THE BALLOON MAN

Kelly Miller Circus sets up in Vernon Hills

The Kelly Miller Circus is coming to Vernon Hills, bringing with it clowns, elephants, jugglers and an aerial ballet act.
September 16, 2010
By MYRNA PETLICKI Contributor
Summers were magical for John Ringling North II when he was a child because he toured with the family business -- Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. He left that world to become a cattle rancher in Ireland.
Four years ago, North purchased the Kelly Miller Circus for his wife, Shirley.
"I kind of like going back to the life I was born into," he said by phone from Ireland.
On Sept. 19, with the help of its elephants, the circus will set up its tent at Westfield Hawthorn Shopping Center, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills, for performances at 2 and 5 p.m. Sept. 19, and 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20. The Vernon Hills Lions Club is hosting the visit.
The two-hour spectacle features international performers and lots of animals.
"We have tigers, elephants, two dog acts, and a dog and pony act," North said. "We also have an aerialist from Australia, two very funny clowns, a fantastic juggler and a very good camel act." An aerial ballet based on '50s music features an Elvis impersonator.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children in advance; $14 and $7 at the event.