Circus tent rises above College Grounds

Staff report

There’s never a quiet moment as the circus, it seems. Curious Charles City residents stopped by early Monday morning at the College Grounds to see Culpepper & Merriweather staff raise the big top tent as part of the show’s free morning tours.

It may only feature one ring, but the entourage of 12 trucks brings seven horses, two tigers, a lion and a small pack of American Eskimo dogs, along with a cast of nine performers and dozens of supporting crew members. The show’s longest-performing act, the Arlise Troupe, has been performing with the circus for 12 years, tour guide and circus clown Leo Acton said.

A handful of community members watched the tent raising and were introduced to the show’s big cats. It was just the start of a busy day, before the circus opened doors for Charles City’s first show at 5 p.m. Advanced ticket sales were sponsored locally by Charles City Kiwanis Club.

The circus moves on to West Union at the Fayette County Fairgrounds for shows at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, before packing up once again and hitting the road to Wisconsin.

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