The circus is coming to town!

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: The Lindsay Exhibition Grounds are set to come alive with wonder, laughter, and breathtaking thrills as The Great Benjamins Circus rolls into town from August 15th to 17th. This is family entertainment at its very best, offering local residents and visitors alike a rare opportunity to experience a traditional circus rich in history, diversity, and world-class artistry.

At the heart of The Great Benjamins Circus is John Davenport, a third-generation circus performer, and his brother Jairo. Together, they have built a show which is both a nod to the golden age of the circus and a showcase for modern, international talent. Their caravans travel across North America, bringing joy from Florida to Alaska, California to Newfoundland.

For the Davenports, the circus is more than just entertainment; it’s a symbol of respect, education, and multiculturalism, bringing together performers and audiences from all walks of life. Each show promises 90 minutes of non-stop excitement, featuring circus superstars from around the globe. Audiences will be dazzled by clowns who spark laughter in young and old, acrobats who defy gravity, aerialists who soar with elegance, and daredevils who keep everyone on the edge of their seats. With performers hailing from North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, the program is a vibrant display of cultural diversity and artistic excellence.

The Great Benjamins Circus is more than just a spectacle; it’s a family tradition. The roots of this remarkable show stretch back generations, most notably to Benjamin C. Davenport, one of the most colourful figures in circus history. Born in the early 1900s, Ben’s love for the circus began when he left college to join a traveling show. Over the years, he became known for his creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, eventually owning the Dailey Bros. Circus, a massive railroad show which delighted audiences across the continent. His legacy is carried on today by the Davenport family, who have been inducted into the Circus Hall of Fame.

The circus also celebrates legends like Terrell Jacobs, “The Lion King,” whose daring animal acts thrilled crowds for decades. Jacobs’ contributions to the circus world, from his record-breaking performances with lions, tigers, and leopards, to his stewardship of winter quarters for circuses in Indiana, are part of the rich heritage that The Great Benjamins Circus pays homage to every night under the big top.

Whether you’re a child seeing the circus for the first time or a grandparent reliving cherished memories, The Great Benjamins Circus offers something for everyone. Bring the whole family to the Lindsay Exhibition Grounds and be part of a tradition that celebrates courage, creativity, and the universal language of laughter and awe. Don’t miss your chance to witness this unforgettable show from August 15th to 17th, a true celebration of family, culture, and the enduring wonder of the circus.

The Benjamins will be offering two shows on Friday, August 15th, at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. There will be 3 shows on Saturday, August 16th, 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. The Circus will wrap up with a final show at noon on Sunday, August 17th. To order your tickets, go online to https://benjaminscircus.com/tickets/.