THE BALLOON MAN

Celebrate World Circus Day on Saturday

By MARY WESTON - Staff Writer

from:orovillemr.com

04/19/2012

OROVILLE, CA — If you have ever thought about running away and joining a circus, you can test your performing potential this weekend. 

A local circus family is celebrating World Circus Day by offering a free circus on Saturday. 

The Kent Family Circus, made up of a real family from Oroville, will perform circus acts and sideshows and give lessons in circus arts to celebrate World Circus Day, said Victor Kent. 

"World Circus Day is to educate people about circus and to give circus a more positive image," Kent said. 

On April 21, the local event will coincide with World Circus Day events around the world under the oversight of the Word Federation of Circus under the patronage of Princess Stephanie of Monaco, Kent said. 

Adults and youth can test their skills on the tightrope and the trapeze during the circus. 

"It's going to be a hands-on event," Kent said. 

The circus includes trapeze, tightrope, magic, balancing, sword swallowing and other circus acts and sideshows. The family's two circus poodles Tater Tot and Belle the Wonder Dog will also perform. 

One performer will balance an 85-foot pipe on his head. 

The circus will roll from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at the Feather River Recreation and Activity Center, 1875 Feather River Blvd. 

There'll be an open gym inside. 

Shaw Carter, gymnastics coach for the Feather River Recreation and Park District and others will offer free demonstrations and information about the programs at the gym, Kent 

The three youngest Kents take gymnastics classes at the gym. 

"Gymnastics is the forerunner for acrobatics," he said. 

Victor Kent and his wife and seven children live in Thermalito and spend part of the year in Kentucky. 

They travel to different states performing their circus acts. 

The Kent family will also present a big show at the State Theatre on May 11, called the weird show. 

Hobbie Auto center, Taco Bell and Anti Monkey Butt Powder are sponsoring the free circus. 

The city issued a proclamation Tuesday night recognizing April 21, 2012, as World Circus Day in Oroville. 

Kent said he would send the proclamation to Princess Stephanie.