Hickman welcomes the circus to town!

04/29/2010, Linda Bryant, VOICE News

Hickman Area Community Foundation board members meet once or twice a month to plan strategies for raising funds for community improvements such as the new welcome sign on the north entrance to the city. The board also works with the city on projects and with individuals who choose to leave a legacy to the community through their estate. The board members for 2010 pictured above include front row, left to right seated, Linda Bryant-president, Doug Hanson, Lynn Buel, Christina Severson-treasurer, Delores Egger-secretary, Back row from left, Jeff Butterfield, Tom Oerter, Dale Harlan and Corey Broderson. If you would like to serve on one of the Foundations’ committees, please contact a board member or visit their booth at the circus. The board is excited to bring the circus to the city on May 15, 2010, the first time since 1896. Photo submitted

Thanks to the sponsorship of the Hickman Area Community Foundation, Culpepper & Merriweather Circus, America’s Favorite Big Top Circus is coming to Hickman on Saturday, May 15 with two scheduled performances at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

It was 1896 the last time Hickman residents got to see a circus come to town according to Elinor Brown’s History of Lancaster County book she self published in the 1970s. And according to the talk about town, local people are nearly as excited today as they were 100 years ago.

Now in its 26th edition, Culpepper and Merriweather Circus has become internationally known for quality family entertainment. This authentic One-Ring, Big Top Circus has been featured on National Geographic’s Explorer TV series, Entertainment Tonight, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, Arizona Highways Magazine. It has also been featured on the A&E Special: Under the Big Top and most recently, On the Road with Circus Kids, a Nickelodeon special featured on the Nick News Program.

This year, the circus is proud to present Skeeter as the Circus Advance Clown. Skeeter will be in Hickman on Friday, May 7 to visit The Tree House Childcare at 8 a.m., Norris Elementary at 8:45, Lakeview Care Center in Firth at 10 a.m., and back in Hickman at Lisa’s Little Learners at 10:30 a.m. and Haven Manor Assisted Living at 10:45 a.m.

Skeeter got her clown start at the early age of nine in Columbus, Ohio. She is a graduate of the Ringling Clown College and has spent much of the last
24 years traveling around the country - clowning around.

Skeeter’s clown program educates students and community members about what a day in the life of a clown is really all about. She spends time talking
about the different types of clowns and the history of the circus.

Skeeter will delight audiences with her unique style of clowning, comedy and true love for the circus.

Bring your friends and family out circus morning to watch as a familiar place in your town is transformed into a bustling Circus City. Activity swirls around the grounds as animals are unloaded, the Big Top is erected, and rigging is prepared for performances later in the day. Enjoy the magic and tradition of the American Circus with your family and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m. watch the raising of the Big Top, then stay for the FREE Tour. This presentation offers a unique face-to-face opportunity for families, schools, and interested community members to meet and learn all about the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus family and includes a walking tour of the circus grounds.

Learn interesting facts about the performers, the history of their show and the different species of animals in the Circus Family. In this presentation they also address topics such as hygiene, grooming and the veterinary care all of the animals receive.

In recent years, the Tent Raising and Morning Tour has become a popular program for families and interested community members. It is presented in a way everyone, young and old can learn many interesting facts about the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus Family. This is a special part of Circus Day that should not be missed.

In a press release they said, “On circus day, our performers bring the magic of the circus to life in each 90-minute show. This year’s lineup includes an All-Star group of performers and entertainers that include Miss Simone and her amazing trapeze, Miss April on the Rolla Bolla, The Arlise Troupe on their wild and crazy unicycles, and let’s not forget the performing Jungle Cats that will certainly have you on the edge of your seats. All with original music written by the talented, Matt Margucci from Los Angeles, California. Our performers are sure to amaze and delight audience members of all ages.“SAVE MONEY and help the Hickman Area Community Foundation by purchasing your tickets in advance. Advance tickets are available at:Hickman Jack and Jill, First State Bank and the VOICE in Hickman and Bennet.

Prices for advance tickets are $6 for children ages 2 to 12, children under 2 are always free, and $9 for adults. On show day tickets will be $12 for adults
and $7 for children. 

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Photo and article posted with permission of the VOICE News.

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