The Circus Comes to Town

More than 75 parents, grandparents and young children gathered to see the raising of the circus tents for tonight’s performances of the . However, one important thing was missing.

The elephants.

Lucky Eddie, the circus musical director and commentator of this morning’s event informed the crowd the elephants were at a veterinarian for examination before tonight’s two shows. USDA regulations required the examination, Eddie said, adding that this was the third examination this week.

Eddie and spectators hoped that the elephants would have made it back in time, but they did not. They especially hoped the elephants would be back in time since Kelly Miller’s Circus is the only circus in the United States that continues the tradition of the elephants hoisting the big top.

Today, the tent was raised by a construction bobcat on the Channahon Park District grounds.

The children still got a kick out of the bobcat though.

Caleb Raichart, age 3, said the bobcat reminded him of one of the trucks from the cartoon Thomas and Friends. He liked the big wheels.

The elephants were not the only things missing from the event Wednesday morning. It was rumored that there may be protesters present to voice their opinion on animal cruelty, but none showed up.

Tent Details

According to Eddie, the big top weighs about 6,000 lbs. and travels in eight sections. Forty-eight stakes are driven into the ground around the perimeter; followed by the side poles and quarter poles. Later the center ring and bleachers will be added.

The tent will seat more than 1,000 people and it will include a section of seating close to the center ring. 

To obtain closer seats, circus goers will pay an additional $2 per ticket. Those with tickets already can purchase an upgrade this evening on a first-come first-serve basis.

Tickets to the circus are $15 for adults and $7 for children under 12. Showtimes are at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The shows are expected to last two hours and there will be one intermission.

The midway will be open one hour before showtime. There will be elephant rides for $6 and camel and pony rides for $5, Eddie said. The big top will open a half hour prior to the show for seating.

Tonight's show will open with the Bengal tigers, Eddie said. Camels, ponies, rescued dogs, clowns and trapeze artists will be featured.

And Eddie promised the elephants will be there tonight.