ANIMAL ACTS, CLOWNS & THE THRILLS OF THE SHRINERS CIRCUS

       The 46th annual Ainad Shriners Circus returns to Southern Illinois the week of June 2 to 10.  This year also is the 100th Anniversary of the Ainad Shriners.  The circus starts in Belleville then moves to Waterloo, Jerseyville, Olney, Salem and ends in DuQuoin.

        This world-class circus combines traditional acts with contemporary thrills.  Tigers, elephants, ponies, dogs and clowns share the three-ring stage with heart pounding aerial and high wire acts, acrobats.

        “Our circus is an opportunity for the entire family to have fun, young, old and young at heart,” said Bill Hill, Ainad Shriners Potentate.  Rick Sieben serves as the General Circus Chairman.

        Shriners Circus Week PARADE kicks off on Friday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m. in downtown Belleville with one of Southern Illinois largest parades, featuring floats, marching bands, local dignitaries, and patrols of Shriners driving those infamous mini-cars and motorcycles.  The parade will also celebrate the 100-year anniversary celebration of the Ainad Shriners.  Local Astronaut Sandra Magnus is the Honorary Parade Marshal highlighting our 100 years.

         Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children and can be used at any of the six circus locations:  Belleville, Waterloo, Jerseyville, Olney, Salem and DuQuoin.  You may purchase tickets at all Southern Illinois MotoMart Convenience Stores, Schnucks Supermarkets, Huck’s locations, and Tom’s Market or from any Shriner also at the circus site ticket window.

        The Ainad Shriners is a Masonic fraternal organization of 4,555 members across Southern Illinois, organized in 1912.  These men in the “funny red hats” have a great time working together and enjoying fellowship while working toward the common goal of helping others.