Watch as big top rises when C&M Circus comes to Hampshire

Thanks to the sponsorship of the Hampshire Lions Club, Culpepper & Merriweather Circus, America's Favorite Big Top Circus, is coming to Hampshire Monday, Aug. 18. There will be scheduled performances at 5 and 7:30 p.m. at the Bruce Ream Park.

Now in its 30th edition, C&M Circus has become internationally known for quality family entertainment. This authentic One-Ring, Big Top Circus has been featured on National Geographic's Explorer TV series, Entertainment Tonight, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune and Arizona Highways Magazine.

It has also been featured on the "A&E Special: Under the Big Top" and, most recently, "On the Road with Circus Kids," a Nickelodeon special featured on the Nick News Program.

Bring your friends and family out circus morning to watch as a familiar place in your town is transformed into a Circus City. Activity swirls around the grounds as animals are unloaded, the Big Top is erected, and rigging is prepared for performances later in the day.

Between 9:30 and 10 a.m., come watch the raising of the Big Top and then stay for the free tour.

This presentation offers a unique face-to-face opportunity for families, schools, and interested community members to meet and learn all about the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus family and includes a walking tour of the circus grounds.

Learn facts about the performers, the history of the show and the different species of animals in the circus family. In this presentation, they also will address topics such as hygiene, grooming and the veterinary care all of the animals receive.

On circus day, performers bring the magic of the circus to life in each 90-minute performance.

The favorite performing Jungle Cats, Soloman, Delilah & Francis, presented by Trey Key, will have you on the edge of your seats.

It is all accompanied by original music written by Matt Margucci from Los Angeles, Calif. For information, visit the Facebook page with videos, photos and comments from past sponsors and patrons.

For a direct link, visit www.cmcircus.com and click on the Facebook link.

Save money by purchasing your tickets in advance at these locations: Block Brothers Grocery Store, Fifth/Third Bank, Heartland Bank, Hampshire Fitness Center and Hampshire Pharmacy. Advance tickets are $10, $6 for ages 2 to 12, and free for kids younger than 2. On show day, tickets are $13 or $7 for children ages 2 to 12.

Reserve your tickets early and save. For more information or to reserve discount tickets, call (866) BIG TOP 6. Reservations will be available even on show day, but only at this number until 4 p.m. weekdays.