THUNDER BAY - A behind-the-scenes change did not affect the excitement of the annual circus visit to the Fort William Gardens.
Formerly named the Shrine Circus, this year’s event featured Circus Spectacular, a touring show produced by Cindy Migley.
The event is still performed in conjunction with the Lakehead Shrine Club, as it has been for over 60 years.
“Over the years we’ve tried to do different things to market the circus,” circus manager Grant Poulin said. “This year we handed things off to our promoter Cindy, and she handled the rest.”
The two-hour show featured everything from comical clowns, juggling performances, aerial performances, motorcyclists, and horse rides.
The event acts as one of the shrine club’s many fundraisers.
The Lakehead Shrine Club supports children’s hospitals both locally and throughout the region, specifically for children with orthopaedic or burns injuries.
Trisha Hutton is a Shrine Hospital patient, and she got the chance to serve as the honorary ring master for this year’s circus.
“I like the clowns,” she said. “They’re funny.”
Trisha took part in a toy drive fundraiser for the circus which raised over $3,500.
“Circuses have been around for hundreds of years, and its fun for kids of all ages,”
Saturday’s initial 1:30 p.m. show drew out a bigger crowd than usual, according to Poulin.
“We usually get between 4,000 and 6,000 people that come to this show. Today looked like a fairly substantial crowd.”
Shows will be performed Saturday at Fort William gardens at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.
