THE BALLOON MAN

Fun on the ground, in the air during circus at Aud

Performers entertain the crowd Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, during the 64th annual Ziyara Shrine Circus at the Utica Memorial Auditorium in Utica
By WILLIAM P. CANNON Observer-Dispatch Post
UTICA — A weekend filed with animals, clowns and death-defying tricks concluded Sunday after six performances of the Ziyara Shrine Circus at the Utica Memorial Auditorium.
In its 64th year, the circus helps support the humanitarian efforts of the Ziyara Shriners.
One of the highlights of the day was the Wallenda family.
Excited and cheering spectators quieted as the two men and 13-year-old girl climbed high above the ground on the high wire.
Back on the ground, Tyler Joseph Rios, 2, of Westmoreland, hung on the rail at the front row of seats and exclaimed "Yes, elephants," as a team of three elephants paraded into the auditorium.
Circus chairman Norman Jeche said the money raised is essential to the operation of the local club.