THE BALLOON MAN

Circus will be Lions Club fundraiser

By DAVID S. OWEN 

ThisWeek Community News

Thursday May 3, 2012 

ShareThis  Reynoldsburg's Civic Park will become a circus ground July 26 when the local Lions Club brings in the Carson and Barnes Circus for two shows under the big top.

President Kathy Baker said the performances will be fundraisers for the Reynoldsburg Lions Club. Shows will be held at 4 and 7:30 p.m., she said.

"It will help us raise funds for our projects as well as providing a wonderful community-based event," she said. "We are still in the early planning state of this great project, but plans are to have several fun events prior to the circus day."

Advance tickets are $14 for adults, $6 for children ages 2-11, and $16 and $8, respectively, at the gate the day of the show. Children younger than 2 will be admitted free.

The Carson and Barnes Circus, based in Hugo, Okla., has been a family-owned business touring the country since 1937, Baker said. She said the big top tent can hold 2,200 at capacity with the show running about two hours, including intermission.

She said the show promises to provide everything anyone would expect from a one-ring circus.

"They'll have dogs, elephants, ponies and horses, and a menagerie that includes a pygmy hippo, llamas, camels, and pygmy goats," Baker said.

Additionally, the event will offer camel and elephant rides, acrobats, a bounce house and small slide outside the tent for young children, she said.

Reynoldsburg City Council members and city officials were briefed about the event April 23.

Councilman Cornelius McGrady asked if there would be any cost or liability to the city.

Baker said there wouldn't be, adding Carson and Barnes has agreed to carry a $2 million liability policy.

Reynoldsburg Parks and Recreation Director Jason Shamblin said since the event is in a city park, the department will help to coordinate it.

"Any time we have a service organization or nonprofit in the community working to bring entertainment and activities to our residents, we're always excited to work with them," Shamblin said.

"We'll help with the logistical end of the event, with it being Civic Park, and try and help them coordinate that," he said.

Shamblin said although all details have yet to be worked out on traffic-control measures, the circus has agreed to pay for any police assistance, if needed.

Local businesses are invited to become additional sponsors or to purchase an advertising banner for the day of the show, Baker said.