The circus is coming back to town.
Sherry Barkassherry.barkas@thedesertsun.com Jan. 26, 2011Circus Vargas returns Friday for an 11-day stay at Westfield Palm Desert with an animal-free show that includes performers from all over the world.The show brings thrill riders, clowns, trapeze artists, acrobats and more under the Big Top.
What it doesn't have is animals.Circus Vargas hasn't had exotic animal acts, such as tigers, for many years, but did have horse and dog acts, Marketing Director Emily Lavender said.
In 2010, when the show was given a makeover, those acts were omitted.“The new show was more fast-paced and modern, and the animal acts can slow it down some,” she said.“It worked, and people like it a lot,” she said.It also appeals to people who typically don't go to the circus over animal abuse concerns, Lavender said.
The Garcia Thrill Riders return, but take their death-defying act to a new level in a new show only Circus Vargas attendees will see, Lavender said.The Garcia family ride their motorcycles through “The Globe of Death” metal sphere at extremely fast speeds. This year, the globe splits into three sections, and they ride around the center section that is floating in the air, Lavender said.
Also new this year is an aerial balancing act.
Returning acts include Matti the Clown with new routines and the Flying Tabares of Argentina trapeze act with Circus Vargas owners Nelson Tabares and Katya Quiroga.
Thirty minutes before each show, former “Amazing Race” contestant Jon Weiss will host a preshow look into the world of Circus Vargas, inviting children of all ages from the audience to join him onstage, Lavender said.
Attendance in Palm Desert last year was so great that Circus Vargas decided to nearly triple its stay from four days to 11.“Nearly every show was sold out, and we wanted to be sure that everyone had the opportunity to see the circus that wants to,” Lavender said.
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