The circus is coming, By FAYE WHITBECK, Staff Writer

Elephants and cats and bears: Oh my!

The acts will bring smiles to the kids; the kids will bring smiles to their parents; and all can enjoy the smell of the popcorn, the tricks of the animals; aerial stunts; and the joy of the music at an old-fashioned circus in Borderland.
That’s how organizers see the 2008 Shrine Circus, which is coming to the Fort Frances Memorial Arena Wednesday and will be presenting a show for all ages.
Two shows will be available beginning at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The shows promise to be fun-filled with many new acts, including the all-new “Grizzly Bears” performance, according to local Shriner Tom Haugland. The bears will be presented by the Rosaire Family.
Billed as the biggest stars of the circus are the “Performing Elephants.” And toward the end of the show, “a thrill act that will have you on the edge of your seat” will feature “The Human Cannonball” Louis Munoz from Spain.
“Circus Spectacular,” complete with a ringmaster, will offer a variety of entertainment. Also featured will be “The Spanish Webs” which is an aerial performance by circus show girls. There will also be juggling, chair balancing and a foot-juggling act.
“Gabriella” will perform the feat of one-arm full twisters in the air. Aerial ballerinas will dance on the “silks.”
A comedy knock-about act called “Crazy Cowboys” will present slapstick antics and comedy pranks that demand stamina, strength and expert timing, according to organizers.
The Gololobovs from Russia will perform a comedic and flexible “Rag Doll” contortion act featuring 10-year-old Ivan Gololobov.
From Argentina, Adrian Poema juggles his kids on his feet. And plenty of Shrine Circus clowns will be in action to tickle the funny bones.
Advance tickets are available in International Falls at Thrifty White Drug. The ticket price per person is $10 in advance, and $11 at the door.
Those who attend should allow for border crossing time and should be prepared to show personal identification. Entrance into the United States requires a U.S. passport or a birth certificate accompanied by one more form of identification.

If you go:
WHAT: Shrine Circus
WHEN: Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Fort Frances Memorial Arena