By Mary Ellen Zangara, Special Writer
Eight-year-old resident Dylan Lardi can honestly say he went and joined the circus. Dylan will have a once in a lifetime experience next week as he joins the Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars when the circus, sponsored by Manville Fire Company No. 1 as a fundraiser for the fire department, comes to the Rustic Mall area on Wednesday, May 25 and Thursday, May 26.
Fireman Ray Walsh is the chairperson for the event and he said, “This year we had the opportunity to bring back the Cole Bros. … this is going to be the best circus that they have ever seen. We ask that they come out themselves, support their local fire department and have a great day.”
Mr. Walsh and Marketing Director Bill Carter met with local resident Dylan and his family to make the little clown’s dream come true. Dylan, who first joined the Cole Bros Circus two years ago when the troupe was last here, will have the opportunity to be in the 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. shows both days.
Mr. Carter said they have put Dylan right into the show.
”Dylan is going to be joining our show here in Manville. He is a very talented young man and it is very difficult that he is only 8. He has quite a bit of skill developed as a clown and we have actually invited Dylan to join the show.” When not in the show Dylan will be spending his time in clown alley.
”Everyone in Manville is so supportive and everyone is great to work with. It really takes community support to make a show like this a success and the real goal is to raise money for Fire Company No. 1. We are very happy to be back here,” said Mr. Carter.
The Cole Bros. Circus is bigger and better this year, according to Mr. Carter. They have a brand new tent which is the largest big top in the world that travels, he said. The show features new acts, the new tent and new seating. “Even if you have seen this in the past, you are in for some big surprises this year,” Mr. Carter said.
Mr. Walsh and Mr. Carter were joined Saturday by Lew-E the clown as they visited sponsors Jim’s Soft Pretzels and Frank’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant. Lew-E made balloon animals and helped promote the circus’ upcoming visit to Manville.
The circus returns to town with elephants, lions, zebras, camels, horses and poodles. There will be the many acts and fun for all ages.
Advance tickets are available through May 24 at Frank’s Italian Restaurant (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Jim’s Soft Pretzels (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and L.J.’s Boardwalk (5 to 8 p.m.) saving $5 on an adult ticket at $14; and for children 2-12 tickets are $14. For a reserved seat add $3, for a VIP seat add $6. After May 24, tickets are $19 for adults, and still $14 children 2-12.
Tickets are also available by calling 1-888-332-5200 or by visiting www.tickets.com. Tickets will also be available the days of the performances at the circus box office.
After the circus, bring your circus ticket to Frank’s Italian Restaurant the day of the show and enjoy 15% your dine in check or bring your circus ticket any day after the show and enjoy 10% off your dine in check.

