Shriners Bring Centuries of Circus Talent Back to Town

Circus acts are passed down generation after generation. It’s a trade children learn from their parents on the road, and something Ottawans can share in on Aug. 8–10 when the Shrine Circus comes back to town.
Shriners Bring Centuries of Circus Talent Back to Town
The Zamperla Zoppe Jiocké Acrobatic Riders will display expert horsemanship as they perform acrobatics on horseback at the world-famous Shrine Circus, returning to Ottawa on Aug. 8–10, at the Ottawa R.A. Centre on Riverside Drive. (Festival Xpress)
7/30/2014
Updated:
7/31/2014

OTTAWA—Circus acts are passed down generation after generation. It’s a trade children learn from their parents on the road, and something Ottawans can share in on Aug. 8–10 when the Shrine Circus comes back to town. 

The Shriners will be presenting the Zerbini Family Circus’ 251st Celebration at the Shrine Circus, a traditional event spectacular under the European-style Big Top, which started in Paris, France, in 1763. 

The acts come from across the globe, like daredevil Saturn Garcia, a human cannonball and performer of the incredible Wheel of Destiny. He is the sixth generation of circus performers in his family. The Garcias have travelled the world performing popular thrill acts in the finest tradition. 

Then there’s elephant trainer Erika Zerbini, a 10th-generation artist who offers audiences the chance to meet some of the most majestic animals that inhabit the planet. 

The Zamperla Zoppe Jiocké contingent of handsome young men men will be performing acrobatics on horses, looking like the heroes of some medieval story of dragons and knights. Their act can be traced back eight generations, and has been included in renowned shows such as Cavalia and Cirque du Soleil. 

Clowns also have a rich history, and Shrine Circus will present two boys learning the trade. Clowning around has been a family business for the Videlas for four generations, and they’re bringing back their hit unicycle act with a new twist.

There’s all this and more, from circus entertainers whose craft goes back hundreds of years, passed down through the generations and becoming richer with the passage of time. 

For more information visit www.shrinecircus.com