THE BALLOON MAN

Circus to be a Classic Big Top Show
Kelly Miller Circus to perform at Avon,Ohio Knights of Columbus on Sunday

By Julie A. Short
FROM: avonpatch.com
August 3, 2011
The circus is coming to town!

The Knights of Columbus Father Ragan Council 3269 in Avon will host two shows by the Kelly Miller Circus at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Aug. 7 on the council grounds.

“It’s very exciting to be bringing this type of entertainment to Avon,” said past Knight of Columbus Grand Knight John Hricovec. “I personally saw the circus two years ago in Geneva, and another member saw it on Kelleys Island. The two of us got together and thought we could pull this together and have nice family event.”

The Kelly Miller Circus has been in existence since 1938, according to information posted on the circus website. Today, the circus travels throughout the country with a fleet of 25 vehicles.

Assisting with set up for the event are the elephants themselves. According to Hricovec, Kelly Miller Circus uses its elephants to set up the show tent. The public is invited to watch the event at 9 a.m. the day of the show.

“What makes this event so special and different is you are right up near the action,” said Hricovec. “Every seat is a good seat. When the performers spit fire, you can feel the heat. You are up close to the animals. It’s definitely something to see and an affordable way to spend an afternoon with the family.”

A portion of the proceeds from the circus shows will benefit the Knights of Columbus. Hricovec said money raised will be used to assist Catholic churches and schools in the community, as well as assistance for the developmentally disabled. He said that, between the council and the foundation, Avon's Knights of Columbus donated more than $40,000 to various organizations last year.

Fifteen hundred seats will be available for each performance.

Advance tickets cost $10 for adults and $6 for children 12 and younger. Tickets will be available the day of the show, with the price $15 for adults and $7 for children.