THE BALLOON MAN

Local residents turn out for Shriners circus in Amsterdam

 

Orlandito the Clown paints the face of Elianna Tirado on Friday at the Oriental Shrine Circus in Amsterdam.
The Leader-Herald/Arthur Cleveland
from:  leaderherald.com
By ARTHUR CLEVELAND , The Leader Herald
September 7, 2013
AMSTERDAM,NY - Jugglers, trained dogs, clowns and other performers captured the attention of local residents at the Oriental Shrine Circus on Friday night.
The circus took place in a large tent in a lot off Route 30.
The circus, put on by the Oriental Shrine Temple of Troy and Walker International Events, is a yearly event, said John Garhartt, potentate for the shrine.
"We're geared toward kids. It is something we do every year," Garhartt said.
Barry Trasacco of Glens Falls, chairman of the event, said they were expecting a lot of guests Friday night.
"Last year, it was a full house," Trasacco said.
Tim Grogan, chief rabban for the Shriners, said this was the second year in a row the circus has been in Amsterdam.
In the center ring, the Aristov Duo opened the night with a juggling act. Dallas Rosaire, the ringmistress for the circus, brought out her trained dogs to hop through hoops and dance for the crowd.
Camel and pony rides were offered outside the tent.
In addition, there was a bounce house for children. Popcorn and cotton candy were offered for sale.
Terumi Tan of Johnstown brought her daughters Vivian and Shiloh to the circus.
"We love it," Tan said. "We never really had been to a circus."
Shiloh participated in Orlandito the Clown's performance, drumming on a skillet during the event.
The circus is scheduled to perform in Glens Falls today.