By Mary Ellen Day, Special Writer
The circus is coming!
The 128th edition of Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars will stop in Manville today and tomorrow, Thursday and Friday.
Shows each day are at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. at Gerber Field on Duke’s Parkway.
Chaired by president Frank Cebula and Assistant Chief John Bentz, the event should prove to be fun for the whole family and help Manville Fire Company No. 1 raise funds.
”This is the third year that the fire company will host the circus, and proceeds go to help with the upkeep of the firehouse,” Mr. Bentz said.
The circus will bring elephants, lions, zebras, camels, horses and poodles.
Animals that will be featured in the performance include Asian elephants, Judit and Juergen Nerger’s Splendid Tigers and Abuhadba’s “Dressed for Success” French poodles.
Romania’s Cretu family will wow the crowd with springboard gymnastics and a Russian Barre routine. Lana & Company, from Kazakhstan, will add magical touches with quick change and grand-scale illusions.
”Hair-ial Artists” Wendy and Petya will rise to the heights of the hippodrome suspended by their locks. Daredevil turns include the Globe of Death, El Pendulo Loco and The Human Cannonball, who bursts from the barrel of The World’s Largest Cannon.
The Bermudez Troupe will fill the Big Top with laughter with their clown capers.
Free tickets for children under 13 are available at local businesses around town or at www.gotothecircus.com/.
Advance tickets save $5 on an adult ticket of $21 at the gate and $16 tickets for children ages 2 to 12. They are available at Frank’s Italian Restaurant at 140 N. Main St. and Jim’s Soft Pretzels at 115 S. Main St. For a reserved seat, add $4; for a VIP seat, add $7. Tickets also will be available the days of the performances at the circus box office or by calling 888-332-5200.
”The fire company looks to have a good turnout for this event and is inviting people to come out with their families and enjoy the show,” Mr. Bentz said.

