VIDBEL OLD TYME CIRCUS NEWS---#2

10/5/2010
Vidbel's Old Time Circus in Cumberland Thursday

Tickets $10; shows at St. John Vianney Church at 5 and 7:30 p.m.
CUMBERLAND - Once again, it's Circus Time in town.
Vidbel's Old Time Circus, a one-ring wonder under the big top, will stop by St. John Vianney parish grounds for two shows today, Thursday, Sept. 30, at 5 and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets will be on sale at the gate for $10 each. Children age 2 and under will be admitted free with a paying adult.
Vidbel's Old Time Circus is one of only a handful of one-ring traveling circuses still traveling the country and "wowing" crowds under the big top tent.
Some of the new performers in this year's show are the Zoppe Equestrian acts, Darnell's Incredible Dog Act, and a Rola-Bola, or balance board, act by Tevin DelMonte.
The Zoppe-Zamperla Family are seventh generation equestrian acrobats who perform bareback riding and dressage acts that will delight the audience.
Performance Director Mike Ashton says the crowds will also love Darnell's incredible dogs as they perform a poodle beauty pageant and magic acts.
"The whole show is going to be very exciting. It's our strongest show since we opened," said Ashton.
Other highlights of the this year's circus include Susan Vidbel-Ashton performing her amazing aerial act and Mike Ashton, who does a juggling act with his feet known as risley. Ashton's 24-year-old son, Miles, takes part in the performance, which Ashton says is "really exciting" and "more complex than last year."
"I'm looking forward to another great circus," said Tom Ward, Valley Breeze publisher and show sponsor. "The Vidbel family has been delighting kids in our area for several years now, and they never disappoint. I love the faces on the small children as they watch the show. It's one heck of a deal in today's high-priced entertainment world," said Ward. "I'm also grateful to 'Father Ray' Theroux, pastor of St. John Vianney Church, for allowing us to use the huge parish grounds behind the church. It makes for plenty of free, easy parking."
The church is located at 3609 Diamond Hill Road, between Nate Whipple Highway and Diamond Hill Park.
Vidbel's Old Time Circus has been family owned and operated by the Vidbel family for 26 years. The founder, Joyce Vidbel, now manages the winter quarters in Windham, N.Y., and the next generation of the family now own and manage the touring show.
In Cumberland, advance tickets have been on sale to benefit participating public school parent-teacher associations, including those at Community, Garvin, Cumberland Hill and Ashton schools. The PTOs keep 30 percent of the total sales for their own use. The Valley Breeze does not profit by the circus's appearance.