THE BALLOON MAN

JAFFA SHRINE CIRCUS
ALTOONA, PA

 

ALTOONA, BLAIR COUNTY - For the 74th year in a row, the Jaffa Shriners in Altoona are hosting the Circus.
"Throughout Altoona I am pretty sure they know the circus comes to town in April" said Shriner John Campbell.
The Ringleader of the  Royal Hanneford Circus is Billy Martin. Martin's interest in the circus began when he was in second grade.
"I became enthralled with it; I drug my parents to every circus I could go to" he said.
Right out of High Shool, he began touring. His love of the circus lead him to meet the love of his life.
"Ring master falls in love with the trapeze girl so it's sort of clich, I guess" he said.
His better half and a slew of acts will perform 15 shows this week in Altoona.
"Every show is like opening night" he said.
Until closing night, April 21, when the circus hits the road again and the Shriners begin gearing up for the 75th Annual Event.
"It takes a week to prepare and then it's all over in a week, but it's the joy of doing it for everyone in the surrounding area" said Shriner Vern Carey.
"You just can't believe the joy and the happiness you hear from them children" added Campbell.