THE BALLOON MAN

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Circus entertains for a cause
Event raises money for Shriners

WENDY TORELLO/TIMES HERALD
Circus goers climb aboard for an elephant ride Tuesday afternoon at the Shrine Circus in Port Huron Benefits from the show will go to the Shriner's origination.
from: thetimesherald.com
Written by Liz Shepard , Times Herald
Mar 26, 2013
Erick Harrison couldn’t stop smiling and pointing out the different acts inside McMorran Arena Tuesday as he held his 18-month-old grandson.
But it was more than the elephants and acrobats and tigers on display during the Shrine Circus.
Harrison was 12 in February 1980 when he was involved in a fiery traffic crash that killed his parents. With 85 percent of his body covered in burns, it was the Shriners who helped him recover.
“I tell them you aren’t going to believe the care you’re going to get,” the 46 year old said. “You can’t explain it in words.”
Harrison dons the Shriners’ signature maroon fez and is a strong proponent for the organization that runs more than 20 children’s hospitals throughout the country. He was treated at the Shriners hospital in Boston after the crash.

Tigers perform in the ring Tuesday afternoon at the Shrine Circus in Port Huron Benefits from the show will go to the Shriner's origination.
The organization raises funds through the circus and other events. This was the second year the circus came back to Port Huron after nearly a decade hiatus.
Chuck Baer, who organizes the Shrine Circus, said he’s looking forward to bringing it back next year.
“We like to see kids smile,” he said.
From elephant rides to tigers jumping through hoops and acrobats showing off their skills in the air, crowds took in the excitement during the two shows.

Acrobats dangle from their perch high above the ring Tuesday afternoon at the Shrine Circus in Port Huron Benefits from the show will go to the Shriner's origination.
Denise Harrison, Erick’s wife, said the organization has a special place in her heart. It was the first time their grandson, Lennon, got to ride an elephant.
“He had a blast,” she said.
Jimmy Schudlich, with the Blue Water Shrine Club, said an outreach meeting is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 11, at the YMCA of the Blue Water Area. The organization is looking for more local children to assist, “regardless of their ability to pay,” he said.