NORTH ANDOVER — The Kelly Miller Circus is coming to the North Andover Middle School Wednesday for two shows at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.
This year's circus will bring new acts and animals to town. The 11th annual circus event is sponsored by the Lions Club and Wheelabrator North Andover Inc.
"It's become a town event," said Tom Ippolito, a Lions Club board member.
The fun starts in the morning with the big top being raised by three elephants. To watch it happen, arrive at the school between 8:30 and 9 a.m.
Elephant, camel and pony rides will be offered for a fee before and in between each show. Prices are: $5 for an elephant, $4 for camel; and $3 for a pony.
The circus will feature acrobatic and trapeze performers, jugglers, clowns and the Wheel of Destiny — a large double wheel that spins with performers both inside and on top of it, juggling and jumping rope.
Tigers, horses, trained dogs and elephants will also perform under the tent.
Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children, ages 3 to 12. Children ages 2 and younger will be admitted for free.
Advance tickets will be offered at discount — $9 for adults and $5 for children — and are available at the following locations: St. Michael Church, Main Street Hardware and CVS pharmacy, on Main Street; Perfecto's Cafe on Osgood Street; Treadwell's ice cream at Smolak Farms on South Bradford Street; and J&M Convenience Store on Salem Street.
"Present economic conditions make this the right event to hold at this time," said Frank Sapienza, a former Lions Club president and chairman of the circus committee. "People can enjoy this and it won't hit their pocketbook too hard."
The Rev. George "Gerry" Hogan of St. Michael Parish, who is a national circus chaplain and travels around the country offering his services to circus performers, has put the Lions Club in contact with the various circus companies that have come to town over the years.
The circus is the Lions Club's biggest fundraiser of the year.
The club, whose mission is to eradicate blindness in the world, has given more than $115,000 to the Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institute, which divides the money among local hospitals. The club has supported the community by awarding four $500 scholarships to high school students and donating money to the North Andover Senior Center, the Stevens Memorial Library and Lawrence fire victims, in addition to their club charities.
