THE BALLOON MAN

Cole Bros. Circus coming to Willingboro

Nancy Rokos/Staff Photographer
Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars clown, LEW-E shares a laugh with Ernestine Harvey of Lumberton during a press conference held at the Willingboro Seniors Center announcing the arrival of the circus the weekend of Aug. 12th at the Town Center.
Thu Aug 4, 2011.
By Rose Krebs
Staff writer Calkins Media, Inc.
Burlington County Times Burlington County Times .
from: phillyburbs.com
WILLINGBORO — The circus is coming to town.

From Aug. 12 to 14, the Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars will bring its show to the Grand Marketplace parking lot on Route 130.

The 127-year-old “big top” circus will make its only stop in Burlington County as part of its East Coast tour.

It will feature the standard circus fare: animals, clowns, high-flying trapeze artists, tricks, and family-friendly entertainment.

“Willingboro needs something light for a change,” Deputy Mayor Jacqueline Jennings said. “The fact that children can come for free is just great. Everybody loves the circus. I’m excited because it’s an old-fashioned circus.”

Showtimes are 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12; 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13; and 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Aug. 14. Tickets are $19 for adults and free for children under age 13.

“It’s wonderful for (Cole Bros.) to still have a circus that’s a real circus, like the ones we know,” said Reva Foster, the township’s executive director of community affairs, senior services and veterans affairs.

The township hopes the circus will return every year, Foster said. Next year, the venue likely will be Mill Creek Park off Beverly-Rancocas Road.

The circus is being hosted by the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 26 of Burlington County. Resident Ron Dash, who is chapter commander, said some proceeds will benefit the veterans group.

“This is a military town,” Dash said. “They felt their generosity should go towards veterans.”

He said Cole Bros. has been generous in handing out free tickets and performing for local groups in advance of next weekend’s shows.

“They get a laugh, a chuckle, and bring a little happiness,” Dash said.

Michael Norris of Cole Bros. said the circus, which puts on about 200 shows a year along the East Coast from February to November, has a new big top this year. Setup starts today.

Norris visited the township’s senior center off JFK Way on Wednesday with Lew-e the Clown to announce the circus’ arrival. A preview performance was offered to the residents gathered.

Lew-e, also known as Lee Andrews, entertained with a few tricks.

“Hopefully, you will come join us. It takes you back to your childhood and you can just be a kid again,” he said.

Tickets and coupons are available at various area merchants or by calling 1-888-332-5200 or visiting www.tickets.com. They also are available at the box office before showtimes