows from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

According to ticket sales, Russias hopes that at least 600 to 700 people show up tonight and enjoy the show. The Kelly Miller Circus comes to perform in towns through requests and funds from non-profit organizations and park districts, according to the circus’ website.

The show is to have a variety of acts, Jill Watts, the circus’ office manager who works at headquarters in Hugo, OK, said. There will be an elephant act, tigers, contortionists, ventriloquists, juggling, and clowns.

The Kelly Miller Circus has been on tour in the Chicagoland area for quite some time this past month. They have made stops in towns such as: Villa Park, Vernon Hills, Summit, and Lockport. The circus is currently owned by John Ringling North II, the seventh generation of a circus family. Another person following the tour is Jim Royal, the general manager. These two men are responsible for making all guests of the circus happy and entertained while the show is going on.

The circus also has extra activities other than that of the show such as: pony rides, camel rides, and an elephant ride for little children. There also will be a petting zoo containing dogs, goats, and ducks. Tickets for adults are $15 and children $8.