Shrine Circus brings fun for the whole family

Lakeview Arena was full spectators waiting to see tricks, animals, and clowns during the Ahmed Shrine Circus Friday night.

This marks the 51st year the Shrine Circus is being performed in Marquette.  Part of the reason why the circus has been so successful in the Upper Peninsula, is the community support for the event.

“We have such great support from throughout the U.P., from the merchants who buy the ads in our programs, to the members who are out there selling ads, to the people who are buying tickets and coming to the circus,” Mike Hill, Potentate of the Ahmed Shriners said. “It’s just a great community event.”

“We see three, sometimes four generations of families all smiling, laughing and having a good time, and there’s not a lot of quality family entertainment out there today,” Ringmaster Devin Chandler said.

The circus was complete with animal acts, trapeze artists, dancing, clowns, and of course, magic.  With so many acts, everyone has one that stands out as their favorite.

“I like the elephants,” Ali, a Marquette resident who attended the circus with her family, said.  She added she likes the quick-change artists act.  “There’s always something new and interesting.”

“I’d have to say the tigers,” Chandler said.  “I just love the tigers, and we have lions as well, so it’s a wonderful act.”

Money from the Shrine Circus benefits the Shine Hospital patients, by helping with transportation to and from appointments.

There are two more performances in Marquette.  They are Saturday at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.

The Shrine Circus will also have stops in Iron Mountain (May 5), Ironwood (May 6), Houghton (May 7) and Manistique (May 8).