Beja Shrine Circus returns to Brown County Arena in Ashwaubenon near Green Bay
The Beja Shrine Circus rolled into Green Bay on Thursday, and crews spent the day setting up in the Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena.“It’s definitely a group operation to get it done,” said showgirl Nina Carden, who has been with the three-ring circus for four years.Performers will suit up for seven shows today through Sunday. The circus has been in Green Bay for nearly 20 years, organizers say, but this year there will be enough new acts to keep people coming back.“We really do try to bring a new show every year,” Carden said.
This year’s show will include new tiger and horse acts, a new ringmaster who calls himself a “daredevil extraordinaire,” new jugglers and a family of trampolinists.“You’re always going to have an act for everyone,” she said. “You’re going to have beautiful girls. You’re going to have thrills.”But new attractions doesn’t mean out with the old. Fan-favorite Bo, the 5-ton elephant, will make an appearance. Bo is the largest male performing elephant in the world, Carden said.“He’s part of the family,” she added.
Bags of cotton candy are stacked for eventual sale as setup begins for the Beja Shrine Circus at the Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena in Ashwaubenon Thursday. (Corey Wilson/Gannett Wisconsin Media)
Organizers of the Beja Shrine Circus said their animals are cared for in a “healthy, loving and safe environment,” according to a written statement from George Carden Circus International.“We’re considered to be a torture-free circus,” said Amanda Tackett, spokeswoman for the George Carden Circus.However, protesters plan to be outside the Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena during all show times to protest the use of animals in circuses.The animals “are not performing because they like to or because they want to,” said Marilyn Roffers of Green Bay-based Citizens Looking for Animal Welfare Solutions. “They’re performing because if they don’t, they’re afraid they’ll get beaten.”During last year’s circus, about 24 people protested, Roffers said. Protesters this year will hold signs and hand out pamphlets to people going to or leaving the circus, she said.The Beja Shrine Circus is a fundraising event for the Beja Shriners, a group that participates in community service in Green Bay and supports the Shriners Hospitals for Children. The hospitals provide free pediatric care at 22 locations across the country.
Hannah O’Brien writes for the Green Bay Press-Gazette
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