THE BALLOON MAN

Shrine Circus attracts large crowds

from: sasklifestyles.com

by BY MACKENZIE HIENTZ

June 5, 2014

The Shrine Circus provided lots of entertainment during its biennial appearance in Estevan, as there were multiple acts that amused and amazed the audience during three shows at Affinity Place on June 3.

There was just over 950 for the first show, and 750 for the second. (Attendance for third show, which is typically the best-attended, was not immediately available).

The circus featured various acts that were high-risk or comical. Among the acts were sword juggling, unicycles, bareback horsemanship, and Piolita the clown.

There was also many acrobatic performances during the show, including a perch pole balancing act, aerial dancing and a motorcycle in the air act.

“There were some excellent acrobats and lots of cheering,” said local Shrine Club member Gene Davis.

A couple of acts that couldn’t make it to the afternoon shows were the cats and the elephants, as they got stuck at the boarder coming into Canada, he said.

One of the acts that really interacted with the crowd was Piolita the clown. He had some volunteers on the stage with him for his act. It included some dancing, and it generated laughs from the audience.

Also another act that the children really enjoyed, according to Davis, was one of the acrobatic acts. During the act, the performer balanced on top of a pole to a song from the movie Frozen.

“It seemed to go very well, that seems to be a fairly popular tune and what she did she was quite talented,” said Davis.

The circus was separated into two halves by a 30-minute intermission.

Before the show and during intermission, there were activities for children. They included face painting, interacting with some of the members of the circus, and a chance to purchase merchandise.

Overall Davis said that the show went well, as he said that people seemed to enjoy it and it looked like they were having a good time.

The funds generated from the circus will go towards the Shriners Hospitals for Children that are located throughout North America. Proceeds will also help the Estevan and District Shrine Club send local children to hospital in Montreal for treatment.