Kelly Miller circus makes one-night stop in Elk Grove Village
Before the trapeze artist flew through the air, before the fire eater spewed flames, before the ringmaster welcomed the crowd, there was another circus performance Tuesday.
A few onlookers gathered to watch the spectacle as Kelly Miller Circus set up the Big Top before two shows in Elk Grove Village. And the star of this intimate production was Lisa.
The elephant raised the red-white-and-blue tent by hauling the main support pole behind her. It's a tradition dating back to the golden age of traveling circuses, but Lisa got some help from a tractor.
"Just another day at the office," said Richard Keyworth, president of the Elk Grove Village Lions Club, a nonprofit group raising funds through ticket sales to the circus.
Lisa was born into the circus and understands 400 words and phrases.
But one thing this elephant doesn't do? Eat peanuts.
"Everyday you learn from them," said her trainer, Armando Loyal, a ninth-generation performer.
It's not the only appearance in the suburbs. The circus will hold two shows in Itasca Sept. 25. From there, Kelly Miller will kick off a three-day stop in Waukegan Sept. 26.