Circus rides into Elk Grove Village as fundraiser
For the fourth consecutive year, the Elk Grove District 59 Education Foundation is sponsoring an appearance this weekend by the Kelly Miller Circus. Tickets are still available.
The Hugo, Okla.,-based troupe will perform two shows on Friday, Sept. 19, and two more shows on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 150 Lions Drive in Elk Grove, adjacent to Rainbow Falls, before picking up their Big Top, loading up their 25 vehicles and moving on to the next town on their busy itinerary.
Begun in 1938, the Kelly Miller Circus has entertained millions of Americans and Canadians over the years. It is now managed by John Ringling North II, a member of the famous Ringling Brothers family, and is staged in a 120-foot-by-130-foot circus tent, imported from Italy, which can seat 1500 people.
As you might expect, the show includes elephants, clowns, jugglers, acrobats and assorted animal acts. Their stars come from many nations, as do the exotic animals used in the acts, and all of this is enhanced by theatrical lighting and lively circus music.
"When we first started the education foundation in 2004, we were looking for fundraising ideas and someone had heard about this circus so we did some research and heard nothing but rave reviews," explained Janice Krinsky, chairwoman of the foundation.
"So we booked them and when they came that first year, they exceeded my expectations," she recalled. "I was wowed and the price was right. Who wouldn't want to see the circus when it is so reasonably priced?"
The show runs between an hour and a half and an hour and 45 minutes and, according to Krinsky, "every seat is fabulous. It is such an intimate setting."
Shows are scheduled for 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 19, and for 2 and 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20.
Ringside seats are selling for $15, but all other seats are $10 in advance or $12 on the day of the show. Groups of 10 or more may purchase tickets for $8 each or $10 on the day of the show but are not available for the Friday evening show. Tickets are available today, Sept. 18, at Jarosch Bakery, 35 Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove, but are only available at the circus ticket booth on Friday and Saturday.
Elephant, pony and camel rides before or after the show are available for an additional charge.
"For the past few years we have been able to raise $30,000 per year with this circus because it is such a great show," Krinsky said.
Proceeds are used to fund out-of-the-ordinary supplies and services in the District 59 schools including cultural arts performances, outside speakers and other innovative and interesting programs teachers want to try which will benefit a large number of students, according to Krinsky.
Since the foundation was founded, they have distributed $123,000 in grants to District 59 schools.
Kelly Miller Traveling Circus
When: Friday, Sept. 19, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. performances and Saturday, Sept. 20, 2 and 5:30 p.m. performances
Where: 150 Lions Drive, Elk Grove, adjacent to Rainbow Falls
Cost: $15 for ringside seats, $10 in advance for general admission and $12 at the door, group rates available