Monkey business expected at Shrine Circus
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Aerial artistry, clever canines, clown shenanigans and even some monkey business will highlight this year’s Anah Temple Shrine Circus, which will kick off its six-show run tomorrow night at The Forum in Presque Isle.
Contributed photo
THE ANAH SHRINE CIRCUS is coming to The Forum in Presque Isle May 5-7. Here, Jim Dwyer, left, assistant Presque Isle circus chairman, and George Watson, right, Presque Isle Shrine Circus chairman, present Stephen Eyler, executive director of the Homeless Services of Aroostook, complimentary Shrine Circus tickets to bring the fun and excitement of the circus to some of the clients.
“We have a costume quick-change act this year which is a really good act, a flying act, and a monkey act featuring rhesus monkeys that we’ve never had before,” said Jim Dwyer, one of the assistant circus chairmen for the Anah Shriners. “It’s an excellent circus providing great family entertainment.”
The circus is always well attended when it stops in the Star City.
“Last year with the six shows, we had more than 14,000 people come to the circus … about 219 more than the year before,” said Dwyer, noting that proceeds benefit the Anah Temple. “The money allows us to run our organization so that we can do other things to raise money for hospitals.”
File photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
SPRINKLER, one of several Shrine Klowns that were on hand during last year’s Anah Temple Shrine Circus, autographs a balloon for a young fan. This year’s circus, which will feature a costume quick-change act, aerial artistry and even rhesus monkeys, will kick off its six-show run tomorrow night at The Forum in Presque Isle.
The Anah Temple has once again contracted with the Royal Hanneford Circus of Sarasota, Fla., a professional touring circus.
This year’s circus production features Susan Sheryll’s Royal Afghan Champions, Stoyne and Daria, who are billed as geometric manipulators from Bulgaria; The Bileas, who will not only perform a costume quick-change act, but also artistic elegance on the Roman bar; the comedic buffoonery of Roger on the trampoline, David Zoppe’s rhesus monkeys, the only act of its type in the world; Miss Elana will display her hula hoop artistry, the Fernandez brothers will juggle and perform acrobatic moves on the giant rotating wheel, while Los Ritmos and Kim Sue and Vlastic will take to the air for breathtaking performances.
“Charlie Van Buskirk, who is the ringmaster and has been the face of the Anah Shrine Circus for so many years, will be returning, as well,” said Dwyer.
Dwyer reminds circus-goers that due to the unpredictable and hazardous nature of circus performing acts, the program is subject to change.
Volunteers have been working hard for the last six months preparing for the arrival of the Shrine Circus.
“It takes about 100 volunteers to put on each show,” Dwyer said. “We have a parking crew, a crew that works on the floor helping ushering people to seats, we have a crew that makes cotton candy, a crew that makes snowcones, taking tickets, selling programs, the lighting crew and all of the Shrine Clowns are volunteers.
“The Aroostook County Shrine Club could not do this without the help of the Shriner ladies,” he said. “They’re part of the volunteers and we just couldn’t do it without them.”
Shows will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 5, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, May 6 and 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 7. Advance tickets are $4 for children and $8 for adults, and $5 for children and $10 for adults at the door. Tickets are available at The Forum, York’s Bookstore in Houlton, Aroostook County Subways and Burger King restaurants, Clukey’s Auto Supply in Presque Isle, Caribou and Houlton, Ray’s Corner Variety, Bradley’s Citgo, PPJS Thriftway in Bridgewater, Netherland Office Supply, Ashland One Stop and from any Shriner.
“The circus is an annual event and it’s kind of the coming of spring,” Dwyer said. “It’s an opportunity for people to see circus acts that aren’t normally available to us. We try very hard to keep ticket prices down; we want to be family entertainment and want to make it affordable for families.”
The Shriners also provide a free ticket to every fifth-grader in Aroostook County. Dwyer said that thanks to the generosity of area sponsors, both a boy’s and girl’s bicycle will be given away at each show, as well.
“We really appreciate the support of our sponsors,” he said. “It’s truly a team effort.”
