THE BALLOON MAN

Park District Bringing Zoppè Circus to Bolingbrook

Balloonman/file photo

The Bolingbrook Park District will pay the Zoppè Family Circus $20,000 to perform six shows over four days in late June and early July. By Brian Feldtfrom: bolingbrook.patch.com The circus is coming to town. The Bolingbrook Park District will bring in the The Zoppè Family Circus to perform six shows between June 30 and July 3. The Zoppè Family Circus is an Italian family production and has been performing for more than 160 years. Today, the company travels across the country and has stopped in nearby locations such as Hanover Park, Des Plaines, Chicago and Addison. Brian Meyer, the park district’s superintendent of recreaction, said the it is the first circus to perform in Bolingbrook. The troupe will set up a giant circus tent in Central Park that will seat up to 600 people and be visible from I-55, Meyer said. According to the Zoppè website, the circus stars Nino the clown and focuses on a central story instead of individual acts. The show will feature acrobatic feats, equestrian showmanship, cainine capers, clowning and plenty of audience participation. “Everything will be in one big ring,” Meyer said. “It’s really a nice family show and very kid friendly. It will have horses and dogs. It’s really how the circus used to be when it first started, even with the concessions they sell.” Tickets are on sale now and prices range between $15 and $20. The park district, Meyer said, entered into a one-year contract worth $20,000 to bring the show to Bolingbrook. If the show is a success, Meyer said the park district could renew the contract to make the circus an annual event.