Lewis & Clark Circus Heads to Leetsdale

Children of all ages come one, come all and step right up for an old-fashioned big top circus in .

The Easley, SC-based Lewis & Clark circus is bringing its family-oriented show to July 24-25.

Albert Clark, co-owner of the traveling circus, said the attraction isn’t a sideshow but rather a full-fledged circus, complete with trapeze artists, bandmasters, jugglers and clowns.

“It’s not a dog and pony show,” Clark said.

Families can enjoy animals, entertainment and stadium seating all under an enclosed big-top tent in the borough's park at Ferry and Beaver streets. Proceeds benefit the borough recreation program, which coordinates events for local children.

Paula Scimio, president of the recreation board, said families who purchase tickets before the day of the show will get a significant discount. Advance tickets are $10 for an adult and free for children.

“It’s a great family night, and it’s not that expensive,” Scimio said, adding that “there has to be at least one adult with the children.”

On the day of the event, adults pay $15 and $5 per child.

Besides the classic circus attractions, Clark said, the entertainment includes a petting zoo, a moon walk and camel and pony rides.

Scimio said the big top tent would be set up behind the park memorial and would include a lot of crowd interaction.

“The kids love it,” Scimio said.

Last year, she said, children enjoyed horse and camel rides and even took pictures with reptiles.

“They do a lot of interaction with the crowds,” she said.

Lewis & Clark Circus almost canceled the event after high winds toppled the company’s tents, injuring several people, during a performance in Seward, PA.

Clark said the circus temporarily eliminated a few attractions but was able to reorganize so that the show could go on. The Leetsdale event was rescheduled for later this month.

Scimio said last year’s event only had two shows and sold out, drawing about 100 people to the park.  

This year, there are four shows –- 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. July 24 and 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. July 25 –- that provide more people an opportunity to attend, Scimio said.

Tickets are available at the borough office from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Henle Park concession stand.

The will be selling tickets during movie nights in the park.