What's New Under the Big Top at Circus Flora

My daughter and I were lucky enough to attend the first night of the 25^th season of Circus Flora. This year’s show, Vagabond Adventures, is full of death defying tightrope walkers, high-flying acrobats, talented animals and everyone’s favorite clown, Nino. Unlike many large-scale circuses you may have seen, every seat under this big top is a great seat. In fact, the venue is so intimate you may feel the wind through your hair as the trapeze act The Flying Pages whiz past your head.

Newcomers the amazing Olate Dogs and the juggling horseback act The Riding Donnerts are joining favorite Flora performers The Flying Wallendas, aerial artist Una Mimnagh and Yo-Yo the Narrator for a spectacular performance.

Vagabond Adventures is inspired by the true story of Ralph Keeler, a 16-year old stow away on the elegant performing venue, the Floating Palace. Powered by two paddle wheelers, the Floating Palace traveled up and down the Mississippi River in the final days before the Civil War. Docking frequently in St. Louis, the barge housed an entire circus, stables and a full performance ring. From their hiding places, Ralph and the other stowaways catch wind of a scheme that threatens the boat. Can the boys save the Floating Palace, or will the evil Lottie Luppu commandeer the barge? There’s only one way to find out how this story ends — take your family to the circus!

On Wednesdays at 3 p.m., come to the air-conditioned big top for a special one-hour show designed just for kids. Saturday, June 18 is the second annual Scouting Day at the circus. Bring your Boy and Girl Scout troops to the performance and stay for badge-related activities after the show.

Vagabond Adventures runs until June 26 under the big red and white striped tent in the parking lot adjacent to Powell Hall in Grand Center. You can catch a show on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 5:30 p.m. One-hour shows for kids are Wednesdays at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $8 to $44. Children under 2 are free when seated on an adult’s lap. Come early and enjoy the St. Louis Arches juggle knives, balance on balls and walk on stilts before the show. FYI — use the facilities before you head to the circus. The only restrooms available on the premises are Johnny on the Spots.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Circus Flora’s website or contact them at (314) 289-4040. Tickets may also be purchased through Metrotix.

By Andrea Wilson, Events Blogger for SmartParenting