THE BALLOON MAN

Step Right Up! It's Circus Time Once Again in Elmhurst
The Kelly Miller Circus is bringing its traveling show back to Elmhurst this Friday.

File photo: Special Kids Day families and other locals file in last September to watch Becky the elephant raise the big top tent for the Kelly Miller Circus at Sandburg. Credit Karen Chadra
From:  elmhiurst.patch.com
September 18, 2012
Kelly Miller Circus has been providing family entertainment since 1938—nearly three-quarters of a century. And as has been tradition in Elmhurst for many years, the circus is headed back to Sandburg Middle School this weekend, on Friday, Sept. 21.

The event, sponsored by the Elmhurst District 205 Foundation for Educational Excellence, will be held under the traditional, old-fashioned big top tent and will feature acrobats, clowns, elephants, tigers and a cast of circus stars.

Shows will be held at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, rain or shine, on the Sandburg grounds, 345 E. St. Charles Road.

Advanced tickets are $14 for adults, $8 for children ages 2 to 11, and can be purchased through Thursday, Sept. 20, at Shoe Carnival, Runner's Soul, NuCara/Vallette Pharmacy and Elmhurst Photo Boutique. Or, purchase tickets online at www.elmurst205.org/kmc. Groups of 12 or more can receive a discounted rate by calling the foundation office at (630) 617-2376.

Tickets also will be available at the gate on Friday for $16 for adults, $10 for kids.

 

File photo: Kids wait patiently for the official tent raising at Sandburg Middle School last September. Credit Karen Chadra

This is the third year the foundation, Kelly Miller and the Special Kids Day organization have worked together to present a unique performance for children with special needs and their families, free of charge.

"Many of these children are not able to comfortably attend or enjoy a live performance, foundation board member Jill Riecker said. "So, this brings elements of the show to them in a way that is not intimidating or overwhelming and gives them the opportunity to experience this unique tradition. For information or to RSVP for the Special Kids Day performance, call (630) 530-7700.

And, the fun starts early at the Friday morning as the elephants raise the tent at 8:45 a.m. Members of the community are invited to watch the animals up close and learn about the circus from the performers and trainers.

The tent seats 1,100 people, and the last row of seating is only 40 feet from the ring. Attendees can see performers' expressions and the audience can really connect with the performers.

Proceeds from the Kelly Miller Circus will benefit the District 205 Foundation, which provides instructional programs, educational grants and enhancements that benefit children at all Elmhurst District 205 schools.

For more information, visit the foundation's website. www.elmhurst205.org/foundation.